Florida POST Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• Age: At least 19 years old.
• Education: High school diploma or GED.
• Citizenship: U.S. citizen.
• Driver license: Valid driver license (Florida or convertible to Florida).
• Criminal history: No felony convictions; no misdemeanor perjury or false statement convictions; must not have dishonorable military discharge; must be eligible to possess firearms.
• Other requirements:
  • Good moral character as determined through a background investigation.
  • Pass medical exam, including drug screening.
  • Pass psychological evaluation, if required by the agency.
  • Meet all criteria listed in Florida Statute 943.13 and Commission rules.

Physical Fitness Standards

Florida uses a Commission-approved physical abilities test model, but each training center/agency sets its own specific standards and times.

• CJSTC-style physical abilities test (obstacle course with sprints, stair climbs, dummy drag, fence or wall surmount, and a short run).
• Agency-specific tests such as push-ups, sit-ups, and timed distance runs.

Candidates should review the physical requirements for the specific training center or academy they plan to attend, and be prepared for both the obstacle course and muscular-endurance tests.

Academy Training Requirements

Minimum academy hours: 770

The Florida Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Training Program is a Commission-approved curriculum requiring roughly 770 instructional hours, covering legal topics, patrol, investigations, firearms, defensive tactics, driving, and other core skills.

Reference: Florida CJSTC Basic Recruit Training Program.

Reciprocity / Lateral Entry

Florida offers an Equivalency of Training (EOT) process for certain out-of-state, federal, and previously certified Florida officers.

• Qualify for EOT based on prior full-time law enforcement service and equivalent training within the required time window.
• Complete the EOT process through an approved training center (review of credentials and short equivalency course).
• Pass the Florida State Officer Certification Examination (SOCE).

Applicants who do not qualify for EOT must complete the full Florida basic recruit academy and meet all CJSTC minimum requirements.

POST Contact Information

Florida Department of Law Enforcement – Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC)
2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: (850) 410-8600
Website: https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/CJSTC

Official POST Requirements:
https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/CJSTC/Officer-Requirements/How-to-Become-an-Officer