How to get hired at Jacksonville Fire and Rescue
JFRD hires already-certified candidates: applicants need a Florida firefighter Certificate of Compliance, a Florida EMT or paramedic certificate, and a completed CPAT before applying through City of Jacksonville HR, which accepts firefighter applications year-round. Qualified applicants are referred to JFRD for background, oral interview, medical and psychological evaluation. For young Duval County residents without certifications, JFRD also runs an Apprentice Program with tuition assistance toward the FF/EMT credentials.
Apply / get notifiedOfficial recruitment page
Minimum requirements
- At least 18 years old src
- High school diploma or GED src
- Valid driver license src
- Florida Firefighter Certificate of Compliance (out-of-state certs must be converted to Florida) src
- Florida EMT and/or Paramedic certificate, valid at application and appointment src
- CPAT completed through National Testing Network src
- Must not use tobacco products src
Certifications
- EMT: required at application
- Firefighter I/II: required
Source: official page
Tests
- CPAT (physical): Taken through National Testing Network before applying src
- Oral interview (oral) src
Hiring process
- Earn Florida FF and EMT/Paramedic certs and pass CPAT
- Apply online through City of Jacksonville HR
- Name referred to JFRD if qualified
- Background investigation
- Oral interview
- Medical and psychological evaluation
- Post-offer physical and drug screen
Source: official page
Checked 2026-11-05 against the department's official pages (linked). Hiring windows open and close quickly; always confirm on the official site before you apply. See every academy, EMT program and test site in Florida.