How to get hired at Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department

Written by a career firefighter · Updated 2026-11-04

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue opens firefighter recruitment in short online application windows and hires both certified and non-certified firefighters. Candidates take an audio/written screening test, a personal history questionnaire and the CPAT. Psychological evaluation, background screening, a conditional offer and a medical exam follow. Non-EMTs must earn Florida EMT certification within six months of probationary status.

Apply / get notifiedOfficial recruitment page

Minimum requirements

• At least 18 at time of application src
• High school diploma or GED src
• Valid Florida driver's license at hire with a good driving record src
• No felony or crime punishable by 1+ year imprisonment; no misdemeanor involving perjury or false statements; not dishonorably discharged src
• Tobacco non-user for at least one year before applying (sworn affidavit) src
• Pass NFPA 1582 medical exam and FDLE/FBI fingerprinting src
• Florida EMT certification within 6 months of probationary status if not already held src
• Pass swim evaluation (100 yards plus 10 minutes treading water) within 6 months of probationary status src

Certifications

• EMT: required by end of probation
• Firefighter I/II: not required (academy provided)

Source: official page

Tests

• Audio/Written Screening Test (written): About 100 multiple-choice questions src
• CPAT (physical): Pass/fail, 10:20 max; physician medical release required src
• Psychological evaluation (two parts) (other) src
• Swim evaluation (physical): Within 6 months of probationary status src

Hiring process

1. Apply online during recruitment window
2. Audio/written screening test
3. Personal History Questionnaire
4. CPAT
5. Psychological evaluation part 1
6. Background screening
7. Conditional offer
8. Psychological evaluation part 2
9. Medical exam
10. Fingerprinting
11. Offer of employment

Source: official page

Starting pay

Trainee $44,962.53/yr; about $47,089-$86,092/yr after training (2025 packet, subject to change) src

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.