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How do I become an FWC Law Enforcement Officer?

All applicants must start the selection process by submitting a State of Florida application (pdf) and the supplemental application (see instructions for the supplemental application (pdf)). The supplemental application can be filled out using Microsoft Word (fill out and then print). When we close the job opportunity announcement, the selection process begins.

Sworn applicants

Sworn (certified law enforcement officers) applicants should submit their TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education) (Level A, Form 8 or higher) results with their applications. The TABE test is a comprehensive test that evaluates the education level in four basic areas- reading comprehension, math, language skills and spelling. The next step will be a physical fitness assessment based on the Cooper Institute of Aerobic Research standards. An oral interview will follow the successful completion of the physical assessment where applicants are interviewed by an interview panel. A thorough background investigation will be conducted on selected applicants. After the background investigation selected applicants will be required to complete a medical exam and eye exam. At the conclusion of this process the successful applicants are offered employment and given a date to report to their new assignment.

Non-sworn applicants

Non-sworn applicants (applicants that are not certified law enforcement in Florida) must pass the TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education) Level A, Form 8 or higher and the BAT (Basic Abilities Test). The TABE test is a comprehensive test that evaluates the education level in four basic areas- reading comprehension, math, language skills and spelling. The BAT test is specifically designed to determine an applicant's ability to successfully complete the Basic Recruit Curriculum. The next step will be a physical fitness assessment based on the Cooper Institute of Aerobic Research standards. An oral interview will follow the successful completion of the physical assessment where applicants are interviewed by an interview panel. A thorough background investigation will be conducted on selected applicants. After the background investigation selected applicants will be required to complete a medical exam and eye exam. At the conclusion of this process applicants will be assigned a position and enrolled in a local training center for their basic recruit law enforcement training. At the conclusion of the basic recruit training officers will be placed in a 14 week Field Officer Training Program. This program is specifically designed to teach the unique requirements of Fish & Wildlife Law Enforcement. This specialized training includes:

Fish and wildlife conservation laws
Species I.D. (marine & wildlife)
Vessel accident investigation
Water safety survival
Man-tracking
Commercial fishing
Wildlife crimes investigation
Alligator handling
Vessel operation
Off-road driving

FWC Academy Disqualifier List

Criminal History

1. Any felony conviction
2. A misdemeanor conviction involving domestic violence
3. A misdemeanor conviction involving perjury or a false statement

Military History
4. A dishonorable discharge from any of the Armed Forces of the United States

Controlled Substance Abuse
5. Marijuana use in past two years
6. Controlled substances use, other than marijuana, in last five years

Driving History
7.  No more than four moving violations within the past three years
8.  DUI/OUI within past five years
9.  Any traffic violation involving the refusal to submit to a breath/blood/urine test within five years

Prior Law Enforcement and Correctional Officers

10. Any sustained internal investigation for perjury of false statements.

Where do I mail my application?

*Mail your completed State of Florida Employment Application, supplemental application and all requested documents to the

FWC Academy
75 College Drive, Suite 102
Havana, FL 32333.

If you have any questions, please call 850-558-4080. The Commission accepts applications year round.

Recruiter Information

Northwest Region
Philip Griffith 850-232-9969

NorthCentral Region
Jeff Summers 386-623-2779

NorthEast Region
Flagler, Lake, Marion, Putnam, St. Johns, Sumter and Volusia
Jeff Summers 386-623-2779

Brevard, Indian River, Orange, Osceola and Seminole
Joanne Adams 863-581-6990

SouthWest Region
Joann Adams 863-581-6990

South Region A
Jorge Pino 561-723-1417

South Region B
Robert Dube 305-648-8703