Florida Certified/Sworn Law Enforcement Application Process

Step-by-step process for certified/sworn applicants

• Complete a State of Florida application and an FWC supplemental application at the People First website. NOTE: out-of-state certified/sworn law enforcement officers must become Florida certified before beginning this process. Find more information at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement website.
• Successfully complete:
  • Physical Abilities Test.
  • Oral interview by a review panel at the FWC Law Enforcement Training Center, which is located at the Florida Public Safety Institute near Tallahassee.
  • Background investigation, if applicant is selected by the oral review panel.
  • Vision and psychological evaluation.
  • Physical exam, including a seven-panel drug screening.
• Selected applicants are offered employment and given a date to report to the FWC Law Enforcement Training Center to complete FWC specific training, which lasts up to 10 weeks. This specialized training includes:
  • Fish and wildlife conservation laws
  • Land navigation & GPS
  • Federal fisheries law enforcement
  • Species identification (marine and wildlife)
  • Vessel accident investigation
  • Water safety survival
  • Man-tracking
  • Commercial fishing
  • Vessel operation
• Officers who complete the FWC specific training report to their new assignment location and must participate in a 16-week Field Training Officer Program to learn more about the requirements of conservation law enforcement.
• Upon successful completion of the Field Training Officer Program, approval is given to carry out the daily duties of an FWC law enforcement officer.