Florida Firefighter Equivalency Requirements

Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C) 69A-37.055(1) states: The Division of State Fire Marshal may issue a certificate to any person who has received basic employment training for firefighters in another state or through the Military, when the division has determined that such training was at least equivalent to that required by the division for approved firefighter education and training programs in this state and when such person has satisfactorily complied with all other requirements of this part.

To determine eligibility, a review of your documented training will be reviewed by the Challenge Review Board. Please realize that acceptance by the Challenge Review Board is only the first step in achieving a Florida Firefighter Certificate of Compliance. A written and practical examination is required of all qualified persons seeking certification.

If you fail to meet the requirements, for any reason, you will receive written notification explaining the deficiencies found in your documentation. If your application is denied, you would be required to attend a Firefighter Minimum Standards Course, at one of the many Certified Training Centers located throughout Florida, in order to be certified as a firefighter in this state.

If you have any questions about the Florida Firefighter Equivalency Requirements, please contact:

Mary Ann Benson
maryann.benson@myfloridacfo.com
(352) 369-2815

Important Message on Florida Firefighter Equivalency Requirements

Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C) 69A-37.055(1) states: The Division of State Fire Marshal may issue a certificate to any person who has received basic employment training for firefighters in another state when the division has determined that such training was at least equivalent to that required by the division for approved firefighter education and training programs in this state and when such person has satisfactorily complied with all other requirements of this part.

To determine if you qualify for the Firefighter Minimum Standards Equivalency Examination, please submit the Preliminary Equivalency Application (DFS-K4-1309) along with documentation of the basic employment training for firefighters that you have completed. Please include a cover letter from Chief of your department or the training center you attended, attesting to the fact that you successfully completed basic training that meets or exceeds Florida’s course content, both in total hours and subject matter, as outlined on the preliminary application.

NOTE: This cover letter must be signed by the Chief AND notarized.

Your Preliminary Equivalency Application (DFS-K4-1309) and accompanying documentation will be reviewed by the Challenge Review Board. If all training requirements are met, you will be mailed an Equivalency Examination Application for Certification as a Firefighter.

Please realize that acceptance by the Challenge Review Board is only the first step in achieving a Florida Firefighter Certificate of Compliance. A written and practical examination is required of all qualified persons seeking certification.

If you fail to meet the requirements, for any reason, you will receive written notification explaining the deficiencies found in your documentation. If your application is denied, you would be required to attend a Firefighter Minimum Standards Course, at one of the many Certified Training Centers located throughout Florida, in order to be certified as a firefighter in this state.