Careers in Fire Rescue
Build a Career That Serves Fort Lauderdale
A career with Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue is more than a job. It is a commitment to service, teamwork, and protecting the lives and property of our community.
As a Fort Lauderdale Firefighter-Paramedic or EMT, you will respond to emergencies, provide advanced medical care, prevent injuries, protect property, and help reduce risk before emergencies occur. Every shift brings new challenges, new opportunities to grow, and the chance to make a direct impact on the people who live, work, and visit our city.
Download your Firefighter Career Roadmap at left.
As a Fort Lauderdale firefighter, you will be part of our diverse team; you will be able to not only form lifelong relationships, but obtain specialized skills from Technical Rescue to Hazardous Materials to Marine lifesaving. Many of our firefighters are certified in five or six areas. Teamwork means that you have to place the welfare of others above yourself and give back to the community. Specialty teams are smaller and will teach you communication and personal development.
Join a Team Built on Service and Skill
Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue is a diverse, highly trained organization with more than 450 firefighters serving across 12 fire stations. Our members bring a wide range of cultural, educational, and professional backgrounds, all united by a shared commitment to public safety.
Firefighters have opportunities to develop specialized skills in areas such as technical rescue, hazardous materials, marine response, emergency medical services, and other advanced disciplines. Many members hold multiple certifications and serve on specialty teams that strengthen the department’s ability to respond to complex incidents.
Success in the fire service requires trust, communication, discipline, and teamwork. It means putting the needs of others first, supporting your crew, and serving the community with professionalism and integrity.
Grow Professionally and Personally
The work is physically demanding, mentally challenging, and deeply rewarding. Firefighters must be prepared to perform under pressure, solve problems quickly, and continue learning throughout their careers.
Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue offers a career path with opportunities for professional development, advancement, and leadership. With dedication, training, and experience, firefighters can grow within the organization and pursue promotional opportunities over the course of their careers.
The fire service also offers a schedule that differs from a traditional workday. During assigned shifts, firefighters are available to the community 24 hours a day and must be ready to respond at any time.
Create a Stable Future
A career with Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue offers competitive pay, City benefits, specialty and assignment pay opportunities, and a strong retirement future. The starting pay listed in 2025 was over $69,000 with the potential for additional compensation based on certifications, assignments, and applicable agreements.
In addition to financial stability, firefighters become part of a respected public safety organization with a proud tradition of service and a continuing commitment to the future of Fort Lauderdale.
Start Your Career
Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue is looking for dedicated, service-minded individuals who are ready to meet the demands of the profession and contribute to the safety of our community.
To learn more about becoming a Fort Lauderdale firefighter-paramedic, contact:
Email: FLFRRecruitment@fortlauderdale.gov
Phone: 954-828-3537
Minimum Requirements to Apply
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent
- Possess a valid Florida driver’s license with emergency endorsement
- Have a driving record that meets City of Fort Lauderdale requirements
- Possess an EVOC 16-hour certificate issued by a certified Florida agency
- Possess a current, valid Firefighter Certificate of Compliance, Certificate of Statutory Compliance, or Certificate of Training issued by the State of Florida
- Possess a current, valid Florida paramedic license or EMT license based on position openings or be enrolled in an accredited paramedic program
- Be a non-smoker and non-user of tobacco in any form for at least one year prior to application
- Agree to remain smoke-free and tobacco-free, on and off duty, during employment
- Possess or obtain a Candidate Physical Ability Test, CPAT, card from National Testing Network
- Possess or obtain a Swim Card from Broward College
Hiring Process for Certified Firefighter-Paramedics or EMTs
After submitting an application, certified firefighter-paramedic candidates may be required to complete the following steps:
- Written examination, weighted as 60% of the total score
- Oral interview, weighted as 40% of the total score
- Candidate ranking based on examination and interview results
- Conditional job offer based on ranking
- Final background examination, pass/fail
- Medical examination, including drug screening, pass/fail
Applicants must obtain a minimum score of 70 on each weighted portion of the examination process in order to qualify.
Not Yet Certified?
If you are not yet certified but are interested in becoming a firefighter, contact a recruiter to learn more about certification pathways and future opportunities.
Talk to a Recruiter | Get Certified
Current Openings
To see whether Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue is currently accepting applications, visit the City’s current job openings page.
Fire Rescue Job Application and Openings
Disclaimer
Information in this recruitment overview is subject to change based on collective bargaining agreements, City policies, rules, regulations, and operational requirements governing Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue.