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Verified by FL Board of Public Safety

Police Officer Licensing in Florida

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for police officer in Florida, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Police Officer in Florida

Estimated timeline: 1-4 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  2. 2

    Graduation from high school or the equivalent degree and successful completion of a basic recruit training course.

  3. 3

    At least 40 hours continuing education are required every 4 years.

  4. 4

    Licensee must complete eight hours of human diversity training.

Continuing education and program notes

  • continuing education are required every 4 years

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    FL Department of Law Enforcement • Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $76,190 median (0% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #23 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (5)

  1. 1. Meet Florida eligibility requirements for Police Officer licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training (Graduation from high school or the equivalent degree and successful completion of a basic recruit training course.).
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience (At least 40 hours continuing education are required every 4 years.).
  4. 4. Pass required state examinations.
  5. 5. Submit the application to FL Department of Law Enforcement~Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Florida

With a median salary of $76,190, Police Officers in Florida earn 0% below the national median of $76,290. Florida ranks #23 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-4 years.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

-0.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,330

Median annual salary

$76,190

Hourly estimate

$36.63
0% above national median

Difference: -$100

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$52,500
  • P2525th percentile$60,510
  • P50Median$76,190
  • P7575th percentile$94,500
  • P9090th percentile$117,940

State vs National Median

State: $76,190
National: $76,290

Total employment: 48,340 | Annual openings: N/A

Police Officer Salary Ranking

#23 of 50 statesfor Police Officer median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$115,400
#2Washington$102,640
#3Illinois$101,530
#4Alaska$100,300
#5Colorado$96,100

Nearby States Comparison

Police Officer licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Florida$76,190Varies by state boardState-approved exam1-4 years
Georgia$56,350Degree requiredState exam required2 years
Alabama$53,850Varies by state boardState-approved exam19 years

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Florida78HighBoard-specific review required.
Georgia54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Alabama78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

FL Department of Law Enforcement • Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission

P. O. Box 1489, Tallahassee, Fl, 32302-1489

Phone: 8504107000

Related Careers in Florida

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Corrections Officer$48,260Varies by state board1-4 years
Firefighter$58,360Varies by state boardVaries by board
Security Guards$36,090Specific course requiredVaries by board
Acupuncturist$183,530Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Police Officer in Florida?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-4 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Police Officer salary in Florida?

The median annual salary for Police Officers in Florida is $76,190. Salaries range from $52,500 (10th percentile) to $117,940 (90th percentile).

How does the Police Officer salary in Florida compare to the national average?

Police Officers in Florida earn 0% below the national median of $76,290, with a state median of $76,190.

How many Police Officers work in Florida?

Florida employs approximately 48,340 Police Officers according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Police Officer license to Florida from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Police Officers in Florida?

The licensing agency is FL Department of Law Enforcement / Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission. Review agency details at https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/.

How often do you renew a Police Officer license in Florida?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.