Correctional Officer Careers
The Florida Department of Corrections offers rewarding correctional officer career opportunities. Becoming a correctional officer with FDC means you are joining a family of hardworking men and women who are dedicated to ensuring public safety throughout Florida. Once you join the FDC, there are many career advancement steps that progress from Correctional Officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Major and Colonel. From there management positions include Assistant Wardens and Wardens. Correctional Officers have the opportunity to join special teams such as Rapid Response Teams, Crisis Response Team, Interdiction Units, K-9 Units and many other special team opportunities.
Salary Information
- Starting at $22/hr.
- Annual salary additive of approximately $1,200 when employed in Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, or St. Lucie counties.
- Annual salary additive of approximately $2,500 when employed in Palm Beach, Broward, Dade or Monroe counties.
- Annual uniform and shoe allowance of $325.00.
- Criminal Justice Incentive Pay up to $1,560.00 annually ($130.00 per month)
Examples of Duties and Responsibilities
- Supervise inmates.
- Observe traffic in and around the compound.
- Monitor, supervise and screen inmate visitor traffic.
- Make periodic patrols of quarters and work areas.
- Maintain proper security of inmates being transported.
- Maintain knowledge of communication and other electronic equipment.
- Maintain and demonstrate proficiency in the use and care of firearms, restraint methods and equipment and emergency measures.
- Maintain a record of equipment, supplies and other items.
- Check inmate mail for possible contraband.
Shift Schedule
The majority of institutions, annexes and work camps operate on 8.5 hour shifts.
Minimum Qualifications
In accordance with Florida Statute 943.13 and Florida Administrative Code 33-208.402, any person employed as a Florida Correctional Officer must:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Be a citizen of the United States notwithstanding any laws of the State to the contrary.
- Be a high school graduate or its “equivalent”.
- Be able to pass a background investigation and not have been convicted of any felony or of a misdemeanor involving perjury or a false statement.
- Be able to pass a medical examination.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license.
- Must not have dishonorable characterization of military service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Application Process
Background Investigation
The Academy
Promotions
Application Process
Who do I contact if I have a question about the application process?
Please contact our Recruitment Center at (866) 562-3362. Monday through Friday from 8:00AM to 5:00PM, excluding State holidays.
What if I encounter computer problems while completing/submitting my application?
Make sure you follow the directions carefully. Some forms cannot be submitted until the entire form is completed. If you receive a warning message, follow the instructions provided. If you are having difficulties completing the People First application, contact (877) 562-7287. If you are experiencing issues with submitting a Supplemental application online, please contact the Recruitment Center at (866) 562-3362 for assistance.
Who do I notify if I move, change my telephone number, etc.?
To make changes to your contact information, please contact the Recruitment Center at (866) 562-3362.
After I apply via People First what happens next?
After applying, you will receive an email confirmation from People First within 24 hours. The next business day you will receive an email to electronically complete the Supplemental Application. If you need additional assistance or have further questions, please contact the Recruitment Center at (866) 562-3362.
What if I have not received an email?
Make sure your correct email address is on file with People First and that emails from Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) are not directed to your “junk” and “spam” mail. Check your junk and spam folders periodically for emails from FDC.
How long does the process take? What are the steps?
The process varies from candidate to candidate; however, it is common for the entire process to take 2 to 3 months.
Why does the hiring process take so long?
Florida Statue and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement requires that FDC conduct background screenings for all applicants. Florida Statue 943.13 outlines additional requirements for Correctional Officers which include a drug screening, physical exam, and thorough background investigations before being hired.
Can I choose the prison or facility where I want to work ?
Candidates are given the opportunity to choose two work locations on the Supplemental application. Your application will be sent to your first-choice work location.
Background Investigation
I have a prior felony arrest. Can I be certified as a Correctional Officer in the State of Florida?
Pursuant to 943.13(4) Florida Statutes, if a person pleads guilty, no contest, or is convicted of a felony, that person is ineligible to be certified as an officer in the State of Florida. This also applies to felony charges where adjudication is withheld.
Can I become certified if I have been convicted of misdemeanor involving Domestic Violence?
There is no statutory bar; however, the Federal Gun Control Act bars a person convicted of this charge from possessing a firearm or ammunition, whether on or off duty. Therefore, this would be a disqualifier from employment is a certified capacity with FDC.
I was convicted of a felony, which was later expunged. Can I still become a Correctional Officer?
Any person convicted as an adult of a felony is prohibited from employment as a certified officer pursuant to Florida Statute 943.13. Proceedings under juvenile court are generally not considered to be a criminal conviction unless the individual was tried and convicted as an adult. Therefore, juvenile convictions are not included as a legal bar to appointment as an officer as long as the juvenile record has been expunged.
What can exclude me from the application process?
Thoroughness and accuracy are required when completing the Supplemental and Willingness Questionnaire. All information will be verified for truthfulness during the background investigation process. Deliberate omissions of information on the Supplemental Application may result in elimination from the selection process.
Examples of disqualifying information include: felony conviction, current firearm prohibition, currently on probation, domestic violence conviction, or an active criminal warrant.
Examples of possible disqualifying factors that could be discovered during the background investigation require evaluation on a case by case basis. Each of these factors include: misdemeanor convictions, certain serious traffic convictions, failure to appear, driver’s license suspensions, driving under the influence, failure to comply with legal obligations, negative employment history.
Am I notified when I clear the initial background investigation?
You will be notified via email when you clear the background investigation process. This communication will provide the contact information for the Recruiter at your first choice work location.
The Academy
How long is the Basic Correctional Officer Academy?
The Basic Correctional Academy is a 420-hour training course.
Where will the academy be held?
FDC utilizes multiple training sites throughout the state to ensure each new recruit is able to attend an academy in their geographic area.
Do I get paid while I am in the academy?
Yes, FDC employees are paid while they attend the academy.
How often can I be hired as a Correctional Officer Trainee?
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement allows FDC to hire a trainee once every four years.
How many attempts will I be given to pass the State Officer Certification Exam (SOCE)?
Under the provisions of Florida Statute 943.1397 individuals have three attempts to pass the State Officer Certification Exam (SOCE).
What topics are covered in basic recruit training?
- Introduction into Corrections
- Communications
- Officer Safety
- Facility and Equipment
- Intake/Reception and Release
- Supervising in a Correctional Facility
- Supervising Special Populations
- Responding to Incidents and Emergency
- First Aid/CPR
- Criminal Justice Firearms
- Defensive Tactics
- Criminal Justice Officer Physical Fitness
Promotions
What are my promotional opportunities once I become a Correctional Officer?
Promotions from the Correctional Officer classification typically follow this chain of command:
- Correctional Officer
- Correctional Officer Sergeant
- Correctional Officer Lieutenant
- Correctional Officer Captain
- Correctional Officer Major
- Correctional Officer Colonel
- Assistant Warden
- Warden
- Assistant Regional Director
- Regional Director
- Central Office Administration
CJBAT Exam
Click here for information about the CJBAT.
Additional Information
The Florida Department of Corrections is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Certain veterans and spouses of veterans receive preference in employment by the state as provided by Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, and are encouraged to apply.