EMT in Florida

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for FL. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$40,420

trending_down -2.2% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Florida.

engineering

6,770

Jobs (FL)

monitoring Strong

+5.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$139

Licensing fees

schedule

4-6 months (for training program)

Time to complete

route How to become an emt in Florida

To become a certified EMT in Florida, individuals must complete a state-approved EMT training program and hold a high school diploma or GED. They must also pass the NREMT cognitive exam and a Florida-approved psychomotor examination. The licensing body is the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Oversight. Florida does not offer reciprocity with other states; however, out-of-state applicants with current NREMT certification may be eligible for licensure. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and undergo a background check.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $33,180

25th percentile $36,850

50th (median) $40,420

75th percentile $46,350

90th (experienced) $60,230

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Florida. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Florida requirements

Licensing body	Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Oversight
State license	Required
Education	Successful completion of an EMT course from a Florida Department of Health approved program within two years of passing the examination, and a High School Diploma/GED. Must also hold a current American Red Cross CPR for Professional Rescuer card, an American Heart Association BLS for the Healthcare Provider, or an equivalent CPR certification approved by the Florida Department of Health.
Exam	NREMT Cognitive Exam and a Florida-approved psychomotor examination. ($104)
Application fee	$35
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	30.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Must be at least 18 years old. Requires a Level 2 background screening (FDLE + FBI fingerprint). For the first renewal, only a valid CPR or ACLS certification is needed. Subsequent renewals require continuing education. Two hours of the continuing education must be in pediatric emergencies.

Source: Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Oversight

workspace_premium Florida license tiers

Florida offers multiple tiers of emt licensing:

Tier	Hours required
EMT	N/A
Paramedic	N/A

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+5.1%

Faster than average

Annual openings

14,100

Nationwide per year

Total employment

181,000

Nationwide

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleFlorida license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.1%)

psychology

Wondering if an emt career is the right fit?

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Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming an emt in Florida? expand_more

The path to emt licensure in Florida: complete the required education (Successful completion of an EMT course from a Florida Department of Health approved program within two years of passing the examination, and a High School Diploma/GED. Must also hold a current American Red Cross CPR for Professional Rescuer card, an American Heart Association BLS for the Healthcare Provider, or an equivalent CPR certification approved by the Florida Department of Health.), pass the NREMT Cognitive Exam and a Florida-approved psychomotor examination., and submit your application ($35 fee).

Does Florida require emt licensure? expand_more

Florida mandates state licensure for emts. Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Oversight oversees the process, which includes passing the NREMT Cognitive Exam and a Florida-approved psychomotor examination..

How much does an emt make in Florida? expand_more

The median emt salary in Florida is $40,420 per year. This is close to the national median of $41,340. New emts start around $33,180; seasoned professionals can reach $60,230.

What are the fees to become an emt in Florida? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($104) and application fee ($35). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

How quickly can I become an emt in Florida? expand_more

The typical timeline in Florida is 4-6 months (for training program). This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

What are the continuing education requirements for emts in Florida? expand_more

License renewal in Florida requires completing 30.0 hours of continuing education on a 2.0-year cycle.