HELP!! Michigan Firefighter moving to Florida

[FIREFLY2420]

Hi Guys/Gals...

I am a Michigan (Paid-on-call/Part-Time) Firefighter for 11 years now. I am moving to Florida to try and get my career started. I have applied for several full-time positions here and just always seem to get beat out. I test real good and interview well, I just dont seem to get that open position. I see that Florida has many positions open all the time. I know that many departments require Paramedic, I dont have that yet. I am willing to move down there and get all the necessary training that is required. My question to all of you is, Do you know of any departments that hire and have an academy the send their recruits through? Do you know of any current departments in Florida that are hiring?

I hope you can assist me, Thank you for all your time.

[hwoods]

I wouldn't. Why Florida? Try the Mid Atlantic area, where the standard thing is THEY PAY YOU TO GO TO THE ACADEMY. Why spend your money on the "Chance" of landing a job in Florida, when other States Hire you first, then get you trained on Their Dime. Think about it.

[Dave1983]

I wouldn't. Why Florida? Try the Mid Atlantic area, where the standard thing is THEY PAY YOU TO GO TO THE ACADEMY. Why spend your money on the "Chance" of landing a job in Florida, when other States Hire you first, then get you trained on Their Dime. Think about it.

If you have your paramedic, many departments that will hire you and send you to the academy. As for departments haveing their own academys. not here. Everything is through the state. And I dont have the time to list all the departments that are hireing so lets just say lots. :)

[JackTee09]

If you do go to Florida take a dictionary because apparently they don't speak the same language, in fire terms, as the rest of us. :D

[FIREFLY2420]

I have family moving to Florida and I would really like to go there. Thats one of the reasons I wanna get a job in Florida. Does anyone know if my Firefighter 1 & 2 here in Michigan will transfer down in Florida or will I have to take all my training over again?

[231Engine]

You can plan on taking the FF I/II again. There are lots of other places/states you can go and get your academy paid for, but if you wanna go to Florida, GO!

[weulz1396]

Your Michigan Fire Fighters Training Council certifications are no good in Fl. The only thing that works in Fl. is their certs. IFSAC and Pro Board are not any good their either. You need to get in touch with the State of Fl. Fire College. I think you can challenge the tests through them. I have that info on my home computer (am at work right now), but you can google the Fire College of Fl. and get it yourself. Hope that helps.

[Dave1983]

If you do go to Florida take a dictionary because apparently they don't speak the same language, in fire terms, as the rest of us. :D


I dont know quite how to take that. :D ;)

[JackTee09]

Dave:

It was said with love brother! :D

For those that don't know this is an inside joke between Dave and myself - by no means am I disparaging any of the brothers who serve in Florida. :)

[BLSboy]

As for the transfer of FF 1 and 2, I just got the paperwork to get my Fla EMT b/c of resoprocity(sp, i know I killed that one) and there was a spot on there for firefighters from out of state can apply for fla FF1 and 2. What part of Fla are you lookin at coming to?

[FIREFLY2420]

I am looking to move around the Ft. Myers/Naples area but will not rule out other areas. I like the east coast too (Miami Area).

[FIREFLY2420]

Fyrguy,

I have a son but he would be staying here in Michigan for school. Thank you for the heads up though.

[firepimp]

Good luck in the florida moves , Im a firefighter here in florida and standards are tough here.

All's I have to say is good luck.

My county Citrus County Florida ( 50 miles north of tampa ) Will pay for your fire school if you become a paid on call firefighter in this county , the fire school is 3rd in the state maybe 4th now not sure , and is local .

Citrus County Fire Trainging Center or ( Lecanto Fire Academy ) same place , is where you need to contact if your interested in this oppurtunity.

Its a sweet deal they pay for your standards 1 and 2 and any and all classes the trainign center offers such as tactics , extrication , hydraulics , pump ops , aerial ops , ropes and rescue and so many more and theyre all state certifiable classes. And all for free at the touch of your fingertips thats why i made the move from down south up to north florida.

Anyways good luck no matter what.

[LtMedic35]

Michigan Firefighter give me a way to contact you.... or send me a e-mail address through a private message and I'll get you the info that you need. I've been on the job in Lee County FL for 5 years now as a Fire Medic, came to the area from up north, transferred certs, starting now mid $40k's, after 5 years right now we're around $62k Non-Transport ALS First Response Fire Rescue Department. Many similar agencies in the county. www.floridafirejobs.org

[OnWithTheShow]

Everything I have read indicates that they will not transfer certs. You need to prove you have had training (a full-time academy like training program not individual classes), prove you have required hours in numerous subjects (I believe it was 17 hr forcible entry!!) and then you are required to challenge a written and practical test. Is this not the case?

[ves9102]

You like Florida now because you don't live here. I've been here most of my life and am moving to Indianapolis later this year. Good luck to you but get ready for bugs you've never seen and heat you've never felt. If you have kids most importantly check into the school system in the earea you are looking at moving to.

Right on the money! Don't forget the Hurricanes too!

[FIREFLY2420]

Great information from everybody. Thank you. Anyone else have any information that might be helpful?

[firepimp]

Sorry, I did forget to mention the hurricanes too, and not the ones from UM. Firepimp where did you get the academy ratings? Where did Broward Fire Academy rank? That's where I went and I know we always competed with Ocala. One good point my family is a Disney family and we will miss being passholders, I guess I'll have to make weeklong trips now. Oh well.


the standing are ranked on how many pass the class for example 17 passed the class , and then those who passed the class who pass the state test .

So the percentages are worked out say 17 pass the class and 15 only pass the state test theres how its ranked so Ive heard , I've never found where to find that info , but heard it from someone higher up ( sorry can't say names ) .

[ffspo0k]

If you have your paramedic, many departments that will hire you and send you to the academy. As for departments haveing their own academys. not here. Everything is through the state. And I dont have the time to list all the departments that are hireing so lets just say lots. :)

How hard is it to walk into one of the larger departments down there with a medic card. By larger depts I mean 10+ stations..

Also, do you guys have those flying cochroaches down there (palmetto bugs I think they're called..) yuck..

[FIREFLY2420]

Just hopin some new information might pop up. Thanks everyone for all your help. Anymore information would be great.

Thanks again.

[Dave1983]

How hard is it to walk into one of the larger departments down there with a medic card. By larger depts I mean 10+ stations..

Also, do you guys have those flying cochroaches down there (palmetto bugs I think they're called..) yuck..

Depends on how much they are hurting for medics. All I can suggest is call.

As for palmetto bugs sure, we have plenty. You get used to them. Just be sure to always carry a small club with you. :eek: :D ;)