From Ohio to Florida?

[DougbEMTP]

I'm not sure if this is in the right part of the forum, but I'm looking for some info on transferring to Florida, from Ohio. Ive been a 240 Firefighter, Paramedic for almost 5 years in Cincinnati, OH. I'm also Hazmat Tech level, and a Fire Safety Inspector.

What would be needed for me to move to Florida? Anyone here able to help me get on the right track?

Thanks in advance.

[CaptOldTimer]

I'm not sure if this is in the right part of the forum, but I'm looking for some info on transferring to Florida, from Ohio. Ive been a 240 Firefighter, Paramedic for almost 5 years in Cincinnati, OH. I'm also Hazmat Tech level, and a Fire Safety Inspector.

What would be needed for me to move to Florida? Anyone here able to help me get on the right track?

Thanks in advance.

Florida has their own set of rules and procedures for becoming a Firefighter/Medic.

They don't care who or what you may process from whatever state.
You will have to begin from the same starting line as someone who doesn't know jack about the fire service, but did see fire apparatus making runs before and got excited from it!


Try other Southern States.

[mdresku1]

Hi,
It is possible to challenge Florida fire certification but it is very difficult due to paperwork issues. and the Florida statutes. Fire I is not that bad but FF II is the harder part but it is possible. You only get 2 tries to challenge the test and if you fail you have to go to fire school again. There are many local schools and many different schedules to complete the school.
Now EMT-P is not as difficult especially if you are not national registry.
Some Fire depts can and will hire you as a Single Cert Paramedic while you complete fire school, like the dept. I work for.

BUT IT IS POSSIBLE, I did it but it will probably be a 1 year process for your fire certs if they allow you testing. If you need help just let me know and I can try to help you through the process.

[DougbEMTP]

So there are departments down there that will hire me as a paramedic only, while i get my fire card if thats the route id have to go?

also, im non-national registry, are you saying i wouldnt need to get it back before taking florida's state test?

[Firemedic 61]

Good luck with the challenge. The state changes the rules frequently so the best thing is to call the Florida State Fire College in Ocala. I know some people who have been successful but the states requires more hours of training than you have so that may be a problem. I know of 2 people who have been able to challenge and get a Fl cert but they had 460 hours and that was last year. Also, one thing to remember is that THIS is the year that we are looking at big layoffs, so this is not the time to try to come here.

[wllmford7]

hey..Really informative thread..thanks for sharing with us.

[flashpo1nt]

Dont mean to be buzz killington, but good luck getting a job...anywhere.