Fire Department · Career
Cape Coral Fire Department
Cape Coral, FL · Lee County
8th largest city in Florida
No active openings right now
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Department careers page ↗The Cape Coral Fire Department serves more than 224,000 residents across roughly 120 square miles of the City of Cape Coral, along with an additional 20 square miles of unincorporated Lee County that includes Burnt Store Marina. Cape Coral is the largest city between Tampa and Miami and the eighth-largest city by population in Florida.
The department fields 316 total members and operates from 13 fire stations plus headquarters and two logistics warehouses. It holds an ISO Class 2 rating and is internationally accredited.
CCFD traces its origins to a fire board established in 1962, making it the first form of government in Cape Coral; the department became a municipal operation in 1971 after the city's 1970 incorporation. Its culture is built around what it calls the "CAPE way" of Commitment, Accountability, Professionalism, and Excellence.
MissionTo save lives, protect property, and serve the community through risk reduction and emergency response.
Cape Coral hires certified firefighters, requiring State of Florida Firefighter II and EMT or Paramedic certification plus a current CPAT before applying. Candidates apply through governmentjobs.com during posted windows, and out-of-state or military firefighters may qualify through Florida equivalency.
The selection process runs from a written exam and oral interview that set an eligibility ranking, followed by a conditional offer with background check and fingerprinting, psychological assessment, polygraph, medical physical with drug screen, and a swim test.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid driver's license (must obtain a Florida license within 30 days of hire)
- State of Florida Firefighter II certification
- State of Florida EMT or Paramedic certification
- Passing score on the IAFF-endorsed CPAT completed within one year of the job posting, submitted electronically with the application
Hiring process
- Submit application through governmentjobs.com during an open posting window (with CPAT proof)
- Written exam
- Oral interview (scores determine eligibility ranking)
- Conditional offer of employment
- Background check with fingerprinting
- Psychological assessment
- Polygraph testing
- Medical physical exam including drug screening
- Swim test
What certifications do I need to become a Cape Coral firefighter?
You must hold State of Florida Firefighter II certification and either EMT or Paramedic certification, plus a passing CPAT completed within one year of the job posting.
How do I apply?
Firefighter applications are submitted through governmentjobs.com during open posting windows. Questions can go to Tracy Hart at (239) 242-3625 or thart@capecoral.gov.
What does the hiring process involve?
A written exam and oral interview establish your eligibility ranking. After a conditional offer, you complete a background check with fingerprinting, psychological assessment, polygraph, medical physical with drug screen, and a swim test.
Can out-of-state or military firefighters apply?
Yes. The department references Florida equivalency requirements for out-of-state and military firefighters seeking Florida certification.
Is a swim test required?
Yes, a swim test is part of the post-conditional-offer requirements, reflecting the department's dive and marine rescue responsibilities in this canal city.