Fire Department · Career
Charlotte County Fire & EMS
Punta Gorda, FL · Charlotte County
“Community Focused. Excellence Driven.”
Apply by July 11 for a Firefighter/EMT role in Punta Gorda, FL with an annual salary of $51,417 and additional EMT stipend. Veterans preferred.
Join Charlotte County Fire & EMS as a Paramedic for $24/hour with a $17,000 annual stipend. Apply by July 11, 2026.
Charlotte County Fire & EMS is a full-service career fire department serving the Southwest Florida community from 18 stations spread across roughly 693 square miles. The department provides fire suppression and rescue, pre-hospital emergency medical care and ambulance transport, and a range of special operations.
Beyond structural firefighting, crews handle HAZMAT and technical rescue, marine operations, Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF), and staff SWAT medics for high-risk law enforcement operations. Firefighters work 24-hour shifts followed by 48 hours off.
The department is led by a Public Safety Director who also serves as Fire Chief, supported by deputy chiefs and a public information officer. It operates as a career department with no volunteer firefighter program.
MissionEnsuring the health and safety of our community by delivering exceptional fire and EMS services
Charlotte County Fire & EMS is currently accepting applications for both Firefighter/EMT and Firefighter/Paramedic positions, with full-time and part-time roles. Candidates must apply and complete all testing requirements through the National Testing Network before being considered.
Applicants also apply through the Charlotte County employment portal. Firefighter/EMT roles require a State Fire Marshal certificate of compliance, a Florida EMT license, and a BLS healthcare-provider card; Firefighter/Paramedic roles require a Florida paramedic license and an ACLS card.
Requirements
- Firefighter/EMT: current State Fire Marshal certificate of compliance
- Firefighter/EMT: active EMT license from the Florida Department of Health
- Firefighter/EMT: valid BLS for healthcare providers card
- Firefighter/Paramedic: current State Fire Marshal certificate of compliance
- Firefighter/Paramedic: active paramedic license from the Florida Department of Health
- Firefighter/Paramedic: valid ACLS card
Hiring process
- Apply and satisfy all testing requirements with the National Testing Network (nationaltestingnetwork.com)
- Apply through the Charlotte County employment portal
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid vacation time
- 11 paid holidays annually
- 3 personal days per year
What certifications do I need to become a Charlotte County firefighter?
Firefighter/EMT applicants need a current Florida State Fire Marshal certificate of compliance, an active Florida EMT license, and a valid BLS for healthcare providers card. Firefighter/Paramedic applicants need the State Fire Marshal certificate, an active Florida paramedic license, and a valid ACLS card.
How do I apply?
Apply and satisfy all testing requirements through the National Testing Network (nationaltestingnetwork.com), and apply through the Charlotte County employment portal.
Is the department currently hiring?
Yes. Charlotte County Fire & EMS is currently accepting applications for Firefighter/EMT and Firefighter/Paramedic positions, including full-time and part-time roles.
What is the work schedule?
Firefighters work 24-hour shifts (8 a.m. to 8 a.m.) followed by 48 hours off.
Does the department have a volunteer firefighter program?
No. Charlotte County does not operate a volunteer firefighter program; it is a full-service career department.
What benefits are offered?
Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid vacation time, 11 paid holidays annually, and 3 personal days per year.