Fire Department · Career
Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue
Fort Lauderdale, FL · Broward County
“"Saving Property and Life"”
busiest department in Broward County
Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue protects the city of Fort Lauderdale and, by contract, the neighboring communities of Wilton Manors and Lazy Lake. Founded in 1912 after a major downtown fire, it has grown into one of South Florida's largest municipal fire services.
The department staffs roughly 485 employees across 12 fire stations organized into three battalions, fielding engines, ladder/tower trucks, and a large fleet of rescue transport units. It is the busiest department in Broward County, answering over 55,000 emergency calls annually.
Beyond structural firefighting and EMS transport, the department maintains deep technical capability: technical rescue (dive, high-angle, trench), hazardous materials, marine rescue with fireboats, aircraft rescue firefighting at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, and participation in Florida Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 2.
Operations are managed through four bureaus (Strategic Services, Support Services, Operations, and EMS/Training) under the Office of the Fire Chief.
Fort Lauderdale hires certified firefighters through a competitive process built on a written examination (50%) and an oral interview (50%), with candidates needing at least a 70 on each weighted portion to qualify. Ranked candidates receive a conditional offer followed by a pass/fail background investigation and a medical exam with drug screening.
Applications are submitted through the City's GovernmentJobs career portal (filter to the Fire Rescue department). Prospective candidates can reach the recruitment team at FLFRRecruitment@fortlauderdale.gov or 954-828-3537 to learn about current openings and get on the interest list.
Requirements
- At least 18 years of age
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Valid Florida driver's license with emergency endorsement and a clean driving record meeting city standards
- Current Florida Firefighter Certificate of Compliance or Training
- Current valid Florida paramedic license, or enrolled in an accredited paramedic program
- EVOC (16-hour) certificate issued by a certified Florida agency
- Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) card from National Testing Network
- Swimming certification card from Broward College
- Non-smoker/tobacco-free for at least one year prior to application and throughout employment
Hiring process
- Written examination (50% of total score)
- Oral interview (50% of total score)
- Candidate ranking
- Conditional job offer based on ranking
- Final background examination (pass/fail)
- Medical examination including drug screening (pass/fail)
Benefits
Generous City of Fort Lauderdale pension and full benefits, plus opportunities to boost pay through specialty certifications and assignment pay. The department offers advanced training in Technical Rescue, Hazardous Materials, and Marine lifesaving, with clear promotion pathways.
How do I apply to Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue?
Applications are submitted through the City's GovernmentJobs career portal (governmentjobs.com), filtered to the Fire Rescue department. You can also contact the recruitment team at FLFRRecruitment@fortlauderdale.gov or 954-828-3537 to ask about current openings and get on the interest list.
What certifications do I need to be hired?
Certified-firefighter applicants need a current Florida Firefighter Certificate of Compliance or Training, a valid Florida paramedic license (or enrollment in an accredited paramedic program), a 16-hour EVOC certificate, a CPAT card from National Testing Network, and a Broward College swimming certification.
How is the hiring process scored?
For certified firefighters the process is a written examination worth 50% and an oral interview worth 50%. You must score at least 70 on each weighted portion. Ranked candidates get a conditional offer, then a pass/fail background investigation and a medical exam with drug screening.
What is the starting pay?
The recruitment page lists a starting salary of $62,242 (a 2022 figure), which can be increased through specialty certifications and assignment pay, along with a City pension and full benefits.
Is there a tobacco or nicotine policy?
Yes. Applicants must be tobacco- and nicotine-free for at least one year before applying, and must remain tobacco-free throughout employment.
What specialty teams can I join?
The department offers advanced training and assignments in Technical Rescue (dive, high-angle, trench), Hazardous Materials, Marine/fireboat rescue, and Aircraft Rescue Firefighting, plus participation in Florida Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 2.