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How to become a certified EMT or Paramedic in Florida. NREMT certification required. EMT training: 120-150 hours. Total initial EMT cost: $1,000-$2,500 (program) + $104 (NREMT) + $35 (state app) + background check fees. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
EMT / Paramedic
Governing Authority
Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Oversight
Official website →Most information on this page has been verified.
85% of data points are verified against official sources. 8 fields based on preliminary research. 1 field needs verification. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Yes
NREMT Required?
120-150
EMT Training Hours
3 levels
Certification Levels
$1,000-$2,500 (program) + $104 (NREMT) + $35 (state app) + background check fees
EMT Initial Cost
2 years
Renewal Period
40 hrs
EMT CE Hours
Training Hours
60 hours
Scope of Practice
Basic emergency care including bleeding control, CPR, AED use, oxygen administration, and basic patient assessment
NREMT Required
No
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
120-150 hours
Scope of Practice
BLS care including patient assessment, oxygen therapy, splinting, spinal immobilization, assisted medication administration (epinephrine, nitroglycerin, albuterol), and emergency childbirth
NREMT Required
Yes
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
1,200 hours
Scope of Practice
Full ALS care including endotracheal intubation, cardiac monitoring/defibrillation, IV/IO access, comprehensive medication administration, needle decompression, surgical cricothyrotomy, synchronized cardioversion, and advanced patient assessment
NREMT Required
Yes
Additional Requirements
Training Program Requirements
Verified120-150
EMT Training Hours
1,200
Paramedic Hours
20
Clinical Rotation
5 emergency runs minimum
Field Internship
Notes
Florida EMT training requires 110 hours of instructional time plus 20 hours of clinical rotation and a field internship with a minimum of 5 emergency runs. Florida requires applicants to be high school graduates (not just GED). Programs must be approved by the Florida Department of Health. Paramedic programs must be accredited by CoAEMSP/CAAHEP.
Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
NREMT Certification
Required
Cognitive Exam
Required
Psychomotor Exam
No
State-Specific Exam
NREMT Details
Florida requires NREMT for initial EMT certification only. NREMT is NOT required for recertification. The NREMT cognitive exam is a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) with 70-120 questions for EMT level, a 2-hour time limit, and costs $104 per attempt. A scaled passing score of 950/1500 is required. Candidates are allowed 6 attempts with a 15-day waiting period between attempts.
State Exam Details
Florida uses the NREMT exam for initial certification. No separate state exam is required.
Passing Score
NREMT uses Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT). EMT exam has 70-120 questions with a 2-hour time limit. A scaled passing score of 950/1500 is required. Cost is $80 per attempt.
Retake Policy
NREMT allows 6 attempts with a 15-day waiting period between attempts. After the 3rd failed attempt, candidates must complete 24 hours of remedial training. After 6 failed attempts, full course completion is required.
What Each Level Can Do
VerifiedOnline Medical Direction (Real-Time)
Real-time physician contact via radio or phone for consultation on patient care decisions beyond standing orders
Offline Medical Direction (Standing Orders)
Standing orders and protocols developed by the EMS medical director that authorize specific treatments without real-time physician contact
Protocol Requirements
All EMS providers in Florida must operate under the authority of a licensed physician medical director. Each county EMS system has approved protocols.
Minimum Age
Education
Background Check
Drug Screening
CPR/BLS Certification
Immunizations Required
Driver's License Required
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
EMT Course Cost Varies by program and institution | $1,000-$2,500 |
Paramedic Course Cost Varies by program | $8,000-$15,000 |
NREMT Exam Fee NREMT EMT cognitive exam fee (increased from $70 in 2025) | $80 |
State Application Fee State application/certification fee | $55 |
State License Fee Included in application fee | $35 |
Renewal Fee Per 2-year renewal cycle | $50 |
Total Initial EMT Cost Approximate total; does not include textbooks, uniforms, or equipment | $1,000-$2,500 (program) + $104 (NREMT) + $35 (state app) + background check fees |
Total Initial Paramedic Cost Approximate total; does not include textbooks, uniforms, or equipment | $8,000-$15,000 (program) + $104 (NREMT) + $35 (state app) + background check fees |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
40 hrs
EMT CE Hours
60 hrs
Paramedic CE Hours
Required
Skills Verification
NREMT Recertification Accepted for State Renewal
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$50
Per 2-year renewal cycle; first-time renewal is exempt from CE requirements
Regulatory Board
EMS certifications must be renewed on schedule. Most states require continuing education covering patient assessment, trauma care, cardiac emergencies, and applicable protocol updates.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
NREMT-Based Reciprocity Available
Reciprocity Type
NREMT-based; NOT an EMS Compact member state
Transfer Details
Florida does NOT offer reciprocity for out-of-state EMS certifications. Out-of-state EMTs must complete Florida's full certification process including an approved training program, NREMT exam, and Level 2 background screening. Florida is NOT an EMS Compact member state.
Additional Requirements for Transfer
EMT/Paramedic reciprocity is often facilitated through NREMT certification. States that require NREMT typically allow easier transfer for certified providers. Always verify current reciprocity policies with your state EMS office.
Florida requires Level 2 FDLE/FBI background screening and has no state reciprocity - out-of-state EMTs must complete the full Florida certification process. First-time renewal is exempt from CE requirements. NREMT is required only for initial certification, not recertification. Florida does not have an AEMT level (only EMT and Paramedic). Applicants must be high school graduates. EMT training includes a field internship with minimum 5 emergency runs. Florida is NOT an EMS Compact member.
Florida requires Level 2 background screening through FDLE (Florida Department of Law Enforcement) and FBI fingerprint check.
First-time renewal is exempt from continuing education requirements.
NREMT is required for initial certification only; it is NOT required for recertification.
Florida does NOT offer reciprocity for out-of-state EMS certifications - out-of-state EMTs must complete the full Florida certification process.
Florida does not have an AEMT certification level - only EMT and Paramedic.
Florida requires applicants to be high school graduates (must have diploma).
EMT training includes a field internship with a minimum of 5 emergency patient contact runs.
Florida is NOT an EMS Compact member state.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Florida.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Salary
#23 of 51
Cost
#37 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Emergency Medical Technicians (SOC 29-2042)
Entry Level
$36,850
25th percentile
Median
$40,420
-2% vs. national avg ($41,340)Experienced
$46,350
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
6,770 employed in this state
Note: BLS EMT category includes EMT-Basic level. Paramedics (EMT-P) are classified separately under SOC 29-2043 with higher wages.
Source: BLS OEWS – Emergency Medical Technicians (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+8.8%
High DemandNew Jobs
+12,900
over 10 years
Annual Openings
19,600
per year (avg.)
147,300 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Emergency Medicine Career Ladder+215% salary growth potential
You are here
EMT
$40,420
EMT-Basic course (120-150 hours) + NREMT
You are here
EMT
EMT-Basic course (120-150 hours) + NREMT
$40,420
Paramedic program (1-2 years) + NREMT-P
$58,860
Master's in PA Studies + PANCE
$127,200
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: ~null weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Oversight — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Oversight — Licensing Requirements
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Florida requires NREMT certification for EMS providers. EMT training requires 120-150 hours. All certification is managed through the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Oversight.
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Always verify current requirements with your state EMS office.