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EMT / Paramedic
Governing Authority
Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Oversight
Official website →Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
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.
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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.
Didn't pass on the first try? Learn what to do if you fail the NREMT.
Overall licensing difficulty: 1/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
NREMT (EMT Certification Exam)
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EMT Exam Prep Books
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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NREMT Cognitive Exam
Questions
120 questions
Time Limit
2 hours
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.
Format
Computer adaptive testing (CAT)
Cost of failing
Retake fee: $80 (EMT cognitive exam)Invest in preparation to pass the first time.
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the NREMT Cognitive Exam.
Study Materials & Exam Prep — NREMT Certification Exam
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Study guides and practice tests for the NREMT certification exam.
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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
Not sure if you need a emt license? Check whether your state requires one.
| 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 (EMT cognitive exam) |
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 |
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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.
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our emt license renewal guide.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
NREMT-Based Reciprocity Available
Reciprocity Type
NOT an EMS Compact member state (confirmed)
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.
See all EMS Compact (REPLICA) member states & eligibility details →
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Florida with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
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.
EMT requirements in nearby states
Other professional licenses in Florida
See how Florida compares: EMT License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Florida is not currently a member of the EMS Compact (REPLICA). EMT licensees must apply through standard reciprocity or endorsement. See which states are in the REPLICA →
Related Guides
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Florida.
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Official Sources
EMT requirements in Florida verified against Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Oversight, March 2026.
Moving to Florida? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your EMT license to Florida →
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.
EMT Schools in Florida
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.