How to Become an EMT in Florida

Who can apply

• Florida-trained applicants must complete a DOH-approved Florida EMT training program and pass the NREMT EMT exam within 2 years of finishing the course.
• Out-of-state or military-trained applicants must hold a current, valid NREMT EMT certification.
• You must hold a current CPR card: American Heart Association BLS for the healthcare provider, American Red Cross CPR for the professional rescuer, or an equivalent approved by the Bureau of EMS.
• You must attest that you are not addicted to alcohol or any controlled substance and are free of any physical or mental condition that would impair your duties (s. 401.27, F.S.).
• If you have a felony conviction, you must send a law enforcement background check from each state where it occurred, court records, and an explanation.

Step by step

1. Complete a DOH-approved Florida EMT training program (or hold current NREMT certification if trained out of state or in the military).
2. Apply to DOH online through the MQA Online Services Portal or on paper (DH Form 1583) and pay the application fee by money order or cashier's check.
3. Pass the NREMT EMT cognitive exam within 2 years of your course completion date; pay the exam fee directly to NREMT.
4. Send proof of a current CPR card and any required criminal history documents.
5. DOH issues your certificate within 30 days of receiving a passing score if all other requirements are met. Applications stay open for 1 year.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: Florida-trained applicants must complete an initial Florida EMT training program approved by DOH and based on the U.S. DOT National EMS Education Standards (rule 64J-1.008). Out-of-state or military-trained EMTs can instead show current NREMT EMT certification.

Exam: Florida uses the NREMT EMT cognitive exam. Florida-trained applicants must pass it within 2 years of completing their EMT program; DOH accepts a passing score taken before or after the application is filed. DOH says scores are available 7 to 14 days after testing. NREMT currently charges $104 per attempt.

What it costs in Florida

Fixed amounts are set by the state. Items marked “your quote” are priced by private sellers, so enter what you’re quoted.

How long it takes

DOH says your certificate will be issued within 30 days of receiving a passing score if all other requirements are met.

Keeping your certification

Renewal: EMT certificates renew every 2 years (biennial). Within the 2 years before expiration you must do one of: 30 hours of EMT refresher training with at least 2 hours of pediatric emergencies; pass the NREMT EMT exam during the cycle; or complete the first semester of a Florida paramedic program. You must also keep a current CPR card. DOH mails a renewal notice about 90 days before expiration. A certificate not renewed goes inactive for up to two renewal periods; to reactivate you meet the CE rules and pay a $25 late fee, and in the second period you must also pass the NREMT exam and complete another 30 hours.

Good to know in Florida

Out-of-state and military EMTs: If you were trained outside Florida or in the military under the national EMT curriculum or education standards, you qualify by holding a current NREMT EMT certification instead of a Florida training program.

Fee waiver: DOH offers a Military Veteran or Spouse Fee Waiver Request Form.

Disaster volunteering: The application asks if you would help staff special needs shelters or disaster medical teams during emergencies, under s. 401.273, F.S.

Address changes: Tell DOH within 10 days if your mailing address changes.

First renewal: EMTs renewing for the first time do not need continuing education, but must have a current CPR certification.

Sources

• Florida DOH - Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics
• Florida DOH - Application for EMT/Paramedic Certification (DH Form 1583)
• Florida DOH - Request for EMT/Paramedic Reactivation of Expired Certification
• Fla. Admin. Code 64J-1.008 - Emergency Medical Technician (FLRules)
• Fla. Stat. 401.27 - Personnel; standards and certification
• NREMT EMT Candidate Handbook - Certification Process