Osceola County Department of Fire Rescue and EMS provides fire suppression and emergency medical services across Osceola County, one of the fastest-growing counties in Florida. The department is headquartered in Kissimmee and operates as part of the county's Public Safety organization.

The agency is expanding quickly to keep pace with population growth, having opened two new fire stations since 2019 with three more planned over the following five years.

Osceola invests heavily in developing its own workforce, recently launching its first-ever Firefighter Cadet program that brings on non-certified candidates as full-time, paid employees while they complete certification. The department emphasizes building a culture of career investment, growth, and longevity for its firefighters.

How to get hired

Osceola County hires certified firefighters through its county job center on GovernmentJobs, and it also offers a sponsored Firefighter Cadet ('earn while you learn') path for candidates who hold an EMT or Paramedic license but are not yet fire-certified. Cadets are hired as full-time employees and complete Florida Minimum Standards firefighting certification, EVOC, and CPR within six months of hire.

Certified applicants must upload their required certifications as a single PDF with their application. For recruitment questions, the department can be reached at firerecruitment@osceola.org.

Pay$41,758–$49,496

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED
Current Florida State Minimum Standards Firefighting Certification
Current Florida EMT or Paramedic License
16-Hour Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC) approved by the State of Florida
Basic Life Support / CPR certification (American Heart Association, American Red Cross for Professional Rescuer, or Bureau of EMS-approved equivalent)
Valid Florida Class E Driver License
Ability to meet 'Very Heavy' physical demands, including lifting up to 100 pounds

Benefits

Full-time employment with Osceola County includes competitive salary and comprehensive county employee benefits. A paramedic incentive of approximately $9,125 is available for firefighters who hold paramedic certification. Cadets are paid full-time employees during their training and certification.

The Firefighter Cadet program is a sponsored, paid path in which non-certified candidates who hold an EMT or Paramedic license are hired full-time and complete Florida Minimum Standards firefighting certification (through Valencia College), EVOC, and CPR within six months of hire.

Leadership & hiring contacts

Larry Collier

Fire Chief

Frequently asked questions

What certifications do I need to be hired as a firefighter?

You need current Florida State Minimum Standards Firefighting Certification, a Florida EMT or Paramedic License, a 16-hour Florida-approved Emergency Vehicle Operator Course, and Basic Life Support/CPR certification, plus a valid Florida Class E Driver License.

Can I apply if I am not yet fire-certified?

Yes. The Firefighter Cadet program hires candidates who hold a Florida EMT or Paramedic license but are not yet fire-certified as full-time, paid employees, and sponsors their firefighting certification, which must be completed within six months of hire.

How much does a firefighter earn at Osceola County?

Certified Firefighter base pay is $41,758.08 annually, with a paramedic incentive of about $9,125 available. Cadets start at $32,822.40 annually and increase to $49,495.68 once all firefighter requirements are met.

How do I apply?

Applications are submitted through the Osceola County job center on GovernmentJobs. Certified applicants must upload their required certifications as a single PDF. Recruitment questions can be emailed to firerecruitment@osceola.org.

How physically demanding is the firefighter job?

The position is classified as 'Very Heavy,' requiring the ability to lift up to 100 pounds, agility for climbing and crawling, and the capacity to work in extreme heat and hazardous atmospheres.