Pasco County Fire Rescue (PCFR) protects a fast-growing county on Florida's Gulf Coast, north of the Tampa Bay metro. The department operates 29 fire stations staffed by about 918 employees and responded to 102,140 calls for service in 2025 — an average of roughly 279 calls per day.

PCFR is a combined fire and EMS agency: it provides ambulance transport and runs programs such as Mobile Integrated Health, fire inspections and investigations, a cadet program, and community education. Its work is framed around reducing risk before emergencies happen rather than only responding to them.

The department has been in an active growth phase, recently bringing on more than 100 new employees, promoting dozens of team members, and investing in new equipment and staffing models.

Mission"Ensuring the safety, health, and well-being of all residents and visitors in Pasco County through effective community risk reduction strategies."

How to get hired

Pasco County Fire Rescue accepts applications year-round through GovernmentJobs, hiring for Firefighter/EMT, Firefighter/Paramedic, and Paramedic (Non-Firefighter) roles. Candidates must already hold Florida EMT or Paramedic certification, a current BLS/ACLS card, and (for firefighter roles) a Florida Certificate of Compliance from the Bureau of Fire Standards and Training.

PCFR interviews candidates two to three times a year and the process runs about eight weeks, moving through a panel interview, an occupational health physical and background investigation, a Fireground Physical Ability Test (FPAT), and gear fitting before a final phone offer from the Personnel Division Chief. Applicants not contacted within six months are encouraged to reapply.

Requirements

At least 18 years old
Valid driver's license
Current BLS or ACLS certification (American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or American Safety & Health Institute)
Florida State EMT or Paramedic certification
Certificate of Compliance from the Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training (for firefighter roles)
Certification copies must be provided at the interview

Hiring process

Apply online for Firefighter/EMT, Firefighter/Paramedic, or Paramedic (Non-Firefighter)
Phase 1: Panel interview with the Personnel Division Chief and PCFR members (notification within 7-10 days)
Phase 2a: Occupational health physical and comprehensive background investigation
Phase 2b: Fireground Physical Ability Test (FPAT)
Phase 3: Uniform and bunker gear fitting (not yet an official offer)
Final stage: Official employment offer by phone from the PCFR Personnel Chief

Leadership & hiring contacts

Ryan Guynn

Fire Chief

Frequently asked questions

What certifications do I need to apply?

You must be at least 18 with a valid driver's license, hold current BLS or ACLS certification, and be certified by the State of Florida as an EMT or Paramedic. Firefighter roles also require a Certificate of Compliance from the Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training. Bring copies of your certifications to the interview.

What positions does Pasco County Fire Rescue hire for?

PCFR hires for three career paths: Firefighter/EMT, Firefighter/Paramedic, and Paramedic (Non-Firefighter).

When can I apply, and how often does PCFR hire?

Applications are accepted year-round through GovernmentJobs. PCFR conducts interviews two to three times per year for open positions. If you aren't contacted within six months of applying, you're encouraged to reapply.

How long does the hiring process take?

The process takes approximately eight weeks and moves through a panel interview, an occupational health physical and background investigation, a Fireground Physical Ability Test (FPAT), gear fitting, and a final phone offer from the Personnel Division Chief.

Is there a physical test?

Yes. Candidates must pass a Fireground Physical Ability Test (FPAT) along with an occupational health physical during the hiring process.

Who do I contact about firefighter recruitment?

You can reach the PCFR Personnel Division at frpersonnel@mypasco.net or 727-929-2750.