How to become a corrections officer in Florida
The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) hires state corrections officers under the title Correctional Officer. New officers start at $45,760 a year. You must be at least 18.
Pay
| Starting salary | $45,760 |
|---|---|
| Top of scale | — |
FDC lists $22/hr starting pay (trainee), rising to $23.14/hr after certification ($48,131/yr); both annualized at 2080 hrs. Add-ons: about $1,200/yr in Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee and St. Lucie counties; about $2,500/yr in Palm Beach, Broward, Dade and Monroe; $325 uniform/shoe allowance; Criminal Justice Incentive Pay up to $1,560/yr. FDC also advertises up to a $6,000 hiring bonus at select institutions. No top-of-range figure is published.
Source:[fldocjobs.com]
Requirements
- Minimum age: 18
- Education: High school graduate or equivalent
- Citizenship: U.S. citizen
- No felony conviction (including pleas or withheld adjudication) and no misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement
- Pass background investigation and medical examination
- Valid driver's license
- No dishonorable characterization of military service
- Domestic-violence misdemeanor disqualifies for certified roles (federal firearm bar)
Source:[fldocjobs.com]
Hiring process
- Short online security background questionnaire (FDC)
- State of Florida application in People First
- Recruiter interview
- Background investigation
- Medical examination and drug screen (F.S. 943.13)
- Paid Corrections Academy (Basic Recruit Training)
- Pass the State Officer Certification Exam (SOCE); three attempts (F.S. 943.1397)
Source:[fldocjobs.com]
Entrance exam
Criminal Justice Basic Abilities Test (CJBAT); State Officer Certification Exam (SOCE). The FDC career page links CJBAT information for entry. The SOCE is taken after the academy, with three attempts under F.S. 943.1397.[fldocjobs.com]
Academy
Length not published, paid. The Basic Correctional Academy is a 445-hour course held at multiple training sites statewide. FDC employees are paid while attending.[fldocjobs.com]
Pension and retirement
- Plan: Florida Retirement System (FRS) Pension Plan — Special Risk Class
- Benefit formula: 3.00% × years of Special Risk service × average final compensation (eight highest fiscal years for members enrolled on/after July 1, 2011)
- When you can retire: Enrolled on/after July 1, 2011: vested with 8 years of special risk service and age 55, or 25 years of special risk service regardless of age
- Social Security: yes, you also pay in
Correctional officers are in the Special Risk Class. Members have contributed 3% of pay since July 1, 2011. New hires may choose the FRS Investment Plan (DC) instead. The FRS SPD states Social Security coverage is required for all members.
Source:[frs.fl.gov]
Checked against official sources on 2026-10-23. Pay plans change; confirm with the employer before applying.