From Military or Out-of-State Service to Corrections: When Florida Waives Basic Recruit Training

The baseline rule is simple: complete a commission-approved basic recruit training program for your discipline - unless you qualify for an exemption under state law.

Already trained elsewhere? If you completed comparable basic recruit training in another state or through the federal government, and then worked full-time as a sworn officer (state or federal) for at least one year, Florida law allows you to skip the basic recruit training requirement.

A second route applies to special operations veterans. If you served in special operations forces for at least five years, Florida law provides a path to exemption from the basic recruit training program.

Timing matters for the out-of-state or federal pathway. You can't have more than an 8-year break in qualifying employment - measured from your separation date to when you submit a complete exemption application.

The special operations pathway has a tighter window. You can't have more than a 4-year break - again measured from your separation date to when you submit a complete application.

Strong prior experience doesn't mean automatic exemption. Florida law still requires you to complete the training program unless you formally qualify under the statute.

Practical Notes

• ✓ Proof you completed a comparable basic recruit training program (academy records, certificates, transcripts)
• ✓ Documentation showing your training was for the same “criminal justice discipline” you’re applying for
• ✓ Records showing full-time sworn officer service (start/end dates and agency/employer information)
• ✓ Separation dates from your most recent qualifying employment (to help calculate any employment break)
• ✓ Special operations forces service records (to document the minimum years served and separation date)
• ✓ A personal timeline you can reference quickly (training date, service dates, separation dates, and gaps)