Volunteer Firefighter: A Legacy of Service
A volunteer firefighter has always been more than just an extra set of hands—they represent one of the oldest traditions in American public service. From the bucket brigades of the 1700s to the organized volunteer companies of the 19th and 20th centuries, citizens have stepped up to protect their neighbors long before full-time city fire departments existed.
This legacy is still alive today across the United States. In fact, most U.S. fire departments still include some level of volunteer service. For many, joining as a volunteer firefighter is the first step into public safety—an opportunity to learn, to serve, and, in some cases, to build a pathway into a career.
How to Become A Volunteer Firefighter
Florida takes a more structured approach to volunteering. Here, the title “volunteer firefighter” is a legal designation. According to the Florida State Fire Marshal, a volunteer firefighter must hold a Volunteer Firefighter Certificate of Completion issued under section 633.408, Florida Statutes
This certification ensures that anyone carrying the title of volunteer firefighter has completed state-approved training and can operate safely in hazardous “hot zones.” Without this certificate, you can still serve your local fire department as fire service support personnel, but your role is limited to tasks outside the hot zone: pulling hoses, managing hydrants, driving apparatus, directing traffic, or moving equipment. These jobs are important, but they are not recognized as firefighting under Florida law.
The distinction is clear: in Florida, being a volunteer firefighter requires training, testing, and commitment. It’s an earned credential that places you alongside career firefighters when lives and property are at risk.
How to Get Certified: Volunteer Firefighter Certificate of Completion
How to Get Certified: Volunteer Firefighter Certificate of Completion
To become certified as a volunteer firefighter in the state of Florida you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a valid Florida driver’s license
- Pass a background check (criminal history negative)
- Be in good physical and moral condition
- Complete the Firefighter Part I curriculum, including classroom, practical skills, and live-fire training
Is it Difficult to Become Certified?
Yes, but it’s structured for volunteers. In Florida, you must complete Part I of the Minimum Standards Course—a curriculum aligned with Firefighter I training—to earn the Volunteer Firefighter Certificate of Completion. That usually spans 191–206 hours, including both classroom and live-fire skills training.
Time & effort: Though less than full career training (206 vs. 492 hours), it still requires dedication.
Physical & mental standards: You’re expected to pass real-world skill tests and maintain strong performance.
Renewal: Certification is valid for three years and requires 40 hours of activity or refresher testing to maintain it.
Is Becoming a Volunteer Firefighter a Path A to full Firefighter Career?
For many people, becoming a volunteer firefighter is the first step toward exploring the fire service. It provides real-world experience, lets you serve your community, and helps you decide if firefighting is the right calling for you. But in Florida, the volunteer track doesn’t automatically translate into a paid career—you’ll need to advance your training beyond Firefighter Part I.
Why Volunteering Helps
Experience: Volunteering shows you the daily rhythm of a fire department—everything from responding to calls to maintaining equipment.
Networking: Chiefs and training officers often get to know volunteers personally, which can give you a leg up in hiring later.
Credibility: Volunteer hours demonstrate commitment, teamwork, and grit—all qualities valued in fire service hiring.
What’s Still Required for a Career Role
In Florida, becoming a certified firefighter requires completing the Firefighter Minimum Standards Course (Firefighter I & II) at a state-approved training center and passing the written and practical exams outlined in Florida Statute 633.412. The state itself does not require EMT certification to issue your firefighter certificate. However, in practice, most Florida fire departments expect candidates to hold an EMT license because medical emergencies make up the majority of fire-rescue calls. This means that while you can technically be certified without EMT training, landing a paid position often requires completing both firefighter training and EMT.
Where to Get Firefighter Training in SWFL
If you’re ready to turn intent into credentials, Southwest Florida gives you two practical, nearby routes into state-approved firefighter training.
Southwest Florida Public Service Academy (SWFPSA, Fort Myers).
SWFPSA (an extension of Fort Myers Technical College) delivers the state’s firefighter “Minimum Standards” curriculum and continuing education for working firefighters. If your goal is career eligibility, this is the classic path: structured Firefighter I & II training with live-fire evolutions, skills labs, and the preparation you need for the state written/practical exams.
Braxton College Fire Training (Fort Myers/Bonita Springs).
Braxton offers scheduled Firefighter I & II programs and operates a fire training facility in Bonita Springs. Program calendars are posted publicly (start/end dates, testing milestones), which makes planning around work and family easier. As with any provider, confirm BFST approval and exam eligibility for the specific cohort you choose at enrollment.
Whichever school you choose, your certification ultimately flows through Florida’s Bureau of Fire Standards & Training (BFST), which approves curricula and certifies training agencies statewide. That’s the benchmark that ensures your hours and testing align to the state’s firefighter standards.
The Scholarship Gap—and Your Turnaround
Firefighter training is a serious investment of both time and money. That’s why the SWFL Heroes Foundation offers scholarships—to make sure cost isn’t the reason you can’t serve our SWFL community.
If you’re ready to take the next step, we invite you to apply for a scholarship today. Funding support is available for approved fire academies in Southwest Florida, helping future first responders cover the cost of their required training.
Apply for a Scholarship and take the first step!
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We value the next generation of leaders by providing scholarships and educational support to our future community heroes.
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