Firefighter
The application period is now closed
Future class dates will be posted here.
The next application period is scheduled to open mid-March, 2026.
At Southwest Florida Public Service Academy (SWFPSA), we prepare future first responders through high-quality, hands-on training. Our firefighter programs are designed to test you academically, physically, and emotionally while equipping you with the real-world skills needed to serve your community.
All firefighter training meets the certification requirements set by the Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training. Once completed, students are eligible to take the Florida State Firefighter Certification Examinations, both written and practical.
Florida law (Chapter 633, Fire Prevention and Control) requires completion of Firefighter I & II and passing the state exams for firefighter certification. EMT certification is not universally required by statute for all firefighter positions. However, many training programs and most career fire departments in Florida do require or prefer EMT (or Paramedic) certification due to the volume of medical emergency calls in fire service. At Southwest Florida Public Service Academy, we offer combined and flexible options so you can meet both minimum state requirements and the expectations of many fire departments. SWFPSA offers several program tracks so you can choose the one that best fits your background and career goals.
ADMISSIONS POLICIES AND MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be a legal resident of the United States (submit proof of residency with application)
- Have a standard high school diploma or GED from an accredited agency (submit copy with application)
- No felony convictions or misdemeanors involving perjury or false statements (Background check required after acceptance; results will be reviewed)
- No dishonorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces (documentation may be required if applicable)
- Be drug free a minimum of 3-5 years (depending on substance used, submit certified drug test results; after program acceptance)
- Applicants must be tobacco-free for at least 12 months prior to class and provide two notarized, signed copies of the Tobacco Affidavit(submit copy with application)
- Official Transcript of High School Classes – ATTN: Fire Program Bursar
- This can be hand delivered or mailed to the Academy – This must be in an envelope sealed and stamped by the educational institution
- Transcripts may be emailed from an official school administration to LisaNM@LeeSchools.net. They will not be accepted if received from student email.
Register and create an FCDICE# with Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training(submit proof with application) *Updated 9/22/25 – The link has been updated to take you to the FireTRAQ registration site. You will now create your FCDICE# through FireTRAQ. Select register with FireTRAQ at the bottom.
Register for and successfully complete the CPAT (Candidate Physical Abilities Test)(submit proof of completion with application)
- Complete the CASAS Basic Skills Test(Reading: 244, Math: 230) (submit official test results with application)
- Complete a physical exam (after program acceptance; submit clearance form)
- Complete CPR – BLS for the Healthcare Providers (American Heart Association) and submit certification card with application
- Complete Program Registration and FERPA Release Form (submit forms during application)
If you meet all of the requirements above, you are eligible to apply during an open application period. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Completed applications will be reviewed and you will receive an email letting you know if you have been admitted to the program. If you have been admitted, you will receive additional information on mandatory orientation and the next steps in the process.
Firefighter I and II (Designed for current EMTs)
Description: Designed for recruits who already hold a current EMT certification in the State of Florida. Students complete Firefighter I and II without repeating EMT coursework.
Hours:
• Firefighter I – 191 hours
• Firefighter II – 301 hours
• Total Program Hours – 492 hours
Funding: Not eligible for Pell Grant funding.
Best For: Current Florida-certified EMTs who want to add firefighter certification to their credentials.
Course Fees
Course Fee Firefighter I & II :
In State – $6,696.91
Out of State – $11,021.59
Course Fee Firefighter II :
In State – $5,585.67
Out of State – $8,175.46
(All course fees must be paid by cashier’s check, debit or credit card. Cash will not be accepted.)
Note: Fees are subject to change without notice.
Additional Fees:
Fingerprints = $50.75
Certified Drug Test/Background Check = $119.00
Fees are estimates and subject to change without notice
Quick Info:
- Course Number : FFP0010 & FFP0020
- Monday – Friday 7:00 am to 4:00 pm (16 Weeks) = 492 hours + 40 hours exams
- Affordable Course Fee
- Instructor : TBD
Important Dates:
Upcoming Classes:
2601 Fire – 1/5/2026 – 4/13/2026
Application Period – 9/15/25 – 10/24/2025
Orientation #1 (Fire) 11/14/2025 – 10:00AM
Orientation #2 (Fire) 12/17/2025 – 10:00AM
Fire I & II – 1/5/2026-4/13/2026
Class Time: Mon. – Fri. 7:00 am – 4:00pm
(7 hour class day with 1 hour of PT & 1 hour lunch break)
Fire I – 1/5/2026 – 2/12/2026 (2/12/26 is a 2-hour day)
Fire II –2/13/2026 – 4/13/2026
Holidays/Days off- 1/19/2026, 3/20/2026-(Shift Day), 4/3/2026
Final Exam Practical – 4/15/2026
Practical State Exam (State Fire College) – 4/21/2026
Written State Exam – 4/29/2026
Graduation – 4/23/2026
Contact Info :
Jeffrey Ziomek, Fire Academy Coordinator
Lisa Merola, Fire Academy Bursar
LisaNM@leeschools.net
The Mission of the Southwest Florida Fire Academy is:
- To offer the highest quality vocational and technical Firefighting & EMS programs.
- To train highly competent recruits.
- To assist our graduates with employment in the fire and emergency medical services.
- To enable certified & employed firefighters and EMTs to upgrade their job skills for career advancement through advanced and specialized training.
- To respond to the educational needs of the citizens, communities, and industries in the Academy’s service area.
- To develop into the highest quality fire & EMS schools in the State of Florida through the implementation of continuous improvements.
The philosophies of the Southwest Florida Fire Academy are:
- To command excellence is to demand excellence.
- Training requires dedication, diligence, and integrity.
- A disciplined learning environment is required in order to better simulate the demeanor necessary to be effective on the job.
- The two types of failure we will never accept are failure to train and failure to learn, for these failures cost lives.
- We teach as if lives depend on us because they do.