If you are looking for a correctional officer job in Florida, you’re in luck! The Sunshine State is home to some of the best correctional officer jobs in the country.
In this article, we will discuss the top 7 correctional officer jobs in Florida.
We will also take a look at some of the best facilities and agencies to work for in the state.
So whether you are just starting your career as a correctional officer or you are looking for a new challenge, read on for the best jobs in Florida!
About Correctional Officer Jobs in Florida
Before we dive into the best correctional officer jobs in Florida, let’s take a quick look at what this career entails.
Correctional officers are responsible for overseeing inmates in prisons, jails, and other correctional facilities.
They ensure that inmates abide by the rules and regulations of the facility, and they also provide security to these facilities.
It is a challenging and demanding job, but it can also be very rewarding.
If you are interested in becoming a correctional officer, make sure to do your research and find a facility that is the right fit for you.
Now let’s take a look at the best correctional officer jobs in Florida!
The Top 7+ Correctional Officer Jobs in Florida
As we mentioned earlier, Florida is home to some of the best correctional officer jobs in the country.
If you are interested in working as a CO, there are many great facilities and agencies to choose from!
Here are our top picks:
1. Florida Department of Corrections
The Florida Department of Corrections (FDOC) is the state agency responsible for overseeing all correctional facilities in Florida.
FDOC employs more than 20,000 correctional officers across the state.
Founded in 1821 as part of the Territorial Government Act, FDOC has grown into one of the largest corrections agencies in America today!
With over 100 correctional facilities under its jurisdiction, there is always a need for more correctional officers.
The department offers competitive wages and excellent benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid vacation days.
The FDOC also offers excellent training and career development opportunities.
If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career as a correctional officer, the FDOC is a great place to start.
Learn more about the Florida Department of Corrections by visiting their official website.
Notable State-run facilities that hire qualified correctional officers:
- – Apalachee Correctional Institution
- – Baker Correctional Institution
- – Bay County Jail
- – Blackwater River Correctional Facility
- – Brevard County Detention Center
- – Broward Transitional Center
- – Calhoun Correctional Institution
- – Charlotte CI
- – Clay County Jail
- – Columbia Correctional Institution
- – Cooke Corrections Center
- – Cross City Correction Institute
- Dade Correctional Institution
- Daytona Beach Work Release Center
- DeSoto Annex Prison Camp
- – Florida State Prison
- – Reception and Medical Center
- – Lowell Correctional Institution
- – Lancaster Correctional Facility
- – Central Florida Correctional Institution
- – Santa Rosa Correctional Institution
Requirements include being at least 18 years of age, having a high school diploma or equivalent, and passing the FDOC’s physical abilities test.
2. Hillsborough County Sheriff Office
The Hillsborough County Jail is located in Tampa, Florida, and is operated by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
This facility is one of the largest jails in the state, with an inmate population of over 2000.
The Hillsborough County sheriff’s office offers a number of great benefits to its employees, including competitive wages and excellent benefits.
They also offer training programs that will help you succeed in your career as a correctional officer!
If you’re interested in applying for a job at HCSO, you can visit their website to learn more about how they hire correctional officers.
3. Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Located in the Tampa Bay area, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is one of Florida’s largest law enforcement agencies.
They are responsible for operating and managing several jails throughout their jurisdiction including: Pinellas County Jail (PCJ) which has over 600 inmates; South Detention Center (SDC); North Detention Center(NTC).
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office also manages many other facilities such as: East Lake Correctional Facility (ELCF), West Bay Jail(WBJ), and the Pinellas County Jail Annex (PCJA).
They offer competitive wages and excellent benefits to their officers including health insurance, retirement plans, paid vacation time off days.
The requirements to become a correctional officer at one of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office facilities are:
- – Must be a U.S citizen or have legal work status in Florida.
- – Be eligible to receive your high school diploma by passing an equivalency exam (GED).
- – At least 18 years old with no previous felonies convictions on record before employment.
- – Possess a valid driver’s license.
- – Pass a written exam, physical abilities test, and complete an oral interview.
For more information on how to become a correctional officer with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office visit their website.
4. Pasco County Sheriff’s Office
Located in Land O’Lakes, Florida, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office operates out of a single building known as the West Pasco Judicial Center.
In addition to operating correctional facilities for pretrial inmates, sentenced inmates, and work release inmates, this agency also has a special investigations division that handles crimes against children.
To become a correctional officer at the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office you must have a high school diploma or GED, and pass a background check.
No prior work experience is required to apply for correctional officer jobs with this agency.
Those who are hired will be paid a competitive salary while they attend both on-the-job training and formal academy classes.
The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office is a great place to work for those who want to become correctional officers.
In addition to a competitive salary and benefits package, this agency also offers ample opportunity for career growth.
If you are interested in learning more about how to become a correctional officer with the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, visit their website for more information.
5. Polk County Sheriff’s Office
Serving a population of more than 600,000 people, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office is one of the largest law enforcement agencies in Florida.
PCSO offers a wide range of career opportunities for correctional officers, including road patrol deputies, detectives, school resource officers, and more.
In addition to a competitive salary and benefits package, PCSO also offers employees plenty of opportunities for training, education, and advancement.
Requirements to become a corrections officer in Polk County include:
- U.S. citizenship or permanent residency
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Possess a valid Florida driver’s license
- Be at least 18 years of age
- successfully complete a criminal history background check
- Valid Florida driver’s license and good driving record
If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding career in corrections, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office is a great place to start.
6. Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office
Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for law enforcement and corrections in one of the most beautiful areas of the state.
The SCSO offers a wide range of career opportunities for corrections professionals, from Deputy Sheriffs to Correctional Officers.
The agency is also committed to providing its employees with top-notch training and development programs.
If you’re looking for a correctional officer job in Florida that offers competitive wages and great benefits, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is an excellent option.
7. Manatee County Sheriff’s office
Located in Bradenton, FL, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for law enforcement and corrections in one of the fastest-growing counties in the state.
Career opportunities are available in a wide range of areas, including corrections, dispatch, deputy sheriff, and more.
The agency offers excellent benefits, including medical and dental insurance, a 401k plan, and paid vacation time.
If you’re looking for a correctional officer job in Florida that offers competitive wages and great benefits, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is an excellent option.
You can learn more about the Manatee County Sheriffs’ office by visiting their website.
Other Notable Agencies That Employ Correctional Officers in Florida
- – Coleman Federal Correctional Complex
- – South Bay Correctional Facility
- – Miami Federal Detention Center
- – Bureau of Prisons, Orlando Reception and Orientation Center
- – Avon Park Correctional Institution
- – Dade Correctional Institution
- – Everglades Correctional Institution
- – Alachua County Jail
- – Bay County Jail
- – Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center (BCSO)
- – Broward Transitional Center
- – Charlotte County Jail
- – Citrus County Detention Facility (CCDF)
- – Clay County Detention Center
- – Collier County Jail
In Summary
There are many great correctional officer jobs in Florida to choose from. The agencies and facilities listed above offer excellent salaries, benefits, and career advancement opportunities.
If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding career in corrections, one of these agencies is a great place to start.
FAQ About Becoming a Correctional officer in Florida
Below are some frequently asked questions about becoming a correctional officer in Florida:
What is the salary of a correctional officer in Florida?
State correctional officers’ starting salary is around $38,750+ as of this writing. When you include overtime pay, promotion, and many other factors, COs in Florida can make up to $50k+ per year.
What are the requirements to become a correctional officer in Florida?
In order to become a correctional officer in Florida, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, have a high school diploma or equivalent, possess a valid Florida driver’s license, and successfully complete a criminal history background check.
Are there any age restrictions for becoming a correctional officer in Florida?
Applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply for a correctional officer position in Florida.
How much do correctional officers make per hour?
Correctional officers in Florida make an average of $19.26+/hour as of this writing, according to Indeed data.
What is the training like for becoming a correctional officer in Florida?
Correctional officer training in Florida is approximately 184 hours and typically takes place at a regional law enforcement training academy.
What are the benefits of becoming a correctional officer in Florida?
Benefits for correctional officers employed by the state of Florida include health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, paid time off, a retirement plan, and more.
How hard is the physical ability test for correctional officer positions in Florida?
The physical abilities test for correctional officer positions in Florida includes items such as a timed obstacle course, running, and lifting/carrying weights.
What is the interview process like for becoming a correctional officer in Florida?
The interview process typically includes an evaluation of an applicant’s criminal history, driving record, employment history, and more. The interviewer will also ask questions regarding the applicant’s ability to work in a correctional facility, their education, and previous work experience.
What are the steps to becoming a correctional officer in Florida?
The first step is finding job openings for correctional officers at the state or county facility you want to work for.
The second step is submitting your application materials and attending the interview if selected for one.
The third step is completing a physical abilities test and background check as required by the agency or facility you are applying to work for.
What do correctional officers wear in Florida?
Correctional officers in Florida wear uniforms that include khaki pants and shirts with a badge on their chest, along with black boots or shoes. They may also have on a ballistic vest while on duty.
What is the work schedule for correctional officers in Florida?
The majority of correctional officer shifts in Florida are either eight or twelve hours long, and officers may be required to work weekends, holidays, and nights.
How many vacation days do correctional officers receive in Florida?
Correctional officers in Florida receive up to 12 days of paid vacation time after their first year of employment.
Do correctional officers work with inmates in Florida?
Yes, correctional officers work with inmates on a daily basis to maintain security and order within the facility. They may also be responsible for conducting inmate counts, providing escort services, and more.
What is the best correctional officer job in Florida?
It’s difficult to say which correctional facility is the best to work for because each one has different requirements, benefits, and more.
What can I do with a degree in criminal justice or criminology while working as a correctional officer in Florida?
A degree in criminal justice or criminology can help you move up the ranks in your correctional officer career and may also lead to other law enforcement opportunities.
What is the job outlook for correctional officers in Florida?
The job outlook for correctional officers in Florida is positive, with many agencies and facilities looking to hire new officers.
