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Detention Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

GEO Corrections & Detentions

DETENTION OFFICER

Sanderson, FL · On-site

$33K - $46K/yr

The Detention Officer oversees and maintains custody, care, and control of detainees of a facility, while enforcing the rules, regulations, policies, and procedures of the company and contracting ...

The GEO Group

AIR DETENTION OFFICER

Opa Locka, FL · On-site

$30.77/hr

The Air Detention Officer serves as a part of a security crew providing charter aircraft services and is responsible for ensuring the general security and safety of all noncitizen and crew when on ...

Flagler County Sheriff's Office

FL · On-site

The position of Detention Deputy is responsible for maintaining physical custody and control of inmates within the Flagler County Inmate Facility. This individual is responsible for receiving and ...

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Detention information

See Florida salary details

$19.1K

$37.5K

$59.4K

How much do detention jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for detention in Florida is $37,480.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29,900.00 and $41,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a detention officer?

Detention officers are professionals responsible for overseeing individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or serving a short sentence in a detention facility or jail. Their duties include maintaining order and security, supervising inmates, conducting inspections, and ensuring that inmates' rights and needs are met according to the law. Detention officers also assist with booking procedures, transportation of inmates, and responding to emergencies within the facility. They play a crucial role in upholding safety and order within correctional environments.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a detention officer?

To thrive as a Detention Officer, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, knowledge of correctional procedures, and often completion of specialized training or certification. Familiarity with security systems, surveillance equipment, and incident reporting software is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, stress management, and sound judgment are crucial for maintaining safety and order. These skills and qualities are important to ensure the safety of staff and inmates, enforce regulations, and respond effectively to emergencies in a correctional facility.

What challenges do detention officers face and how can they be managed?

Detention officers often encounter challenges such as managing inmate behavior, maintaining safety and security, and handling high-stress situations. Effective communication, strong observational skills, and adherence to established protocols are essential for addressing these challenges. Regular training, teamwork, and support from supervisors also help officers respond appropriately and maintain a safe environment for both staff and inmates.

What is the difference between Detention vs Correction Officer?

AspectDetentionCorrection Officer
CertificationsBasic security or detention certificationsSecurity, detention, or correctional certifications
Work EnvironmentJails, detention centers, holding facilitiesPrisons, correctional facilities, detention centers
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, detention centersPrison systems, correctional institutions
Job FocusSupervising detainees, maintaining securitySupervising inmates, enforcing rules, security

Detention officers primarily supervise detainees in holding facilities, focusing on security and safety. Correction officers work in prisons or correctional facilities, overseeing inmates and enforcing rules. While both roles involve security and supervision, detention officers typically handle short-term detainees, whereas correction officers manage long-term inmates in correctional settings.

Do you need a degree to be a detention officer?

A degree is not typically required to become a detention officer, but applicants usually need a high school diploma or equivalent. Additional training, background checks, and certifications in areas like first aid or CPR are often necessary for employment in detention facilities.

Is becoming a detention officer hard?

Becoming a detention officer involves completing required training, passing background checks, and often obtaining certifications such as CPR or first aid. The job can be physically and emotionally demanding, requiring strong communication skills and the ability to handle stressful situations. Overall, it requires dedication and adherence to strict protocols but is achievable with proper preparation.

What are the most commonly searched types of Detention jobs in Florida?

The most popular types of Detention jobs in Florida are:

What cities in Florida are hiring for Detention jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Detention job openings:

Detention jobs near you
Infographic showing various Detention job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $37,480 per year, or $18 per hour.

Detention Deputy

Hernando County Sheriff's Office

Brooksville, FL • On-site

$60K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

***Deputy positions REQUIRE a state certification or current participation in a Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (Law Enforcement/Correctional Academy) Non Certified candidates should apply for Cadet positions***
HERNANDO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
AL NIENHUIS, SHERIFF
JOB TITLE: DETENTION DEPUTY
BUREAU: JUDICIAL SERVICES/DETENTION
SUPERVISED BY: SERGEANT OR DESIGNEE
PAY GRADE: 52S CREATED:
FLSA STATUS : Non-Exempt EDITED:
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS:
The responsibility of the Operations Detention Deputy is the security and integrity of the facility, which includes prevention of escape, injury to the staff, or injury to inmates. Due to the classification status of inmates housed in the housing units of the Hernando County Detention Center, extreme caution must be exercised during the normal discharge of duties. The Operations Detention Deputy works in close coordination with the Operations Control Room Member and the Shift Supervisor. The duties of the Operations Deputy assigned to directly supervise inmates housed in this section, including visitation, meals, phone calls, linen and uniform exchanges, movement of inmates and recreation. Operations Deputy reports directly to the Operations Corporal assigned by the Operations Sergeant.
[NOTE]: These examples are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
  • The on-coming Operations Detention Deputy, assigned to the area will conduct a head count, in accordance with agency policies, ensuring that visual confirmation of a human torso is the only confirmation of the inmate's presence
  • All activities, emergencies, inmate movements, video visitation, recreation, programs, and incident reports will be noted in the Hernando County Sheriff's Office (HCSO)approved Jail Management System (JMS).
  • In the event an inmate is identified as a "Special Needs Inmate," per Florida Model Jail Standards, the Housing Detention Deputy will visually monitor inmate activity at a minimum of every fifteen (15) minutes and record such activity in the JMS.
  • Supervise the distribution of inmate meals and exercise control over the trays, utensils and cup/milk cartons to ensure accountability.
  • Responsible for the proper recreation of the inmates in accordance with established policy and procedures.
  • Escort and standby with any Medical personnel for the distribution of medications and any emergency situations in which medical assistance is required.
  • Responsible for the proper control and use of security keys or any security equipment assigned.
  • Responsible for the cleanliness of the housing unit.
  • Keep control of razors and issue razors to inmates at designated times, in accordance with designated procedures.
  • Collect outgoing mail between 2345 and 0045 hours daily. Verify the name and return address on each letter with the inmate ID card. Screen mail in accordance with Paragraph 9.03, Section (C) of Florida Model Jail Standards (FMJS) and established Hernando County Sheriff's Office Detention Directives
  • Deliver mail to the control center or mailroom, whichever is appropriate.
  • Conduct random and periodic searches of the housing area for the purpose of control of contraband, weapons, and prohibited items.
  • Pat down and/or search every inmate who leaves or returns to the housing unit.
  • Be well versed in the proper use of the radio, telephone, intercom system and emergency alarm system.
  • Perform additional duties as directed by higher authority.

QUALIFICATIONS:
A. Training and Experience:
  • The applicant must be an FDLE certified Corrections Officer.
  • Possess a Valid Florida Driver License.

B. Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:
  • Knowledge of the application of Agency Detention Directives and detention practices.
  • Knowledge of first aid practices.
  • Knowledge of CPR
  • Ability to understand oral and written instructions.
  • Ability to react quickly and calmly in an emergency.
  • Ability to work closely with others in a team.
  • Ability to prepare and present clear, accurate, concise and objective written and oral reports.
  • Ability to enforce the law, with use of control matrix, tact and impartiality and to deal courteously with peers, officers and the public.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS:
  • Ability to maintain an above average physical condition and to be able to physically maintain control of an inmate.
  • 20/20 Vision (Corrected)
  • Ability to crawl ten yards
  • Ability to drag or lift or carry 150 pounds 25
  • Ability to run 100 yards unassisted
  • Ability to deal with and fend off verbal assaults
  • Ability to walk unassisted
  • Hearing: normal language level (assisted/unassisted)
  • Manual dexterity
  • Normal color perception

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