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Entry Level Police Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

City of Lauderhill, FL

Police Cadet

Lauderhill, FL · On-site

$74K/yr

The Police Academy prepares the cadet to become an entry-level law enforcement officer in the State of Florida. Employees in this classification perform practical skills and simulated activities that ...

City of Lauderhill

$74K/yr

The Police Academy prepares the cadet to become an entry-level law enforcement officer in the State of Florida. Employees in this classification perform practical skills and simulated activities that ...

City of Coconut Creek

$75K/yr

Performs entry-level specialized work in law enforcement for the Police Department. Work is normally performed under the supervision of a ranking or senior officer; however, a Police Officer is ...

City of Palm Bay, FL

NON-CERTIFIED RECRUIT

Palm Bay, FL · On-site

$1.7K/wk

... ATTEND THE POLICE ACADEMY This is entry level law enforcement work for the purpose of training to become a Police Officer. The primary function of an employee in this classification is to ...

City of Palm Bay

NON-CERTIFIED RECRUIT

Palm Bay, FL

MINIMUM TRAINING & EXPERIENCE THE CITY OF PALM BAY IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR NON-CERTIFIED POLICE OFFICER RECRUITS TO BE SPONSORED TO ATTEND THE POLICE ACADEMY This is entry level law enforcement ...

City of Palm Bay

Communications Officer

Palm Bay, FL

$48K/yr

Newly hired (entry level) employees of the Communication Center may be eligible for a lump sum ... Trains in dispatching the appropriate police units, and/or relays requests to the appropriate ...

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Entry Level Police information

See Florida salary details

$24.3K

$46.4K

$77.3K

How much do entry level police jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level police in Florida is $46,443.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,200.00 and $55,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Police Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Police Officer, you need a high school diploma or GED, completion of police academy training, and knowledge of law enforcement procedures. Familiarity with radio communication systems, report-writing software, and law enforcement databases is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help officers effectively serve and protect the community. These skills and qualities ensure officers can uphold the law, respond to emergencies, and build trust within the community.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level police officers during their first year on the job?

Entry level police officers often encounter challenges such as adapting to shift work, handling stressful or unpredictable situations, and learning to apply law enforcement procedures in real-world scenarios. Building effective communication skills with both colleagues and the public is essential, as is balancing enforcement duties with community relations. Officers are also expected to quickly master report writing and legal documentation, all while working under close supervision and receiving ongoing training.

What are entry level police officers?

Entry level police officers are individuals who have recently been hired by a law enforcement agency and are beginning their careers in policing. They are typically responsible for basic law enforcement duties such as patrolling assigned areas, responding to calls for service, writing reports, and assisting the public. Entry level officers usually undergo training at a police academy before starting fieldwork, where they learn about criminal law, procedures, and community relations. As they gain experience, they may have opportunities for advancement within the department.

What is the difference between Entry Level Police vs Correctional Officer?

AspectEntry Level PoliceCorrectional Officer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, police academy trainingHigh school diploma or GED, correctional officer training
Work EnvironmentPatrol, crime scenes, community interactionPrison facilities, detention centers
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, police departmentsCorrectional facilities, prisons
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Police officers and Correctional Officers both require similar credentials and work in related environments within law enforcement. While police officers focus on patrolling and community safety, correctional officers manage inmates in detention facilities. Both roles serve the criminal justice system but differ in daily responsibilities and work settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Police jobs in Florida? The most popular types of Police jobs in Florida are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Police jobs in Florida? For Entry Level Police jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Police jobs in Florida look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Police jobs in Florida are:
What cities in Florida are hiring for Entry Level Police jobs? Cities in Florida with the most Entry Level Police job openings:
Entry Level Police jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Police job openings in Florida as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,443 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

Police Officer I

City of Panama City, FL

Panama City, FL • On-site

$51K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Salary : $51,958.40 Annually
Location : Panama City, FL
Job Type: Full- Time
Job Number: 20260611
Department: Police
Opening Date: 06/11/2026
Salary: Salary/Hourly wages may be adjusted based upon experience within Step Plan Parameters.
MAJOR FUNCTIONS
The work is performed under the general guidance and leadership of the Chief of Police. It is general non-supervisory police work, in the entry-level police officer classification, that protects life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances.
This is an emergency essential position that requires performance of emergency duties and actions to prepare, repair, and recover the City before, during, and after any adverse storm events (hurricane, tornado, tropical storm, winter storm, ice storm, etc.) or other conditions (natural or manmade).
Any omissions, falsifications, misstatements, or misrepresentations of the information provided may disqualify the applicant.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.
  • Available to work rotating shifts.
  • Patrol a designated area of the City of Panama City to preserve the peace, prevent and discover criminal acts and enforce traffic regulations.
  • Answer calls and complaints involving drunkenness, domestic disputes, fires, thefts, traffic crashes and other felonies and misdemeanors.
  • Responsible for being knowledgeable of the crime problem in the assigned work area and developing strategies to combat the problem.
  • Administer first aid, make preliminary investigations, identify, protect and collect physical evidence, locate witnesses and make arrests.
  • Interview complainants and witnesses to obtain information about crimes.
  • Assist in investigative work.
  • Testify as a witness in court.
  • Patrol school zones and high activity areas when assigned.
  • Direct traffic.
  • Investigate traffic accidents/incidents.
  • Complete assigned paperwork and computer records accurately and in a timely manner.
  • Prepare detailed reports.
  • Provide general information to the public.
  • Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
  • Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively and to determine the proper course of action to be taken.
  • Ability to cope with situations firmly, courteously, tactfully and with respect.
  • Ability to learn the geography of the City of Panama City, and its physical and social characteristics.
  • Ability to learn modern police methods and procedures.
  • Ability to learn and practice applicable laws and ordinances
  • Ability to learn First Aid.
  • Ability to perform sustained acts of physical exertion and endure entire periods of duty under unfavorable conditions.
  • Ability to meet physical requirements and standards.
  • Working knowledge of all department-assigned equipment and maintaining it in serviceable condition.
  • Maintain annual high liability training proficiency and State of Florida law enforcement certification requirements.
  • Skilled in the care and use of a computer and associated software.
  • Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing to the public, team members, and supervisors.
  • Ability to establish and maintain professional, cooperative, team-focused and effective relationships with team members, other agencies, other departments, leaders and the general public.
  • 24-hour availability to respond as directed or requested.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Must be at least 19 years of age.
  • Must be a citizen of the United States.
  • Must be a high school graduate or its equivalent.
  • Must have never received a dishonorable discharge from any of the Armed Forces of the United States.
  • Must be a certified Law Enforcement Officer in the State of Florida in accordance with F.S.S. 943.13.
  • Must possess a valid Class E state driver's license and have a satisfactory driving history.
  • Must have no convictions for any felony, perjury, false statement, or domestic violence (other arrest histories are reviewed on a case-by-case basis).
  • Must have no DUI conviction within five years of application.
  • Must have no pending criminal charges.
  • Meet all minimum hiring standards to include but not limited to - Computer Voice Stress Analysis (CVSA) truth verification, written testing, oral review board, completion of a background investigation and physical ability test, psychological exam, pre-employment physical and firearms qualification.
  • Applicants should truthfully complete the questions on the City Employment application.
  • Must complete all Field Training requirements.
  • Successful completion of a one-year probationary period.
  • Must maintain a minimum score of 80% or better on annual evaluations.
  • Maintain ability and proficiency to operate department vehicles, assigned firearms and equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Essential Physical Activities:
  • Occasionally
    • Working on uneven or slippery surfaces.
    • Ability to Lift/Carry: 50+ lbs., Push/Pull: 50+ lbs.

  • Frequently
    • Walking, standing, bending, running, climbing, squatting, twisting/turning, balancing, reach above shoulder, kneeling, and crawling.
    • Fine Motor Skills, type/keyboard functions, prolonged periods of visual concentration and moderate levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
    • Able to restrain, lift and/or carry adults of varying weights.
    • Ability to defend oneself from physical assault and/or attack.

  • Constantly
    • Requires the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing utilizing Standard English.
    • Ability to hear (with or without hearing aid).
    • acceptable eyesight (with or without correction) and/or signal people to convey and exchange information; differentiate between colors or shades of color, read a variety of materials, and comprehend.
    • Ability to apply problem-solving
    • Ability to deal with people/general public beyond giving and receiving instructions.
    • Must be adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with emergency, unusual or dangerous situations, or in situations requiring sustained attention or physical exertion.

Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • The employee may become exposed to radiant and electrical energy sources as well as grease, oils, solvents or chemicals, dust, and noise.
  • Frequent exposure to both indoor and outdoor environments, contact with the public, as well as a variety of environmental, climate, weather, and terrain conditions.
  • Subject to varied work hours, overtime and recall during emergencies as essential personnel.

Risk/Safety Conditions:
The position involves a significant degree of inherent danger and risk, as well as tension being a consistent part of the job.
DISCLAIMER
These are intended only as illustrations of various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.
The City of Panama City is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative/ Action Employer
Panama City Offers a complete benefits package to all full time employees. Below is a list of the benefits offered by the City.
For more detailed information about the benefits please reach out to the Human Resources Department.
WORK/ LIFE INTEGRATION
  • 12 Days of Paid Time Off
  • 12 Days of Paid Sick leave- 6 may be used for family
  • 12 Days of Paid Holidays
  • Birthday Leave
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Military Leave
  • Social Event Outings
  • Employee Assistance Program
HEALTH & WELLNESS
  • Medical Benefits-Team Member (ZERO cost option available)
  • Family Member Benefits available (City supplemented premium)
  • Dental Benefits (Premium paid in FULL for Team Members)
  • Orthodontic coverage for children (under 19)
  • Vision Benefits
  • Blood Drives (ADDITIONAL Paid Time Off for participation)
  • Wellness Incentive Program
  • Health Savings Account/ Medical FSA
FINANCIAL WELLNESS
  • General Employee Retirement Pension Fund (10% of annual compensation)
  • Access to Professional Financial Advisory Services
  • City Paid Life Insurance and AD&D ($50,000)
  • Additional Life and AD&D coverage available for employees, spouse, and Children
  • Short-term Disability (Paid in FULL by City)
  • Long-term Disability (Paid in FULL by City)
  • Accidental Insurance
  • Critical Illness Insurance
  • Education Assistance Program/ Tuition Reimbursement
  • Job Stability & Security

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