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Entry Level Sheriff Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Sheriff information

See Florida salary details

$63.1K

$84.4K

$116.6K

How much do entry level sheriff jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level sheriff in Florida is $84,353.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,200.00 and $90,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level sheriff do?

An entry level sheriff is responsible for maintaining law and order within a county, enforcing local and state laws, and providing security in courts. Typical duties include patrolling assigned areas, responding to emergency calls, serving legal documents, and assisting with investigations. Entry level sheriffs may also transport prisoners, conduct traffic stops, and participate in community outreach programs. This position often serves as a starting point for a career in law enforcement, with opportunities for advancement based on experience and performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level sheriff, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Sheriff, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, law enforcement academy training, and a solid understanding of criminal law and public safety procedures. Familiarity with police databases, radio communication systems, and incident reporting software is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, integrity, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help you effectively interact with the community and handle stressful situations. These skills are crucial for ensuring public safety, upholding the law, and building trust within the community.

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

Entry-level sheriffs often encounter challenges adjusting to shift work, handling high-pressure situations, and building trust within the communities they serve. They must quickly learn to balance enforcing the law with demonstrating empathy and professionalism, especially when dealing with sensitive or confrontational incidents. Additionally, adapting to the structured chain of command and collaborating effectively with more experienced colleagues can be a learning curve, but support and ongoing training are typically provided to help new sheriffs succeed.

What is the difference between Entry Level Sheriff vs Entry Level Deputy?

AspectEntry Level SheriffEntry Level Deputy
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, basic law enforcement trainingHigh school diploma or GED, basic law enforcement training
Work EnvironmentCounty or city law enforcement agencies, rural or urban areasCounty or city law enforcement agencies, rural or urban areas
Employer & Industry UsageCounty sheriff's offices, law enforcement agenciesPolice departments, sheriff's offices, law enforcement agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Sheriffs and Entry Level Deputies often share similar qualifications, work environments, and employer types. Both roles typically require basic law enforcement training and serve in county or city agencies. The main difference lies in terminology and jurisdiction, with sheriffs often overseeing county-wide law enforcement and deputies working under sheriff offices. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers identify the right entry point in law enforcement careers.

How long would it take to become an entry level sheriff?

Becoming an entry-level sheriff typically requires completing a police academy training program, which usually lasts several months, and gaining relevant law enforcement experience, often through prior roles such as a deputy or correctional officer. The total time can range from 1 to 3 years depending on the individual's background and the specific department's requirements.

How to become an entry level sheriff?

To become an entry-level sheriff, candidates typically need to meet minimum age and education requirements, pass a background check, complete law enforcement training at a certified academy, and obtain relevant certifications such as a peace officer license. Prior experience in law enforcement or related fields can be beneficial, and candidates must often pass physical and written exams. Once qualified, applicants can apply for sheriff's office positions and undergo on-the-job training.

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

The most popular types of Sheriff jobs in Florida are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Sheriff jobs in Florida?

For Entry Level Sheriff jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Sheriff jobs in Florida look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Sheriff jobs in Florida are:

Entry Level Sheriff jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Sheriff job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $84,353 per year, or $40.6 per hour.

Deputy Sheriff

Panama City, FL • On-site

Bay County Sheriff's Office
Police Protection • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Bay County Sheriff's Officeexternal

$57K - $86K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Salary : $57,750.00 - $86,468.32 Annually
Location : Bay County Sheriff's Office, FL
Job Type: Full-Time Sworn Law Enforcement
Employment Hub: Bay County Sheriff's Office
Division: Field Services Division
Opening Date: 01/21/2026
FLSA: Determined by Position
The Bay County Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, religion, or any other legally protected characteristic.
General Description
This position performs essential law enforcement and crime prevention functions to protect life, property, and public order. This role involves proactive patrol, enforcement of state and local laws, and timely response to calls for service, providing meaningful opportunities to serve the community with professionalism, integrity, purpose and compassion.
The entry level compensation for this position is $57,750 ($57,200 + $550 Retention/Longevity Pay), commensurate with experience.
Illustrative Duties
  • Patrols a designated area of Bay County to preserve the peace, prevent and discover criminal acts and to enforce the traffic laws of the State of Florida.
  • Respond to calls for service, including but not limited to complaints involving drunkenness, domestic disturbances, fires, theft, as well as other felony and misdemeanor violations of law.
  • Administers first aid at scenes of motor vehicle crashes as well as to sick and injured persons.
  • Conduct preliminary investigations, including but not limited to, protesting and collecting physical evidence, interviewing complainants, witnesses and suspects involved in crimes.
  • Prepares a variety of written reports concerning involvements in the duties assigned.
  • Prepares criminal complaints to initiate the arrest of law violators.
  • Initiates arrest of law violators.
  • Involved in traffic control as well as the investigation of motor vehicle crashes.
  • Provides advice and general information to the public.
  • Make interpretations of state law and county ordinances.
  • Assists Local, State and Federal Law Enforcement agencies as well as other Divisions of the Bay County Sheriff's Office.
NOTE: These are illustrative duties. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
Work Schedule
This position requires Deputies to work the "Panama Schedule," a 24/7 rotating 12-hour shift. The schedule follows a 2-2-3 pattern-two work days, two days off, three work days-rotating with the opposite pattern in a 14-day cycle. Shifts rotate between day and night every two months, ensuring consistent coverage and equal opportunities for all platoons assigned to Field Services.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Minimum 19 years of age or older.
  • Graduation from high school or possession of an accredited equivalency diploma.
  • Certified as a Law Enforcement Officer in the State of Florida through Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC).
  • Be of good moral character.

Supplemental Information
Qualified applicants will be required to pass a physical abilities test and a written examination to advance in the selection process.
Candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment must then successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation, Computer Voice Stress Analyzer (CVSA), psychological evaluation, and drug screening.
The Bay County Sheriff's Office offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support the health, financial security, and professional growth of its members. These benefits reflect the agency's commitment to employee well-being, work-life balance, and long-term career development, ensuring personnel are equipped to serve the community effectively while planning confidently for the future.
Benefits include:
  • Special Risk Retirement through
  • $150,000 intentional act death, $50,000 occupational accidental death and $50,000 fresh pursuit/response to emergency accidental death insurance.
  • Eleven paid 8-hour holidays per year.
  • Twelve paid 8-hour sick leave days per year.
  • Twelve paid 8-hour vacation days per year.
  • Seventeen paid military days per year.
  • Major medical coverage (including family), 70% paid by BCSO. Optional cafeteria plan (Tax deferred insurance deductions). Optional additional insurance coverage.
  • Worker's Compensation coverage.
  • Paid membership for the Florida Deputy Sheriff's Association to include legal representation.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential, no-cost support for employees and eligible dependents, including counseling services; stress management; family and relationship support; legal and financial consultations; mediation services; substance abuse assistance; and resources for managing life changes and personal crises.
  • Peer Support Program (CISM): Access to the Bay County Critical Incident Stress Management Team, providing confidential peer support to help employees effectively manage the personal and professional stresses associated with public safety service.
  • Employee Health Clinic / Sick Bay: Access to the BCSO Employee Health Clinic (Sick Bay) for employees and eligible dependents covered under the Florida Sheriffs Health Plan. The clinic provides convenient primary care services, including annual physical exams and treatment for common illnesses and minor injuries such as colds, flu, sinus infections, sprains, and minor fractures. Services are typically available Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Education Assistance / Tuition Reimbursement: Tuition assistance for accredited college coursework, covering up to 12 semester credit hours (or 15 quarter hours) per year, with reimbursement levels of 100%, 90%, or 80% based on eligibility.
  • Educational and Advanced Training Incentive Pay: Received up to $120/months ($1,440/annually) for eligible education and training categories below, individually or in combination:
    • Educational Incentive Pay: $30 per month ($360 annually) for an associate degree or $80 per month ($960 annually) for a bachelor's degree through an accredited college.
    • Advanced Training Incentive: up to $240 annually for every 80 hours of approved advanced training completed, up to 480 hours, for a maximum incentive of $120 per month / $1440 annually.
  • Wellness Incentive Program
  • 24/7 Fitness Access: Free, around-the-clock access to agency gym facilities.
  • Uniforms and equipment furnished.
  • Take home vehicle provided after completion of Field Training.
  • Annual retention bonus of $500 and longevity bonus up to $500, both reflected in starting pay breakdown.
  • Extra-Duty Employment Opportunities: Eligible employees may participate in approved extra-duty assignments upon successful completion of the Field Training Program, with compensation starting at $50+ per hour.
  • Career Opportunities & Advancement: The Bay County Sheriff's Office offers a wide range of career paths designed to match individual interests, skills, and long-term goals. Deputies may pursue assignments across multiple divisions, including Community Services, Field Services, Criminal and Special Investigations (Vice / Narcotics), Warrants and Court Services, Civil Division, Support Services (IT), and Professional Compliance (Training). Members may also compete for selection into specialized units such as Aviation, K-9, SWAT, Marine, Dive Team, Traffic Homicide Investigations, Crisis Negotiation, sUAS Unit, Honor Guard, Mobile Field Force, and Incident Management / Emergency Response Team. The agency supports professional growth through specialty duty incentive pay, supervisory and leadership development opportunities, and clearly defined promotional pathways, allowing employees to build a challenging and rewarding law enforcement career.
  • Covered under Career Protection Act.

The Bay County Sheriff's Office offers a wide range of employee benefits. Click to learn more about our Benefits.
01
Have you graduated or are you currently enrolled in a Law Enforcement academy or EOT Course (out of state LEO) ?
  • Graduated from Law Enforcement Academy or EOT Course
  • Enrolled in a Florida Law Enforcement Academy or EOT Course
  • NOT ENROLLED or HAVE NOT graduated from a Florida Law Enforcement Academy or EOT Course

02
Are you certified in Florida as a Law Enforcement Officer through Criminal Justice Standards & Training Commission (CJSTC)?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Have you ever been convicted of a felony?
  • Yes
  • No

04
If you have been convicted of a felony, please provide specific details for each occurrence including: 1) Date; 2) Location; 3) Charge and a description of the offense; 4) Penalty/Disposition. If this is not applicable, please type "NA" in the box below.
Required Question

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