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Entry Level Sheriff Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

City of Palm Bay

Communications Officer

Palm Bay, FL · On-site

$48K/yr

Newly hired (entry level) employees of the Communication Center may be eligible for a lump sum ... County Sheriff's Department, Highway Patrol, wildlife services, animal control, etc. Hours of ...

All JobsSheriff JobsEntry Level Sheriff JobsEntry Level Sheriff Jobs in Florida

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 6, 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 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 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.

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 officer. The total time can range from 1 to 3 years depending on the individual's background and the specific requirements of the jurisdiction.

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 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, and complete law enforcement training through a police academy or similar program. Some jurisdictions may require prior experience in law enforcement or related fields and obtaining relevant certifications such as CPR or first aid can be beneficial.

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 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 82% Full Time, and 18% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $84,353 per year, or $40.6 per hour.

Part Time Deputy Sheriff

Polk County Sheriff's Office

Winter Haven, FL

Other

Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago

Polk County Sheriff's Office (Florida) rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

37th of 44 rated police

Job description

Position Concept

The Part-Time Deputy Sheriff performs a variety of duties and tasks related to the protection of life, limb and property. The Part-Time Deputy Sheriff is a paid part-time Law Enforcement Officer appointed by the Sheriff. The Part-Time Deputy Sheriff is a sworn member who possesses all the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities incumbent upon the position of an entry level deputy sheriff.

The most important and essential job function of the position is attitude which includes the following: interacting positively and cooperating with co-workers, responding politely to customers, working as a team member, functioning under intense time pressure and responding in a positive manner to supervision.

The Part-Time Deputy Sheriff may perform other related duties and tasks, as required and shall have the physical, mental and emotional abilities to perform the essential job duties of the position.

Employee Benefits
  • Direct Deposit, Bi-Weekly Pay Checks
  • FRS Retirement
  • Free Employee Gym
Essential Functions
  • Testify at trials, hearings, Grand juries
  • Testify at deposition
  • Serve subpoenas
  • Serve injunctions for protection
  • Serve Baker Acts - court ordered
  • Prepare original/supplemental reports
  • Maintain issued equipment
  • Maintain firearms
  • Inspect and maintain patrol vehicle
  • Maintain attendance records
  • File complaint affidavits/notice to appear
  • Review Statutes, Ordinances, directives
  • Review *BOLOs, requests, agreements
  • Maintain personal notes
  • Maintain gas log
  • Maintain, review manuals and files
  • Prepare correspondence
  • Collect latent fingerprints
  • Photograph persons, evidence
  • Confiscate vehicles or property
  • Secure evidence
  • Seize or confiscate illegal substances
  • Secure found or acquired property
  • Interview victims/witnesses/informants
  • Interview suspects
  • Complete field interrogation reports
  • Investigate crimes against the state
  • Investigate property crimes
  • Initiate persons crimes investigation
  • Initiate death investigation
  • Search buildings or grounds
  • Conduct active patrol in assigned area
  • Conduct frisk or pat down search
  • Pursue vehicles
  • Respond to rescue situations
  • Conduct felony stop
  • Respond to bomb threats
  • Respond to civil unrest or riots
  • Counsel persons involved in disputes
  • Respond to alarm calls
  • Conduct self-initiated arrest
  • Control disorderly or irate persons
  • Serve arrest warrant
  • Transport inmate or arrestee
  • Locate or retrieve body
  • Examine abandoned vehicles
  • Establish field informants
  • Escort funeral
  • Conduct dwelling/ground check
  • Provide information and referrals
  • Investigate/isolate hazardous materials
  • Assist special needs persons
  • Assist other agencies
  • Warn citizens of environmental dangers
  • Provide security for special functions
  • Conduct traffic stop/operate controls
  • Conduct DUI investigations
  • Conduct parking enforcement
  • Conduct traffic crash investigation
Education, Professional Certification or License
  • High School or GED
  • Valid Florida driver's license
  • State of Florida, Basic Recruit, Certificate of Compliance after completion of training in accordance with *CJSTC
  • Successful maintenance of proficiency in all mandatory in-service training as delineated in General Order 33.5
  • Successful completion of the Polk County Sheriff's Office Street Training Evaluation Program
Professional Experience
  • Prior law enforcement experience is preferred
Environmental Conditions
  • Work may involve rotating 12 hour shifts
  • Physical acts requiring strength and endurance may be required
  • Works during inclement weather
  • Involves exposure to dangerous and sometimes life threatening situations, events or persons
  • Works under extreme varying degrees of stress
  • Subject to call 24 hours a day
  • Some exposure to morbid crime scenes involving the human body
  • Works with a firearm and other required weapons
  • Works with a great deal of autonomy requiring discretion and field decision-making
  • May have to inflict bodily harm or kill another human being
Knowledge of
  • PCSO policy and procedures
  • Florida State Statutes
  • Criminal Justice System
  • Geographical area
  • Resistance/Control Continuum
  • Radio codes, signals, identifications
  • Case Reporting Manual
  • Manufacture's standards
  • Issue weapon nomenclature
  • Surfaces conducive to fingerprinting
  • Fingerprinting techniques
  • Appearance of fingerprints
  • Camera operation
  • Evidence handling
  • *RICO
  • Types of evidence
  • Evidence collection
  • Illegal substance appearance
  • Narcotics field test procedures
  • Officer safety techniques
  • Case law
  • Domestic violence procedures
  • Child/elderly abuse procedures
  • Specialty team procedures
  • Area characteristics
  • First aid/CPR
  • Crowd control techniques
  • Human anatomy
  • Firearm safety procedures
  • Public safety concerns
  • Building/area search techniques
  • Mobile field force system
  • Defensive techniques
  • Reference data
  • Support units available
  • Community services
  • Referral sources
  • Social and public assistance agencies
  • Abnormal behavior
  • Special function requirements
  • Roadblock equipment
  • Effects of intoxicants/drugs
  • Field sobriety testing
  • Crash investigation
Ability to
  • Draw diagrams
  • Operate public address system
  • Conduct pat down/search for weapons
  • Follow commands
  • Recognize basic signs and causes of death
  • Disassemble and reassemble firearm
  • Comprehend questions
  • Operate a motor vehicle
  • Read and write English
  • Use approved defensive weapons
  • Comprehend instructions
  • Perform minor vehicle maintenance
  • Read gauges and odometers
  • Operate calculator
  • Evaluate
  • Read a map
  • Comprehend
  • Operate camera
  • Operate tape recorder
  • Listen and understand
  • Detect suspicious activity
  • Identify makes and models of vehicles
  • Handle stress
  • Locate vehicle identification number
  • Evaluate credibility and reliability
  • Identify suspicious activity
  • Recognize potential hazard
  • Recognize informative placard or signs
  • Recognize danger or hazard
  • Monitor radio traffic
Skills
  • Basic English grammar
  • Computer
  • Basic mathematical
  • Keyboarding
  • Interpersonal
  • Organizational
  • Basic investigation
  • Interview
  • Observation
  • Tactical driving
  • Tactical communication
  • Basic crime scene processing
  • Weapons proficiency
  • Communications
Physical Requirements
  • Jump
  • Climb
  • Drag/carry 150 lbs.
  • Crawl
  • Bend/squat
  • Lift 150 lbs.
  • Walk
  • Run
  • Sit for long periods
  • Stand for long periods
  • See at normal range or with accommodation
  • Hear at normal level or with accommodation
  • Speak English understandably
  • Sense of smell
  • Manual dexterity
  • Recognize colors
  • Ambulate independently
  • Agility
  • Mobility
  • Withstand chemical odor
  • Strength to loosen lug nuts
  • Full range of motion
  • Steady hands
  • Ability to distinguish colors
  • Upper body strength
  • Endurance
  • Continence
  • Endure climatic extremes
  • Balance
Other
  • *FCIC/NCIC: Florida Crime Information Center/National Crime Information Center
  • FDLE: Florida Department of Law Enforcement

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V

MinUSD $21.00/Hr.MaxUSD $21.00/Hr.Employment Type: OTHER

What Polk County Sheriff's Office (Florida) employees say

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Benefits

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