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Lateral Police Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

City of Fort Myers, FL

Police Officer - Certified

Fort Myers, FL · On-site

$34.05/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Police Department Opening Date: 10/08/2017 Closing Date: Continuous FLSA: Non-Exempt Description ... We do not offer lateral, year for year, or monetary compensation for prior years of law enforcement ...

City of Fort Myers

Police Officer - Certified

Fort Myers, FL · On-site

$34.05/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Description All police officers hired will start at $34.05/hour $70,824.00/annual rate ... We do not offer lateral, year for year, or monetary compensation for prior years of law enforcement ...

GovSource

Law Enforcement Officer (Certified)

Cocoa, FL · On-site

$55K - $86K/yr

Cocoa Police Department, FL Location: Cocoa State: FL Job Category: Law Enforcement Job Type: FT ... This posting is intended for currently certified Florida officers , experienced lateral officers ...

GovSource

Law Enforcement Officer (Certified)

Bunnell, FL · On-site

$55K - $67K/yr

Bunnell Police Department, FL Location: Bunnell State: FL Job Category: Law Enforcement Job Type ... lateral officers , and qualified out-of-state or federal officers eligible for FDLE Equivalency of ...

GovSource

Law Enforcement Officer (Certified)

Cocoa, FL · On-site

$55K - $86K/yr

Cocoa Police Department, Florida The Cocoa Police Department is a CFA-accredited , community ... This posting is intended for currently certified Florida officers , experienced lateral officers ...

GovSource

Law Enforcement Officer (Certified)

Bunnell, FL · On-site

$55K - $67K/yr

Bunnell Police Department, Florida The Bunnell Police Department (BPD) is a community-focused law ... lateral officers , and qualified out-of-state or federal officers eligible for FDLE Equivalency of ...

Flagler County Sheriff's Office

FL · On-site

$20K/mo

  • PTO

FOR THE FIRST TWENTY (20) LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS THAT WANT TO MAKE THE MOVE AND EARN UP TO $20,000 IN INCENTIVES, APPLY TODAY!! Current Florida Sworn Law Enforcement Officer: $5,000 Moving ...

All JobsLateral Police JobsLateral Police Jobs in Florida

Lateral Police information

See Florida salary details

$24.3K

$46.4K

$77.3K

How much do lateral police jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for lateral 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 a lateral police officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lateral Police Officer, you need prior law enforcement experience, POST certification, a solid understanding of criminal and civil law, and often a clean background check. Familiarity with police databases, body-worn camera systems, and evidence management tools is commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help officers effectively interact with diverse communities and handle stressful situations. These competencies ensure public safety, uphold legal standards, and foster trust within the community.

What is the difference between Lateral Police vs Police Officer?

AspectLateral PolicePolice Officer
Required CredentialsPolice academy certification, law enforcement training, state licensingPolice academy certification, law enforcement training, state licensing
Work EnvironmentLaw enforcement agencies, patrol, investigationsLaw enforcement agencies, patrol, investigations
Employer & IndustryMunicipal, county, state police departmentsMunicipal, county, state police departments
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding lateral transfer options, qualifications, career pathsEntry-level roles, career progression, job duties

Both Lateral Police and Police Officers require similar credentials and work in law enforcement environments. The key difference is that Lateral Police are experienced officers transferring from other agencies, while Police Officers are typically new recruits. Lateral Police often have prior experience, making their transition smoother, whereas Police Officers are starting their careers. Understanding these differences helps candidates identify the right role based on their experience level and career goals.

What are some common challenges faced by lateral police officers when transitioning to a new department?

Lateral police officers often face challenges adjusting to new departmental procedures, community expectations, and team dynamics. While their prior experience is valuable, learning a new agency’s policies, software systems, and patrol areas can require additional training and adaptation. Building trust with new colleagues and supervisors may also take time, as each department has its own culture and operational style. However, many departments offer structured onboarding and field training programs to support lateral hires during this transition.

What cities in Florida are hiring for Lateral Police jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Lateral Police job openings:

Lateral Police jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lateral Police job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,443 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

United States Capitol Police - Police Officer

United States Capitol Police

Jacksonville, FL • On-site

$86K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Did you know the United States Capitol Police is immediately hiring for our many police officer vacancies? Today, the department is made up of more than 2,000 police officers providing armed security and protection for the Congress, the public, and the U.S. Capitol. We embrace and celebrate a diverse workforce, because inclusion makes us all stronger!

LOCATION- MUST BE WILLING TO RELOCATE TO THE WASHINGTON D.C. METRO AREA

SALARY - We have the highest starting salary in the DMV area for law enforcement at $86,530 a year, a lateral program that offers $10,000 retention bonus, student loan repayment program of $80,000 and much more.

BENEFITS - We offer health insurance, dental insurance, vision care, life and long-term care insurance, Thrift Savings Plan, flexible spending accounts, transit subsidy benefits, fitness centers, personal trainers, nutritionists, an employee assistance program and much more!

SPECIALTY UNITS

Dignitary Protection Division - Provide armed security and protection for Members of Congress

  • Containment and Emergency Response Team (CERT/SWAT)
  • K-9 UnitBomb Technician
  • Bicycle Response Team
  • Special Operations
  • Crime Scene Search
  • Criminal Investigations
  • Intelligence and Interagency Coordination
  • Threat Assessment Section
  • Command Center
  • Communications
  • Mobile Patrol

QUALIFICATIONS - Candidates must meet the following requirements to be minimally qualified for this position:

  • Must be a United States citizen.
  • Must be between 21-39 years of age.
  • Must have a High School diploma or a GED certificate.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid U.S. driver's license.
  • Must show evidence of responsible driving in the past one (1) year.
  • Male applicants must be registered for Selective Service.
  • Must successfully complete a full field background investigation.
  • Travel for hiring assessments and training is at applicant's expense.
  • Polygraph, medical assessment, criminal, credit, and tax check required.
  • Must successfully complete all required training.

Come join our team and Be One Of Us!

To learn more, visit: www.uscp.gov/careers

APPLY HERE!

https://uscp.csodfed.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/792?c=uscp

Company Description

Our agency consists of more than 2,000 police officers with a mission to protect the members of Congress, the public, and the U.S. Capitol grounds. We embrace and celebrate a diverse workforce because inclusion makes us all stronger!

Apply