1

Police Captain Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Captain

Lake Worth, FL ยท On-site

$84K/yr

May serve as acting Police Chief in his/her absence. Recommends changes to departmental rules and regulations, organization, administration, work methods and procedures, and enforces the same.

next page

Showing results 1-20

Police Captain information

See Florida salary details

$36.6K

$97.3K

$157.3K

How much do police captain jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for police captain in Florida is $97,299.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 and $128,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a police captain?

Police Captains are senior law enforcement officers who oversee and manage the operations of a police department or a specific division within it. They are responsible for supervising personnel, developing policies, coordinating investigations, and ensuring that their units comply with laws and departmental procedures. Police Captains also serve as liaisons between upper management and lower-ranking officers, and often represent their department in community meetings or public events. Their leadership is crucial in maintaining discipline, efficiency, and public trust within the police force.

What does a police captain do?

A police captain is a high-level officer in a police department who is typically responsible for an entire district or precinct. As a police captain, you answer to the police chief. Your job duties include allocating budget resources to each section of your division, analyzing crime data to determine trends in your area, and providing information to the press about ongoing or resolved investigations. You need strong leadership skills and significant experience as a police officer to be eligible for a job as a police captain.

How does a police captain typically support the professional development of their team members?

A Police Captain plays a pivotal role in mentoring and evaluating officers, providing regular feedback and guidance to promote both individual and team growth. Captains often identify training opportunities, facilitate workshops, and encourage officers to pursue specialized certifications or leadership programs. They also help set career goals during performance reviews and foster an environment where team members feel empowered to advance within the department. This supportive approach not only enhances team effectiveness but also strengthens retention and morale.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a police captain, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Police Captain, you need extensive law enforcement experience, strong leadership abilities, and typically a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field. Familiarity with police management systems, incident reporting software, and completion of advanced supervisory training or certifications such as FBI National Academy are often required. Exceptional communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making skills help you lead teams effectively and maintain public trust. These competencies are essential for ensuring operational efficiency, upholding departmental standards, and fostering community safety.

What is the difference between Police Captain vs Police Lieutenant?

AspectPolice CaptainPolice Lieutenant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, police academy training, supervisory experienceHigh school diploma or GED, police academy training, supervisory experience
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple precincts or divisions, administrative dutiesManages specific units or shifts, field supervision
Employer & Industry UsagePolice departments, law enforcement agenciesPolice departments, law enforcement agencies
Common Search & ComparisonPolice Captain vs Police Lieutenant

The main difference between a Police Captain and a Police Lieutenant lies in their level of responsibility and scope of oversight. Police Captains typically oversee entire divisions or multiple precincts and focus on administrative and strategic planning. Police Lieutenants usually manage specific units or shifts, with a more direct role in field supervision. Both roles require similar credentials and are integral to law enforcement hierarchies, but their duties and areas of focus differ significantly.

Is it hard to be a police captain?

Being a police captain is a challenging role that requires extensive experience in law enforcement, strong leadership skills, and the ability to manage personnel and operations effectively. It often involves long hours, high-pressure decision-making, and a thorough understanding of departmental policies and community relations.

What cities in Florida are hiring for Police Captain jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Police Captain job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Police Captain jobs in FL?

For Police Captain jobs in FL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Police Captain job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $97,299 per year, or $46.8 per hour.

$84K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

SUMMARY Responsible administrative and technical work directing operations in the Police Department. ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES The following duties are normal for this position. Plans, directs, and exercises supervision over the work of a Police Division.

Makes recommendations in regard to department hiring, terminations, discipline, promotions, demotions and all other department administrative actions. May serve as acting Police Chief in his/her absence. Recommends changes to departmental rules and regulations, organization, administration, work methods and procedures, and enforces the same.

Assists in the development and implementation of department policy and procedures. Cooperates with other Village, State, County, and Federal law enforcement agencies when their activities and the activities of the Police Department are mutually involved. Helps prepare budget estimates and controls expenditures of all department funds.

Supervises departmental requisitions of supplies, payroll operations and maintenance of personnel records. As training officer, plans and develops training materials and courses. Obtains information and materials from other agencies, studies training needs through field observations, tests and conferences with police personnel.

Studies performance records through field observations, examination of complaints, and conferences, evaluated the effectiveness of police operations. Coordinates auxiliary police services and related services. Confers with citizen groups about police problems and services; represents the department before public groups.

Functions as the Department Press Information Officer as outlined in Department General Orders when so designated by the Police Chief. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Associates degree in Criminal Justice, Police Administration, Public Administration, or related field from a regionally accredited institution and seven years of sworn law enforcement experience at least three of which must have been in a supervisory position. Florida Law Enforcement Certification and valid Florida Driver's License. Certification and license must remain valid for the period of employment in this classification KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES Knowledge of police administration and knowledge of controlling laws and ordinances.

Knowledge of personnel techniques as related to the training, placement and evaluation of police personnel. Knowledge of scientific methods and crime detection, criminal identification and radio communications. Knowledge of the geography of the Village.

Ability to lead and direct the activities of police personnel. Ability to maintain cooperative relationships with other Village officials, the media and with the general public. Ability to demonstrate resourcefulness and sound judgment in emergencies.

Ability to communicate English effectively both orally and in writing. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described 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. Meet physical requirements as indicated for State of Florida Certification. Must endure sustained acts of physical exhaustion and endure periods of duty under unfavorable and life-threatening situations.

Must be able to wear bullet-resistant vest. Heavy (45 pounds and over) lifting and carrying. Reaching, pulling, pushing, balancing, climbing, smelling, and throwing.

Visual and hearing acuity, with our without correction, are required. Walking, standing, crawling, kneeling, bending, stooping, jumping, running, and driving. Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified individuals.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS Employees in this class works in an air-conditioned office environment. May assume direct supervision of line personnel in the field and thereby be subjected to varying and changing weather conditions. Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability.