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Sheriff Trainee Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Deputy Trainee

Ocala, FL · On-site

$51K/yr

The Marion County Sheriff's Office offers a highly competitive benefits package to all full-time ... a trainee. e. Special Details: Sworn law enforcement officers are eligible to participate in ...

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Sheriff Trainee information

See Florida salary details

$19.1K

$32.5K

$47.5K

How much do sheriff trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for sheriff trainee in Florida is $32,530.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24,700.00 and $38,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a sheriff trainee?

Sheriff Trainees are entry-level law enforcement personnel who are in the process of completing training to become full-fledged deputies in a sheriff's department. They typically attend an accredited law enforcement academy, where they receive instruction in criminal law, patrol procedures, firearms, and physical fitness. Upon successful completion of the academy and any required probationary period, Sheriff Trainees are usually promoted to the position of Deputy Sheriff. This role is designed to prepare individuals for a career in law enforcement by providing hands-on experience and foundational knowledge.

Can you start out as a sheriff trainee?

Yes, many sheriff trainee programs accept applicants who meet minimum requirements such as age, education, and background checks. Typically, candidates need a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete training at a police academy before advancing to full deputy or sheriff roles.

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

To thrive as a Sheriff Trainee, you generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, and a clean background, with successful completion of written, physical, and psychological exams. Familiarity with law enforcement tools such as firearms, radios, and report-writing systems, and sometimes completion of a law enforcement academy, are typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, sound judgment, integrity, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help candidates excel in this role. These skills and qualities are essential because they ensure the trainee can effectively protect the community, uphold the law, and maintain public trust during challenging situations.

What are some common challenges faced by sheriff trainees during their training period?

Sheriff Trainees often encounter challenges such as adapting to the rigorous physical and academic demands of the training academy, learning to work effectively within a structured, hierarchical environment, and balancing the need for quick decision-making under pressure. Trainees must also develop strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact with the public and fellow officers. Overcoming these challenges requires dedication, resilience, and a willingness to accept feedback and continuously improve.

What is the difference between Sheriff Trainee vs Deputy Sheriff?

AspectSheriff TraineeDeputy Sheriff
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, basic law enforcement trainingHigh school diploma or GED, law enforcement academy completion, certification
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised patrols, classroom instructionActive patrol, law enforcement duties, court appearances
Employer & Industry UsageSheriff's office during training periodSheriff's office as fully sworn officer

Sheriff Trainee is an entry-level position focused on training and education, while Deputy Sheriff is a fully sworn officer responsible for law enforcement duties. Trainees are supervised and gaining experience, whereas Deputies perform active patrols and enforce laws independently.

What are the most commonly searched types of Sheriff jobs in Florida? The most popular types of Sheriff jobs in Florida are:
What cities in Florida are hiring for Sheriff Trainee jobs? Cities in Florida with the most Sheriff Trainee job openings:
Infographic showing various Sheriff Trainee job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,530 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

Academy Sponsorship - Deputy Sheriff Recruit - $5,000.00 bonus

Brevard County Sheriff's Office

Titusville, FL

$20.96/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Brevard County Sheriff's Office rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 44 rated police


Job description

Job Description Description Candidates are encouraged to apply for a limited number of paid sponsorships to a law enforcement academy hosted at the Brevard County Sheriff's Office Training Range. We are looking for strong candidates with an excellent work history who aspires to become a deputy sheriff. Trainees who are attending an academy or equivalency of training program shall become eligible for the one-time $5,000.00 hiring/recruitment bonus upon successful completion of the academy, passing of the state exam, and promotion to a sworn position

Note: All candidates who are selected to attend the upcoming law enforcement academy must be able to: Be readily available to immediately start processing when your on-line application is approved. Have the ability to commute to and from the academy daily according to their class schedule if selected. Complete and successfully pass all portions of our agency background process prior to the start of the academy as described below under the selection process.

Candidates will be required to complete and pass the state required CJBAT for law enforcement in order to qualify for this position. https://home.pearsonvue.com/fdle/bat. CJBAT EXEMPTION: **As of July 1, 2022, the Criminal Justice (LE) Basic Abilities Test [CJBAT] is exempt for those candidates who (1) hold an Associate degree or higher, or (2) are veterans with an 'HONORABLE' discharge

Applicants NOT meeting either of the two exemptions, MUST take/pass the CJBAT prior to attending a LE academy. Program Terms and Conditions: The selected applicant agrees to attend all classes and labs required to successfully pass the curricula of the Basic Recruit Law Enforcement Academy and pass the FDLE State Officer Certification Exam. During periods of class recess, the selected applicant agrees to perform various duties for the Brevard County Sheriff's Office.

Once the applicant passes all portions of the Brevard County Sheriff's Office background process and is approved for hire, they will be under contract with the agency for a total of three years from their hire date. Selected candidate's salary and benefits, as described in this job posting, will be provided by the Brevard County Sheriff's Office while attending the law enforcement academy. Upon graduation from the academy and becoming a state certified officer, the selected candidate's status may be appointed to the position of Deputy Sheriff and the salary increased to annual salary to $58,115.20 Position Duties This is a trainee-level classification in which candidates are expected to successfully complete the Basic Law Enforcement (BLE) Academy and pass the State Officer Certification Exam

Candidates will then be reclassified as a Deputy Sheriff. When trainees are not actively engaged in academy courses, they will perform various office-related duties, training exercises and observation events during or after business hours. Regular, dependable, and punctual attendance is a requirement for this position.

Minimum Qualifications Must be 20 years of age Must be a U.S. Citizen Must have a valid Class E Florida Driver's License Must have a High School Diploma or GED Must have not been convicted of a felony Additional Information The Selection Process Includes: Online application Physical Abilities Test (PAT) Oral Review Board & Conditional Offer Background Investigation & Polygraph Examination Psychological assessment FDLE Medical exam & drug screen (to be completed after conditional offer) View the Physical Abilities Test link below. https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://youtu.be/FiHF_xzobnc__;!!Cfbb2A!Prw_3NbdHzBsU71nE_LMJ5vQwLaQxujOORS9invQDTF-tXbMtwYX4M0r1FY-abE282x8K7BjBeKLdM_xxz0Hs6vqPr1Fitjs$ The Brevard County Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, and sexual orientation, national origin, age (over 40), disability or genetic information in employment practices

We encourage veterans, service members and their spouses and family members to apply for employment with this agency, qualified applicants will receive preference and priority in hiring decisions. ADA requires the Sheriff's Office to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Job applicants and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.

Position open until filled.


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