JOIN FWC AND TURN YOUR PASSION FOR FLORIDA’S
OUTDOORS INTO A PURPOSE-DRIVEN CAREER
Written by: Bill F. LaPlante II
The first time I called the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to research a story for Florida Country & Coast magazine, I was wondering how Florida’s nearly 25 million humans can safely interact with the growing bear population in the Sunshine State. The answers were quickly forthcoming—accurate and right on time to meet my tight deadline.
Since that article nearly two years ago, FWC has helped me tell several stories, including a reader favorite on “Havoc,” the K-9 who nearly washed out of the training program before getting a second chance. His handler was especially proud both he and the curious canine made it through to graduation.
That got me thinking—with more than 3,000 folks working full-time at FWC, there must be many graduation stories.
And how does someone get to that special day of recognition? The usual basic stuff applies: 19 years old, U.S. citizen, high school diploma or GED, good moral character, and a valid Florida driver’s license.
Certain things are non-starters, including any felony conviction or misdemeanor involving domestic violence, perjury, dishonorable discharge from U.S. Armed Forces, marijuana use in the past two years, controlled substance use in the past five, or DUI/BUI (boating under the influence) in the past five.
WHAT IS THE FWC?
Officially called the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission—better known as FWC—it’s a constitutionally established state agency charged with managing freshwater and saltwater aquatic life, wildlife, and their habitats.
All successful applicants must pass thorough vision and medical exams, plus a psychological evaluation by an FWC-designated clinician. There’s also a rigorous Physical Aptitude Test (PAT): an obstacle course to be completed in 8 minutes, 36 seconds, plus a continuous 150-yard swim (untimed).
FWC, which brings on about 100 new sworn officers each year, has two academy tracks:
32-week academy for previously non-certified applicants
12-week academy for already certified law enforcement officers
After graduation at the academy in Havana, Florida, officers must then complete a 16-week field training program before they’re cleared for solo patrol.
By the way, in March of this year, the FWC Division of Law Enforcement became the first U.S. agency to earn accreditation through the North American Wildlife Enforcement Accreditation program—passing 70 best-practice and accountability standards to earn the honor.
WHAT DOES FWC DO?
Florida Statute 379.3311 gives FWC officers the authority to enforce all state laws—not just those related to fish and wildlife. They’re fully constituted police officers and are cross-deputized to enforce federal fisheries and wildlife laws, too.
FWC’s Law Enforcement Division includes 1,000 employees—890 of whom are sworn officers. Their core missions include protecting Florida’s resources and endangered species (like the panthers pictured on my license plate), as well as their habitats.
They also investigate fish and wildlife crimes and run youth projects “to develop the next conservation-caring generation.”
Boating safety campaigns. Enforcing rules. Investigating boating accidents. Removing derelict vessels (yes, they’re still pulling scuttled boats from hurricanes Helene and Ian). Preventing boat theft and title fraud. It’s a full-time job—times 10.
In February 2025 alone, FWC issued:
647 citations for violations
10 BUIs
100 boating accident citations
67 search and rescue operations across Florida, the Gulf, and the Atlantic
BUSY, BUSY FOLKS INDEED
In 2024, Florida’s average worker salary was just under $50,000. But pass FWC’s testing protocols, physical tests, swim test, and background checks, and you could make around $52,000 your first year as an officer.
You’d be helping protect more than 34 million acres of public and private land—watching over wildlife, game, and Florida’s beloved panthers (with fewer than 200 left roaming the peninsula).
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
For this story, I spoke with several FWC front-liners—sworn officers with sidearms and support personnel alike.
I asked them, “Why did you volunteer for FWC?”
To a person, they all said the same thing: they love the life—
being outdoors as much as possible, protecting Florida’s
special places and the land-based and marine animals who
call them home.
EASY JOB?
Not one person I interviewed described their work that way.
Nobody used the word “easy” to describe their unique challenges
in the forests, rivers, oceans, or offices they cover each day.
In fact, 21 officers of FWC—and its predecessor agencies—
have been lost in the line of duty. There’s a push underway
to create a memorial honoring those who gave what
Abraham Lincoln called “the last full measure of devotion,”
as he said during his famous Gettysburg Address.
Think you’ve got what it takes? Visit myfwc.com and take
the first step toward the toughest, wildest, most rewarding
career you’ve never considered—until now. FCM
FWC does good work!/BFL II