Florida is well-known for its beautiful beaches and nearly year-round sunshine. Unfortunately, Florida is also home to many annual crimes, with 663,896 crimes taking place every year. If you’re interested in addressing crime in Florida, in the country and around the world, then the best decision is a career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The FBI hires the best candidates across multiple fields, and if you want to become an FBI agent, you will first need to meet some very strict qualifications.
FBI Agent Requirements in Florida
Basic Requirements
- Certification: The FBI does not mandate any certifications before you apply.
- Age: FBI agents must be between the age of 23 and 37, with appointment happening before your 37th birthday.
- Licensure: Licenses are not required.
- Degree: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university is the minimum for completing the education requirement.
- Experience: Three years of uninterrupted professional work prior to submitting your application is required before joining the FBI.
- Citizenship: US citizens can become FBI agents.
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Additional Requirements
- Flexibility: An FBI agent should be ready and willing to move anywhere in the country or across the world.
- Background: FBI agents must be morally upstanding and have an unimpeachable background. Before becoming an agent, you must submit to a thorough background check that will fully investigate your past.
- Fitness: FBI agents must be physically fit and will be required to pass a fitness test.
Application Process in Florida
- Application: Applying to the FBI is made up of two phases. Phase I is a three hour examine and a brief interview. Phase II is made up of a writing test and a formal interview. If you pass both phases, you will take a basic field training course, and if you pass this course, you will become a probationary FBI agent. This probation lasts 18 months, during which you will acquire additional training and field experience.
Florida FBI Agent Education
Most people do not realize that the FBI prides itself on hiring candidates from diverse backgrounds. This includes considering candidates with a wide range of degrees. In addition to those with law enforcement degrees, the FBI accepts candidates with degrees in STEM, foreign languages, accounting, engineering and those with military backgrounds.
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Major Cities in Florida
- Jacksonville is the largest Florida city with 842,583 residents.
- Miami has 417,650 residents and is Florida’s second largest city.
- Tampa is third largest with 352,957 residents.
What Does an FBI Agent Do in Florida?
- An FBI agent investigates crime and enforces laws.
- Crimes that an FBI agent may be tasked with investigating can include violent offenses, white collar crime, cyber crime, terrorism and counterintelligence.
- FBI agents will routinely coordinate with local law enforcement officials to solve crimes and pursue offenders.
Related Careers
The careers that are most similar to working in the FBI are law enforcement jobs. Law enforcement officers perform many of the same duties as FBI agents, but on a local scale instead of a national level. Any career where you investigate crime and attempt to track criminals will hold many similarities with a career as an FBI agent.
Employment Numbers in Florida
Employment numbers for FBI agents are not made available by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It is estimated, however, that there are tens of thousands of agents working across the country to enforce the nation’s laws. The FBI maintains field offices in Tampa, Jacksonville and Miami.
Alabama FBI Agent Salary
Bureau of Labor Statistics Salary Ranges in Florida
An FBI agent’s salary is determined by the US government’s General Schedule (GS) pay scale. Starting out, an FBI agent will be paid at the GS-10 level. Over their career, they can improve to the GS-13 level. This creates a total pay range of between $60,110 and $118,415 in the major areas of Florida.
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- Full FBI Agent Eligibility Requirements
- Law Enforcement Officer General Schedule Pay Scales
- Frequently Asked Questions About the FBI
FBI Training Programs and Schools in Florida
Criminal Justice Programs and Schools in Florida
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Choose your area of study and receive free information about programs you are interested in. FBI agents are dedicated to America’s defense and security. There are a number of careers you can pursue within the FBI with current activities focusing heavily on anit-terrorism. No matter which career you pursue becoming an FBI agent requires deep commitment and dedication. Request information from multiple schools to find the best program and educational opportunity for you!