Minimum Standards Training Fire Academy

The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners approved the Monroe County Fire Rescue firefighter minimum standards training program at the Joe London Fire Training Academy Facility on Grassy Key, MM 56.6. The program offers students the Firefighter I and II courses, which encompass firefighting and first responder training.

The program curriculum fee is $5,000. Students must be at least 18 years old and hold a minimum of a high school diploma or a GED. Students who successfully complete all 17 performance objectives of the firefighter program will be prepared to take the State of Florida Firefighter I and II examinations. 

Classes

The class typically runs from October to January. The State of Florida Certification and testing will follow. 

If you are interested in the program, complete the interest form to receive information about the upcoming Fire Academy.

• Fire Academy Interest Form

*Currently accepting interest forms for the April 2026 Fire Academy. Any forms received after February 9, 2026 will be considered for the October 2026 Fire Academy.

Student Responsibilities

Students will be responsible for purchasing their own instructional book (Essentials of Firefighting, 8^th Edition). They will also be responsible for rental fees for required bunker gear, arranging their accommodations, and providing transportation to the academy.

Program Prerequisites

• Completion of the Monroe County Firefighter Minimum Standards Training Academy Program Entrance Test Packet, which includes:
  • Participation Agreement
  • Medical Examination Form to Determine Fitness for Firefighter Training
  • Standards Class Student Fingerprinting Instruction Form for FCDICE
  • Creating FCDICE Account Information
  • Program Entrance Physical Ability Test Requirements
• Proof you are 18 years or older with a Florida Driver's License or Birth Certificate
• Proof of Diploma (High School, College, Transcript, or GED is acceptable).
• Review of the Monroe County Firefighter Minimum Standards Training Program Manual 

Background Check

A background check and fingerprints will be completed on students after they are registered in the program.