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Georgia → Florida · Law enforcement
FDLE Equivalency of Training (EOT)
Out-of-state officers may be exempt from Florida's full basic recruit academy through the Equivalency of Training process, then must show high-liability proficiency and pass the State Officer Certification Examination (SOCE).
Heads up about privacy: at least one step below reaches your current or former department (marked ⚠️). LateralGate never contacts your department, but the official process does. Plan when you start that step.
Who qualifies
- At least one year full-time as a sworn officer in the discipline (law enforcement).
- Training comparable to Florida's full basic recruit curriculum.
- No more than an eight-year break in service since your latest separation from a sworn position.
- Meet Florida minimum qualifications (§943.13), including age 19+ and U.S. citizenship.
Steps
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⚠️ Reaches your old department
Apply to a Criminal Justice Selection Center, Commission-certified Training Center, or Florida employing agency to determine EOT eligibility. They collect and verify proof of your sworn employment and training.
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The center or agency electronically submits Equivalency of Training Form CJSTC-76 to FDLE (you do not complete the CJSTC-76 yourself).
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Enroll at a Commission-certified Training Center and demonstrate proficiency in the high-liability areas (firearms, vehicle operations, defensive tactics, first aid).
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Register for and pass the State Officer Certification Examination (SOCE) after completing training.
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Get hired by a Florida agency, which completes the employment and certification paperwork in ATMS.
Exam
State Officer Certification Examination (SOCE). Three attempts total across all exemptions; after three failures the full basic recruit academy is required.
Time limit
Finish high-liability training and pass the SOCE within one year of receiving the approved CJSTC-76.
Fees
Set by the selection center or training center, not FDLE. Example: PASS charges $300 (non-refundable) for out-of-state officers; GovSource lists $195 for its eligibility review. Training and exam fees are extra.
Break in service limit
No more than 8 years.
Official sources
Last verified: Nov 4, 2026. Rules change. Always confirm with the certifying board before you act. This is not legal advice.
