About Florida Highway Patrol
The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is Florida's premier state law enforcement agency responsible for ensuring highway safety, traffic enforcement, and emergency response on state roadways. FHP troopers are highly trained professionals committed to protecting travelers and maintaining safe travel conditions throughout Florida.
Mission Statement
To ensure a safe traffic environment for all travelers through professional enforcement of traffic laws, rapid emergency response, and community education while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and service.
Core Responsibilities
- Highway Patrol: Enforce traffic laws on state highways and interstates
- Emergency Response: Respond to traffic accidents and emergencies
- Traffic Safety: Conduct safety inspections and education programs
- Criminal Interdiction: Detect and prevent criminal activity on roadways
- DUI Enforcement: Remove impaired drivers from the road
- Motorist Assistance: Provide aid to stranded motorists
Specialized Units
Motor Unit
- Motorcycle patrol operations
- High-visibility enforcement
- Special event security
- Advanced riding skills
K9 Unit
- Narcotics detection
- Criminal apprehension
- Vehicle searches
- Handler training
Traffic Homicide
- Serious crash investigation
- Fatality investigations
- Evidence collection
- Court testimony
Commercial Vehicle
- Truck enforcement
- Weight inspections
- Safety compliance
- Hazmat regulations
Requirements to Join
Basic Requirements
- Active FSCRP member
- Minimum age: 15 years old
- Clean driving record
- Professional demeanor
Skills & Training
- Traffic law knowledge
- Pursuit driving skills
- Emergency response
- Report writing ability
Personal Qualities
- Strong integrity
- Professional communication
- Quick decision-making
- Physical fitness
Rank Structure
- Trooper Cadet: Entry-level trainee
- Trooper: Basic patrol officer
- Trooper First Class: Experienced officer
- Senior Trooper: Advanced patrol officer
- Corporal: Team leader
- Sergeant: Shift supervisor
- Lieutenant: Division commander
- Captain: Regional commander
- Major: Bureau chief
- Colonel: Director of FHP
Training Academy
All new troopers complete comprehensive training:
- Florida Traffic Laws & Statutes
- High-Speed Pursuit Driving
- Crash Investigation & Reporting
- Arrest Procedures & Officer Safety
- Emergency Medical Response
- Professional Communication
Benefits
- Elite state law enforcement status
- Advanced driving and tactical training
- Statewide jurisdiction
- Strong brotherhood and camaraderie
- Clear advancement opportunities
- Specialized unit opportunities