Changing careers..

[ErikGr7]

Guys I know there are a lot of Leos on here. Maybe
someone can give me some advice.

I am tired of my current career as a welder. It's dangerous,
I have to breathe harmful fumes etc..

Today, I was browsing the net and found that 5 different
counties in Florida, were to began hiring for the police force
in early spring.

At 35 am I too old to even apply to something like this?
I've got a clean record and had a gpa of 3.8 in college.
I'm pretty sure I could pass the physical test

Any Leos got some advice for me?

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[HotGuns]

GO for it.

[deadeye72]

GO for it.

+1 I turn 37 next month, but I am currently trying to become a Deputy Sheriff. I started working in the detention center about 6 months ago just to get on with the department. Hopefully I can get in on the next class, but if not, I will keep trying. It never hurts to try and if it doesn't work out, you can always find a job welding.

[Guardian]

I don't know about Florida, but here in Texas that I'm aware of, they usually wave you up to 38 in allot of places. So I say go for it also.

It's never to late.

[ExSoldier]

Miami Dade County has NO upper limit on the age for a new LEO. When I was a State Parole Officer in the 1980s I went in at the age of 30 after I left active duty and had already held some small stuff jobs. Check not only Miami Dade but Coral Gables and a number of the other cities in Miami Dade. Yes they're dangerous, but the pay in Dade & Broward is going to be much better than in other areas of the state. Most of these cities let you take the car home, too. That used to be the big draw for FHP, but that pay is the lowest in the state.

[SIXTO]

I say go for it too, but at 35, you need to do it right now. Good news is Florida hires like crazy, and a lot of their recruitment efforts are to "outsiders" Also, Florida is still a 20 (maybe 25) year and out state, you still could retire young. Brush up on your Spanish, you will need it.
Truth is, I've strongly considered moving to Florida myself, but the pay is lower and its expensive to live in a nice area for the kids.
I'm going next month though to look at investment property for when I do retire.

[ErikGr7]

Thanks to all for the replies.

[jwhite75]

Everyday is something new....i work in probation and with LEO all the time. My two cousins are all LEO. I have a very bad knee that wouldnt hold up for the academy after the physical, but would definitely go for it.

[gunster99]

Just Do It! When I was in the academy, there were some 50ish gentlemen. They out performed many of the 20ish kids. Make sure your are physically fit...so start your training NOW!!!!...don't look back.

Good luck and enjoy.

[TerriLi]

Fellow welder I can understand ya, heck welding jobs are getting really spotty in my neck of the woods. The LEO jobs are booming a bit as well as security here in Florida. So I would say go for it. Heck my father joined I think in his late 30s late 40s. He just recently retired from LE.

[Tom G]

My neighbor is sixty and is a Leo. He was in reality and decided to change careers
He couldn't be happier. Go for it.

[thebigdl86]

Go for it. I am also debating becoming an leo or us border patrol.

[ExSoldier]

Brush up on your Spanish, you will need it.
Truth is, I've strongly considered moving to Florida myself, but the pay is lower and its expensive to live in a nice area for the kids. I'm going next month though to look at investment property for when I do retire.

Goes for retirees, too. Gimme a shout before you come. PLEASE do yourself a favor and don't look anywhere south of Lake Okochobee! The panhandle is very conservative and has a huge military retiree population. If you like cities, Sarasota is close to Tampa and that has MacDill AFB and a good VA Hospital. Also a huge Special Operations retiree group. MacDill is home to both SOCOM and CENTCOM. Tampa is pretty liberal but not as liberal as MY area. So gimme a shout.

[retsupt99]

I say go for it too, but at 35, you need to do it right now. Good news is Florida hires like crazy, and a lot of their recruitment efforts are to "outsiders" Also, Florida is still a 20 (maybe 25) year and out state, you still could retire young. Brush up on your Spanish, you will need it.
Truth is, I've strongly considered moving to Florida myself, but the pay is lower and its expensive to live in a nice area for the kids.
I'm going next month though to look at investment property for when I do retire.

Does 'BANG' sound different in Spanish?

To the OP...
The Florida Highway Patrol is very much interested in hiring...a friend's son got in last year and loves it.
Give them a call...NOW!

[SIXTO]

I lived in Bradenton and am very familer with MacDill AFB. It was one of my favorite posts; I'm just not sure sure I want to raise my kids there.