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Below is a list of current CERT and Citizen Corps programs in Florida. Please contact the organization directly to learn more about current service opportunities.

Organization NameTypeCountyProgram Description
Charlotte County Emergency ManagementCERTCharlotteCharlotte County CERT currently has over 440 active members who are utilized during planned and non-planned events. The volunteers are first aid support to Charlotte County Fire and EMS during planned events and fire rehabilitation during non-planned events. Our program has American Heart Association-certified CPR/AED instructors that provide first aid, CPR, and AED training to all CERT members at no cost for the class. CERT members are trained quarterly to work as call-takers during an incident to assist emergency management in recovery efforts.
Citrus County Sheriff's OfficeCERTCitrusThe Citrus County CERT organization trains volunteers to acquire various skills presented through the FEMA curriculum. Members receive continuous training in search and rescue, Nation Grid, Point of Distribution (POD) and Shelter Management training. A small contingent of CERT members with medical backgrounds are Stop the Bleed Instructors, as certified by Tampa Bay General Hospital, and are utilized by various county agencies to conduct classes.
City of Miami Beach CERTCERTMiami-DadeMiami Beach CERT targets a wide audience, including residents, employees, and various organizations. Their Advanced CERT training covers topics like disaster preparedness, public speaking, and health issues, with special training for advanced members before events like Superbowl LIV. The CERT members, skilled in disaster response, also actively participate in "blue sky" events, providing assistance during Spring Break and supporting Fire/Rescue efforts. They engage in community outreach, staffing information tables, and participating in emergency exercises. The City of Miami Beach has fostered a strong relationship with CERT, receiving commendations and grants, contributing to enhanced training, equipment acquisition, and outreach efforts. The awarded funds will be used to procure essential first aid equipment and supplies, further strengthening the city's preparedness and response capabilities.
City of Pensacola Fire DepartmentCERTEscambiaPensacola Fire Department plans to utilize Fire Corps members in a coordinated capacity to directly support training initiatives developed by the City of Pensacola’s Fire Department to provide hydration and rehabilitation services (cooling, warming, feeding, and monitoring) for their personnel. These iterations will serve as direct support in training in addition to direct support training Fire Corps volunteers for future emergency situations. The intent of the Fire Corps’ Fire Rehab mission is to provide for the immediate protection and welfare of first responders in mitigating the dangers of heat injury and sustainment of human resources and technical skill investment each individual responder represents.
City of Tampa - Tampa RescueCERTHillsboroughThe Tampa CERT Program is a new CERT Team looking to enhance and expand the preparedness and response capabilities of the Tampa Office of Emergency Management, intending to train a minimum of 70 volunteers in its first year in shelter management, stop the bleed, and canteen operations, working in unison with community first responders and local utilities to create a comprehensive and effective response. Volunteers will be utilized to advance public outreach efforts and community relations as well.
Escambia County Emergency ManagementCitizen CorpsEscambiaBRACE (Be Ready Alliance for Coordinating Emergencies), designated the Citizen Corps Coordinator by Escambia County Emergency Management, coordinates the Citizen Corps Council by engaging local businesses, churches, organizations, and agencies to get involved in disaster preparedness and emergency response-related activities. These activities include participating in training opportunities, developing community readiness plans, assessing possible threats, and identifying local resources.
Jefferson County Adult and Teen CERTCERTJeffersonJefferson County CERT is a core group of individuals who regularly meet and train to better assist in activities that help members of their community who may not have the means or funds to help themselves. They support the Jefferson County Fire Rescue with fire fighter rehabilitation, support a local group building ramps for individuals to safely exit their homes, collect food for animals and assist with monthly food distribution to families struggling with COVID.
Marion County CERTCERTMarionThe Marion County CERT Program, an all-hazard initiative, trains volunteers to prepare for emergencies and support first responders during disasters. Utilizing NIMS and ICS, CERT teams play a crucial role in the Marion County Emergency Management, offering rapid assessment, minor care, and administrative assistance during crises. In non-emergencies, they engage in public outreach and training. Since 1996, 1,800 individuals completed CERT training, with 19 active teams and 500 members. In 2022, they contributed over 4,500 volunteer hours. The requested funds aim to sustain basic and advanced training and replenish supplies for ongoing preparedness efforts.
Orange County Emergency ManagementCERTOrangeThe Orange County CERT Program began in 1999 with the first CERT Team located at Hunter's Creek. This team is still active and conducts monthly meetings plus advanced and refresher classes. There are total of six active CERT Teams in Orange County, with at least three neighborhoods to be trained within the next year.
Santa Rosa County Citizen Corps ProgramCitizen CorpsSanta RosaSanta Rosa Citizens Corps Teams are engaged in massive efforts to support mobile feeding stations and COVID-19 testing and vaccine sites. Volunteers are specifically trained and requested to support response in various ways, such as performing damage assessments, wildfire responder rehabilitation support, hurricane shelter or pet-friendly shelter staff support, and serve as post-disaster Points of Distribution workers. Santa Rosa County collaborates with Escambia County BRACE through MRC and our COADs. CERT Teams also participate in pre-planned community events year-round, to include recruitment, traffic and crowd control, and distribution of water.
University of South Florida CERTCERTPinellasUniversity of South Florida CERT is a collaborative initiative aims to establish a Storm Squad, a neighborhood-level storm leadership, utilizing CRIS to communicate community needs to decision-makers before, during, and after disasters. Members include citizens, HOA representatives, VOAD, academic institutions, businesses, and NGOs. The initiative, including the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program, emphasizes a community-driven approach, involving community members from pilot communities in the steering committee. The USF St. Petersburg initiative on Coastal Adaptation and Resilience (iCAR) created CRIS, and the collaboration involves CERT/CC, focusing on community resilience before, during, and after disasters. The steering committee, formed in collaboration with the University of South Florida (USF), works with a street-based Storm Squad to identify and address community needs. Funding is sought to support the Storm Squad's training, participation in the Florida CERT Association, conferences, equipment maintenance, and community engagement efforts. The initiative promotes a community-oriented approach to emergency management, fostering engagement, best practices, and sustainable resilience.
Walton County Emergency ManagementCERTWaltonThe Walton County CERT Team utilizes county facilities for training purposes and public safety entities to assist in training new and existing CERT members to assist in the Citizen Information Center in the EOC, answering requests for information from the public. They also assist with Rapid Impact Assessment post disaster and provide staffing at fairs, parades, etc. for incident management. CERT volunteers have been staffing the COVID call center, as well testing and vaccination sites. In times of disaster, CERT volunteers assist with damage assessment, EOC support, and other duties, as well as deploying in times of need to assist other counties.
Winter Park E-CERTCERTOrangeThe Winter Park E-CERT program provides youth-oriented CERT training, offering diverse certifications with a focus on community service, outreach, and disaster response, incorporating drone operations. Affiliated with several organizations, it specifically addresses the needs of vulnerable or underserved populations. Additionally, the program actively fosters collaboration between emergency services and the community, aids families and neighborhoods in preparation, and aligns seamlessly with the CERT mission.