Hiring Process

Next Steps After Submitting Your Application

Once your application is submitted, the hiring process will proceed with the following steps:

1. Interview Board

(Required for all applicants)

You will be contacted to schedule an interview with our hiring board.

2. Physical Abilities Test (PAT)

(For Law Enforcement, Detention, and Fire Rescue Personnel Only)

For Law Enforcement Officers

The PAT is a job-related physical assessment designed to evaluate your fitness for duty. To participate, the following documentation is required:

Note: If a physical exam is required for clearance, all associated costs will be your responsibility.

All forms must be submitted to Human Resources before you are scheduled for the PAT. Participation is not permitted without completed documentation.

What to Expect

You will perform physically demanding tasks, including:

  • Running
  • Jumping
  • Climbing
  • Crawling
Required Attire
  • Loose-fitting long pants with belt loops (BDU-style recommended)
  • Belt
  • Athletic shoes or utility boots

Hydration is strongly recommended.
To pass, you must complete the course in 6 minutes and 41 seconds or less.

For Detention Deputies

The Physical Abilities Test (PAT) evaluates essential job-related physical skills. Participation requires the following documentation:

Note: Applicants are expected to cover any expenses associated with obtaining a physician’s clearance.

Completed forms must be turned in to Human Resources prior to scheduling your PAT. You will not be allowed to participate without them.

What to Expect

You will perform physical tasks, including:

  • Running
  • Jumping
  • Climbing
  • Crawling
Required Attire
  • Loose-fitting long pants with belt loops (BDU-style)
  • Belt
  • Athletic shoes or utility boots

Hydrate beforehand.
You must finish the course within 6 minutes and 41 seconds to successfully pass.

For Fire Rescue Personnel

The PAT simulates physical tasks you may encounter on the job and is used to assess your overall fitness for duty. You’ll need to submit the following documentation to participate:

Note: If a physical examination is needed for your clearance, you will be responsible for covering the cost.

What to Expect
  • Climbing
  • Lifting
  • Hoisting
Required Attire
  • Loose-fitting long pants with belt loops (BDU-style)
  • T-shirt
  • Tennis shoes

Gear Provided: Bunker jacket, helmet, and air pack
Hydration is advised.
Passing time: 11 minutes and 10 seconds or less

3. Swim Assessment

(For Law Enforcement Personnel Only)

Before participating in the swim assessment, all law enforcement personnel must have the below documentation completed and submitted to the human resources department:

You will be required to:
  • Swim 25 yards (any stroke)
  • Tread water for 2.5 minutes
Swim Attire
  • T-shirt
  • Long pants

Note: Towels will not be provided. Applicants are asked to bring their own towels to the swim assessment. 

4. Polygraph Examination

(Required for all applicants)

The polygraph examination takes approximately three hours to complete. To ensure accurate results, it is important that you get at least six hours of sleep the night before. Additionally, you must complete the Polygraph Questionnaire in advance and bring it with you to your appointment.

For Out-of-State or Military Law Enforcement Applicants

You may qualify for an Equivalency of Training instead of attending a full basic academy.
More info: FDLE Equivalency of Training

Florida Blue Health Benefits

At the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, we offer our employees access to affordable health insurance through Florida Blue. To view Florida Blue’s policies, please visit the Florida Blue Transparency page.

Testing Location

Walton County Sheriff’s Office – Admin Office
10 Sheriff Circle,
DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433
Phone: (850) 892-8111

Local Accommodations

Holiday Inn Express
326 Coy Burgess Loop
DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435
Approximately 15 minutes from WCSO Admin Office
Phone: (850) 520-4660
Email: [email protected]
Hotel Website

Local Airport

Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS)
1701 State Road 85 N
Eglin AFB, FL 32542
Approximately 54 minutes from WCSO Admin Office
Phone: (850) 520-4660
Airport Website

Ride-Along Opportunity (Optional)

Ride-alongs with the Walton County Sheriff’s Office are optional for applicants and also open to members of the public who are interested in learning more about law enforcement operations.

To participate, you must complete the required Ride-Along Form and pass a background check before approval.

Whether you’re applying for a position or simply curious about a day in the life of a deputy, you’re welcome to submit the completed form to [email protected].

Contact Us

For questions about recruitment or testing: