The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a FEMA-backed program that trains volunteers in disaster preparedness and basic response skills. CERT members support first responders during emergencies by providing immediate assistance to survivors, organizing volunteers, and helping with disaster response.
Citizen Corps is a program that focuses on empowering individuals to become more prepared and involved in their communities to respond to various threats, including terrorism, crime, public health issues, and disasters. It works by providing training, education, and volunteer opportunities to make communities safer and more resilient.
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 Name | Type | Program Description | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Charlotte County Emergency Management | CERT | Charlotte County CERT has over 400 CERT members that serve the community during a disaster as shelter workers, call center operators, and as a support role during wildfires. CERT members also participate in public outreach events, support Fire & EMS by providing first aid at large events and provide lifesaving training throughout the community. |
 | Citrus County Sheriff's Office | CERT | The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is a nationally supported, locally implemented initiative that teaches people how to better prepare themselves for hazards that may affect their communities. Local CERT programs, like the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, train citizens to assist their families, neighbors, co-workers, and other community members during emergencies when professional responders may not be immediately available to provide assistance. Before, during, and after disasters, CERT volunteer teams perform basic response activities, including checking on neighbors, distributing information to the public, supporting emergency operations centers, and helping to manage traffic and crowds. The ability for CERT volunteers to perform these activities frees up career responders to focus their efforts on more complex, essential, and critical tasks. CERT volunteers also support our community by organizing, promoting, and participating in emergency preparedness, community events, and assisting the Sheriff’s Emergency Management Division. |
 | City of Gulfport Florida CERT | CERT | The Gulfport CERT Program educates residents on disaster preparedness for hazards that may affect their area. Volunteers receive training in basic disaster response skills, including fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. CERT members are also certified in CPR/AED and basic first aid. They apply their training to assist others in their neighborhoods or workplaces when professional responders are not immediately available and are encouraged to take an active role in local emergency preparedness efforts. |
 | City of Miami Beach, Division of Emergency Management | CERT | Miami 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. |
 | City of Pompano Beach Office of Emergency Management | CERT | "The Pompano Beach Fire Rescue Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is a community-based volunteer initiative designed to equip residents with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to assist before, during, and after emergencies. Established in 1996, the Pompano Beach CERT program is one of the earlier CERT organizations in Florida and has continued to grow into a well-trained, dependable team of volunteers who support the City of Pompano Beach and Pompano Beach Fire Rescue. Since its inception, the Pompano Beach CERT program has played a vital role in strengthening community resilience. Members participate in storm preparedness efforts, special event support, public education, missing person searches, and post-disaster assistance. The program fosters a culture of readiness, service, and partnership, making CERT an invaluable resource for the City of Pompano Beach." |
 | City of Tampa - Tampa Fire Rescue | CERT | The Tampa Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a program that trains residents of the City of Tampa to be prepared for and respond to emergencies that may arise in their community. Supported by Tampa Fire Rescue and Tampa’s Office of Emergency Management, the Tampa CERT Program expands the community’s preparedness and response capabilities through public outreach, special event support, and amateur radio communication. |
 | Escambia County Emergency Management | Citizen Corps | BRACE (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. Escambia CERT is a vital volunteer part of the Citizen Corps Program, engaging residents to be actively engaged in their community as well as support the Escambia County EM as an invaluable force multiplier. |
 | Franklin County Community Emergency Response Team | CERT | The Franklin County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is a vital local initiative aimed at preparing residents for effective emergency response. Franklin County CERT actively engages with our community by participating in numerous outreach events, offering services to non-profit organizations, and primarily supporting the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during both blue skies and gray skies. |
 | Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Office of Emergency Management | CERT | Hillsborough County CERT is a vital community program that trains residents in essential disaster preparedness skills through a comprehensive 24-hour hands-on course held on multiple Saturdays or weeknights. With over 400 active members from diverse backgrounds, the program empowers individuals to support their neighbors and communities during emergencies. CERT members in Hillsborough County play critical roles such as providing shelter assistance, operating call centers, supporting emergency responders, managing Points of Distribution, running Comfort Stations, filling sandbags to reduce flooding, and conducting damage assessments to aid recovery efforts. In addition to disaster response, Hillsborough CERT members actively participate in community outreach by offering lifesaving training and first aid support at large public events. By fostering a community-wide approach to emergency preparedness, Hillsborough County CERT significantly enhances local resilience and ensures residents are better equipped to handle crises when professional help may not be immediately available. |
 | Hope DeSoto Long Term Recovery Group | CERT | The Hope Desoto CERT Program is a newly launched CERT program aimed at strengthening community preparedness across Desoto County. In its first year, the program plans to train at least 120 volunteers through Basic CERT Training (G-317), equipping them with essential skills to support their neighborhood emergency response and resilience. Beyond training, volunteers will play a key role in advancing public outreach and fostering strong community relations, making CERT a visible and impactful presence throughout the county. |
 | Jefferson County Adult and Teen CERT | CERT | The Jefferson County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a volunteer-based organization dedicated to preparing our community for emergencies and disasters. Sponsored by Jefferson County Emergency Management, CERT provides training to residents in basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, disaster medical operations, and team organization. Our mission is to empower individuals to take care of themselves, their families, and their neighbors during emergencies until professional responders arrive. CERT members also support local emergency services during large-scale incidents, public safety events, and community outreach activities. Through education, preparedness, and teamwork, Jefferson County CERT helps build a more resilient and connected community ready to respond when disaster strikes. |
 | Marion County Sheriff's Office, Division of Emergency Management | CERT | Established in 1996, the Marion County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is an all-hazards volunteer program dedicated to preparing residents, families, and neighborhoods for emergencies and large-scale disasters. Volunteers who complete the G-317 Basic CERT Training gain a deeper understanding of local hazards and learn how to take proactive steps to reduce their impact. Marion County CERT members play an active role in both emergency and non-emergency situations. During routine operations, teams deliver public safety presentations, participate in health fairs, assist with traffic management at special events, and provide hands-only CPR and “Stop the Bleed” training. Their presence strengthens community preparedness and public safety outreach. With 22 active teams and nearly 500 trained volunteers, Marion County CERT is a vital component of the county’s emergency management strategy. During declared disasters, CERT teams support first responders by providing critical assistance and extending the reach of emergency services throughout the community. |
 | Santa Rosa County Emergency Management CERT | CERT | Santa Rosa CERT Teams 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. CERT Teams also participate in pre-planned community events year-round, to include recruitment, traffic and crowd control, and distribution of water. Santa Rosa County Citizen Corps (SRC CC) leads the organization, equipping, and training of the SRC CERT teams. Serving as a crucial interface for the Santa Rosa County Division of Emergency Management (SRC DEM), SRC CERT facilitates the planning and deployment of volunteer groups. SRC CERT focuses on tailoring activities to community needs and strengths, aiming to involve every citizen in homeland security and community safety. We do this through: • Public Education and Outreach: Raising awareness and educating the public about safety and emergency preparedness. • Training Opportunities: Offering courses and workshops to equip volunteers with essential skills. • Volunteer Programs: Engaging individuals in supporting first responders, disaster relief organizations, and community safety initiatives. |
 | Santa Rosa County Citizen Corps | Citizen Corps | The Santa Rosa County Citizen Corps (SRC CC) is operated out of the Santa Rosa County (SRC DEM) Division of Emergency Management. The Goal of SRC CC is to promote a desire for volunteering around our County. We have several ways in which community members can be a part of serving within Santa Rosa County. These groups include neighborhood watch groups, a very robust CERT program, a growing MRC, and lots of inter-agency cooperation. Santa Rosa County Citizen Corps leads the organization, equipping, and training of the SRC CERT and ARES teams. Serving as a crucial interface for the SRC DEM, SRC CC facilitate the planning and deployment of volunteer groups. SRC CC focuses on tailoring activities to community needs and strengths, aiming to involve every citizen in homeland security and community safety. We do this through: • Public Education and Outreach: Raising awareness and educating the public about safety and emergency preparedness. • Training Opportunities: Offering courses and workshops to equip volunteers with essential skills. • Volunteer Programs: Engaging individuals in supporting first responders, disaster relief organizations, and community safety initiatives. |
 | University of Central Florida's Health Sciences Campus | CERT | After the birth of the College of Medicine, UCF continued their investment into clinical services, medical education, and medical research by building and adopting buildings such as the Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, Lake Nona Cancer Center, UCF Lake Nona Hospital, College of Nursing, and multiple UCF Health locations. UCF’s medical presence has evolved so drastically that it is now referred to as UCF’s Health Sciences Campus (UCF HSC). The UCF Health Sciences Campus has invested heavily into a team comprised of Security and Emergency Management professionals that believe the next step in improving risk mitigation and community practice is by fostering a Campus Emergency Response Team (CERT) within the HSC. One objective of CERT will be to provide free training to all UCF HSC Students, Faculty, and Staff on all response equipment stowed throughout all HSC buildings, and to exercise all Building Emergency Action Plans (BEAPS). By using CERT, we will be training our community with an all-hazards approach, and team members will echo these sentiments to other members of our community during times of emergency. Once all CERT members are properly trained, they will be deployed to assist with emergency situations. Missions will also include safety and security objectives proposed by UCF and our partners. |