My question involves labor and employment law for the state of: Florida
According to Federal, State, and City laws/ordinances any selection for civil service positions should be conducted on the basis of merit and no other reason. With this being said, I am a White Male and have currently been on an eligibility list for hire with a Fire Department for approx. 3.5 years. Meaning I have sucessfully made it through all required testing and meet minimum certifications. In this period of time I have returned to school for more specialized certifications/degrees. I have obtained my Paramedic License as well as an A.A. Degree and an A.S. Degree in Emergency Medical Services. With Paramedic and A.S. Degree I feel that these are superior qualifications and due to the fact that the city pays an additional $5400 for Paramedic and $1800 for the Degree it seems as though they acknolwedge the importance of this education. My main grievence is that in the 3.5 years I have been on this list, I have personal friends of other races and genders with the same or even less qualifications than myself, hired and put through the academy. I also know that people are continuing to be added to this list which according to the city applicants should not be added unless there are inadequate resources to fill available positions, to which they have opened an additional 4 times before each hiring class. Two of my former coworkers who finished their schooling after I had, as well as applying after i was eligible for hire, were tested and certified eligible in approx. 2 months whereas this process took myself right at 6 months to become eligible. Both of these employees were hired within 4 months of the original application date. Once again I was not even eligible for 6 months, 2 months longer than it took them to be collecting a paycheck. If anyone could help with my case, whether there is a case or not.
Thanks in Advance.

