Governor Ron DeSantis announced on Wednesday that nearly 1,400 bonuses have been issued to newly employed law enforcement recruits in Florida.
through the Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Payment Program.
According to the governor, 431 people from 45 states and U.S. Territories have relocated to Florida to become law enforcement officers, including more than 155 from New York, California, and Pennsylvania. The program includes scholarships for law enforcement, scholarships for children of law enforcement officers, raises in pay and retention bonuses for law enforcement. Each of the 1,400 law enforcement officers received a $5,000 bonus after taxes, bringing the total to more than $7 million delivered through the program to date.
“In Florida, our number one priority is to protect Floridians and the best way to do that is by supporting the law enforcement officers who keep our communities safe,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “My administration will continue to deliver on our promises by prioritizing law-and-order policies and making Florida the best state to be a law enforcement officer.”
Florida’s crime rate is at a 50-year low, with total crime dropping 8.3% in 2021 and murder offenses dropping by 14%.
In addition to a $5,000 recruitment bonus, benefits of becoming a Florida law enforcement officer include financial stability, upward mobility, excellent health and retirement benefits, student loan forgiveness programs, home loan programs, and more.
For more information about the Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Payment Program, visit www.FloridaJobs.org/Recognition-and-Recruitment.
