Florida has issued more than 2,265 bonuses in one year through the Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Program, with new recruits and law enforcement officers moving to Florida from 48 states and two U.S. territories, including 230 from California, New York, and Pennsylvania, according to an announcement made by Governor Ron DeSantis on Monday.
Each of the more than 2,265 law enforcement officers received a $5,000 bonus after taxes, bringing the total amount awarded to more than $15 million through the program in fiscal year 2022-2023.
“Through the Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Program, we are ensuring that our law enforcement officers don’t have to think twice about the decision to support their families in a state that puts them first,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Florida’s law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities, and I am proud that Florida’s reputation proceeds itself as 668 out-of-state law enforcement recruits have chosen to practice this noble profession in Florida.”
This successful program encourages Floridians to join the profession and attracts out-of-state recruits or experienced officers to relocate to Florida. To date, 668 law enforcement recruits from 48 states and two U.S. territories have relocated to Florida, including 230 from California, New York and Pennsylvania.
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.
