DeSantis says over 3,350 officers awarded more than $22.5 million under state program
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis announced more than 3,350 bonuses in total have been awarded to new recruits and officers who have moved to Florida under an ongoing program.
Each bonus is $5,000 after taxes, bringing the total amount awarded through the Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Program to more than $22.5 million.
“With a national lack of support for the important work law enforcement officers do daily, Florida has stood up for what is right,” DeSantis said.
Of the 3,350 officers, 915 moved to Florida from out-of-state.
Three of 47 officers from Illinois have moved to the Sunshine State following billboards placed in Illinois, which according to the governor’s office, encouraged officers to make the move because Florida “consistently backs the blue.”
“When states threaten to defund their police, they not only put their communities in danger but also the very lives of those who work so hard to protect them — I am proud that many have moved to Florida to pursue their careers because they know they will be supported,” FloridaCommerce Secretary J. Alex Kelly said.
Law enforcement officers from all 50 states and two U.S. territories have moved to Florida or joined the profession since the launch of the program, according to the governor.
“Our back the blue policies have brought officers from all 50 states and two U.S. territories to Florida,” the governor said. “We will continue to support law and order and make investments in the people that keep our communities safe.”
Florida’s Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Program encourages Floridians to join the profession and attracts out-of-state recruits or experienced officers to relocate to the state.
In addition to a $5,000 recruitment bonus, the benefits of becoming a Florida law enforcement officer include financial stability, upward mobility, health and retirement benefits, student loan forgiveness programs, home loan programs and more, DeSantis’ office said.
