Over 1,750 bonuses given to new law enforcement recruits, DeSantis announces

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that over 1,750 bonuses have been given to new law enforcement recruits, including both those from Florida and from other states. Each officer received $5,000 after taxes.

According to the governor’s office, 530 of the bonuses went to recruits from out-of-state that relocated to the Sunshine State.

More than 200 of those went to officers from California, Texas, New York and Pennsylvania, they said.

“I’m proud to announce that more than 1,750 new law enforcement officers have received bonuses through the Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Program,” DeSantis said. “Florida is first in the nation in law enforcement recruitment because of our focus on back-the-blue initiatives that make our law enforcement officers feel supported by their communities.”

“In Florida, we know the invaluable service that law enforcement professionals provide our communities, and we’ve got their backs,” he said.

According to DeSantis’ office, the total amount awarded through the Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Program stands at roughly $11.8 million.

They also noted that the governor’s “Framework for Freedom Budget” for fiscal year 2023-2024 includes $30 million to continue the program – $10 million more than the year prior.

The first batch of these bonuses was delivered in late 2022.

In December, they said the bonuses reached around 600 new recruits. Then, in March, DeSantis’ office announced the bonuses have reached around 1,400.

“DEO is proud to support Governor DeSantis’ continued efforts to recruit in-state and out-of-state individuals to join the law enforcement profession in Florida,” said Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Acting Secretary Meredith Ivey. “Law enforcement officers are hardworking, dedicated individuals who protect and serve our residents and communities.”

“We are proud these recruits are choosing this noble profession in the state of Florida,” she said.