TALLAHASSEE, FL - On November 22 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida is making 300 new bonus awards to Law Enforcement Officers and has reached a milestone of 6,400 bonuses awarded to new law enforcement recruits through the Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Payment Program. The latest 300 bonuses were awarded to officers serving in counties impacted by Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton. This first-of-its-kind initiative, launched in 2022, is part of Florida’s strongest-in-the-nation support for law enforcement and constitutes a one-time, $5,000 bonus-after taxes-to newly employed officers in the state.

“Florida welcomes law enforcement officers from across the country to a state where they will be recognized and appreciated,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Additionally, Florida celebrates the law enforcement profession and encourages people to join the force. Law enforcement officers make enormous personal sacrifices for the communities they serve, and they deserve higher pay and more support.”

To date, more than 1,560 law enforcement officers from 49 other states and two territories have relocated to Florida, with more than 470 coming from anti-police states like California, Illinois, and New York. Each of the 6,400 newly recruited officers has received a $5,000 bonus after taxes, with the program distributing more than $43.3 million to date.

“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida shows the nation how to support law enforcement,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “This program showcases the state’s commitment to rewarding the heroic work law enforcement officers do. These brave men and women are on the front lines, allowing safe communities to thrive.”

In addition to a $5,000 recruitment bonus, benefits of becoming a Florida law enforcement officer includes 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 FloridaJobs.org/Recognition-and-Recruitment.