Since 2022, the state has paid more than $83M in law enforcement bonuses.
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Gov. Ron DeSantis passed out $5,000 checks to 38 new Pasco County Sheriff’s recruits in what’s become an ongoing priority for the Governor.
“We have put our money where our mouth is when we say we’re a law and order state,” DeSantis said during a news conference. “The checks are really a testament to the state of Florida supporting and having the backs of the people that wear the uniform.”
DeSantis, who is term-limited and finishing his final months in office, said he hopes whoever wins the Governor’s race doesn’t axe the Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Payment Program.
Since 2022, the state has paid more than $83 million in bonuses to hire about 12,500 law enforcement officers. DeSantis said the latest rounds of 1,500 checks going out now cost about $10 million.
“It’s been a good incentive for people to want to relocate, but also it’s been positive incentive for young people who want to be a part of this,” DeSantis said. “It’s an important profession for the safety and security of our communities, but also for the vitality of the free state of Florida going forward. So our record in doing this has been amazing.”
DeSantis also stressed that the new recruits get exactly $5,000 in their pockets because the state covers the taxes for the bonuses.
Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco praised the Governor during the news conference.
“Whenever there’s been a crisis for law enforcement, Gov. DeSantis has always been there for us,” Nocco said. “He always stays with us. It started with the defund the police movement. … It was law enforcement across the country being villainized, but not in Florida.”
But law enforcement officials this cycle are notably against Amendment 3, a November ballot initiative to reduce property taxes that DeSantis is backing.
The Florida Sheriffs Association and the Florida State Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) both oppose Amendment 3 and warn it could cut their funding to provide emergency services.
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