DeSantis hands out $5,000 checks to new Hillsborough deputies under recruitment push
Tallahassee, Florida – Florida has reached another goal in its efforts to help and grow its law enforcement community. Governor Ron DeSantis said that the Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Payment Program has now given out more than 8,700 bonuses to new officers. There were 40 deputies in Hillsborough County who got awards this time. DeSantis personally gave the $5,000 checks.
The program started in 2022 and gives new recruits a one-time payment of $5,000 after taxes as a way to thank them for choosing to serve in Florida and encourage them to do so. DeSantis highlighted that these actions are part of a bigger goal to make the public safer and give cops the tools, resources, and support they need. Last week, DeSantis talked about continued investments like wage hikes, more wellness programs, and rules that let police do their jobs without political pressure.
Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins agreed, stating that Florida continues to implement steps to make sure that officers are safe and healthy. Collins said that the state is a leader in supporting law enforcement and creating career paths that draw talent from all around the country.
The outcomes are already clear. More than 1,900 cops have moved to Florida from 49 other states and two territories since the program started. Many of these new officers came from states that officials said had anti-police policies, such as California, Illinois, and New York. The state has given out more than $58 million in bonuses in total.
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This hiring program is only one facet of a bigger fiscal promise. DeSantis got more than 16,200 sworn officers a wage raise of $49 million in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget. The plan also raised the minimum base compensation for state law enforcement to $60,000 and gave both new and experienced cops more money. Beyond salary and bonuses, Florida has extended educational and training opportunities, introduced scholarships for police enforcement academies, and strengthened penalties for crimes committed against cops.
Officials claim that working in Florida has more rewards than just pay. Officers can also get their education loans canceled, get health and retirement benefits, get help with home loans, and move forward in their careers. State authorities say that these incentives not only reward those who serve, but they also help bring in the next generation of law enforcement professionals to Florida.
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Those interested can visit FloridaJobs.org/Recognition-and-Recruitment for more information on the recruitment initiative.
