Governor Ron DeSantis announces more than 9,400 law enforcement recruits have received five thousand dollar bonuses across Florida
Panama City, Florida – Governor Ron DeSantis announced today that Florida has awarded more than 9,400 recruitment bonuses to newly hired law enforcement officers through the Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Payment Program, highlighting the state’s ongoing commitment to supporting and growing its public safety workforce. The latest round of bonuses specifically targeted officers serving in the Florida Panhandle, with an additional 734 bonuses distributed to recruits statewide.
Launched in 2022, this innovative program provides a one-time $5,000 bonus after taxes to new officers, serving both as a show of appreciation and as an incentive for talented individuals to choose law enforcement careers in Florida. The program reflects the state’s effort to attract officers from across the nation and strengthen local public safety agencies.
“Today in Panama City, we welcomed new law enforcement recruits from Bay, Franklin, Gulf, and Walton counties and awarded them $5,000 recruitment bonuses,” said Governor DeSantis. “Many new officers across the state moved to Florida from soft-on-crime jurisdictions, where prosecutors allow crime to run rampant and local politicians denigrate law enforcement. Here in Florida, law enforcement officers are supported and appreciated—and criminals are held accountable!”
The initiative has already produced remarkable results. To date, more than 1,900 law enforcement officers from 49 states and two territories have relocated to Florida, including over 600 officers from states such as California, Illinois, and New York, where law enforcement has faced political and budgetary challenges. With each recruit receiving the $5,000 bonus, the state has distributed over $63 million to support these new officers since the program’s inception.
Beyond the recruitment bonuses, Florida has implemented a suite of measures designed to enhance law enforcement careers and improve retention. Under the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget, Governor DeSantis secured $49 million in pay increases for over 16,200 sworn officers, raised the minimum base pay to $60,000, and provided significant raises for both entry-level and veteran officers. These financial incentives are complemented by expanded wellness resources, stronger penalties for crimes against officers, law enforcement education programs in high schools, and the Florida Law Enforcement Academy Scholarship Program, which covers training costs for new recruits.
The benefits of joining Florida law enforcement go beyond monetary incentives. Officers also enjoy financial stability, upward mobility, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, student loan forgiveness programs, home loan programs, and other perks designed to make careers in public safety sustainable and rewarding.
Governor DeSantis emphasized that these bonuses and initiatives are part of a broader strategy to position Florida as the nation’s most law-and-order state, ensuring public safety and supporting those who dedicate their careers to protecting the community. The program also reflects the state’s effort to attract skilled officers from across the country, recognizing the value of experience and expertise in building strong, effective law enforcement agencies.
For those interested in joining Florida law enforcement or learning more about the Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Payment Program, additional information is available at FloridaJobs.org/Recognition-and-Recruitment.
With the continued recruitment efforts, financial incentives, and comprehensive support programs, Florida is positioning itself as a national leader in law enforcement recruitment, retention, and public safety initiatives, ensuring that communities across the state are served by well-trained, motivated, and fully supported officers.
