LAND O’ LAKES, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis awarded more than $10 million in bonuses Tuesday to 1,506 newly recruited law enforcement officers.
Each officer receives a one-time $5,000 bonus after taxes through the Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Program.
The program was launched in 2022 as cities across the country wrestled with the fallout from the “defund the police” movement. Since then, Florida has handed nearly 12,500 officers more than $83 million in bonuses.
“We continue to build on this foundation to keep Florida the most law enforcement-friendly state in the country,” DeSantis said.
The bonuses are part of a broader push to recruit and retain officers, raise salaries and strengthen protections for law enforcement personnel.
Florida’s 2026-27 budget includes $20 million for recruitment bonuses and $19.8 million in raises for sworn state law enforcement officers. The previous budget raised the minimum base salary to $60,000 while delivering 10% increases for entry-level officers and 15% raises for veterans.
The state has also expanded mental-health and wellness services, increased penalties for crimes against officers and created scholarships covering law enforcement academy training costs.
Florida officials say recruits can also qualify for retirement benefits, student-loan forgiveness, home-loan assistance and opportunities for advancement.
While other states struggle to fill their ranks, DeSantis’ message is clear: Florida is open for cops.
