Gov. DeSantis gives out another round of $5K bonuses to new law enforcement recruits

Gov. DeSantis in Ocala.

Gov. Ron DeSantis handed out more $5,000 checks Wednesday to new Sheriff’s deputies during a Marion County press conference.

DeSantis touted the Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Program, which hit a milestone of paying more than 7,800 bonuses after a new round of 700 checks just went out in the mail.

“The recruitment bonuses that my deputies will receive here today isn’t just a check,” said Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods standing alongside DeSantis. “It’s a statement. It tells the men and women in uniform that their choice to serve and protect matters now.”

DeSantis has been vocal about pushing for pay increases for first responders.

In February, DeSantis recommended a 20% pay increase for entry-level state law enforcement officers, as well as 25% increases for both veteran officers and all state firefighters.

DeSantis said the bonuses, which were approved in 2022 and amount to $5,000 after taxes, play an important role in helping Florida recruit law enforcement officials from elsewhere in the country.

“We saw an opportunity that if you’re being treated poorly in San Francisco or New York City or all these places, then you come to Florida, $5,000 to start. But then more importantly than that, you’ll be in a community that supports your mission,” DeSantis said.

“It had been frowned upon in a lot of these other states, denigrated as something that you shouldn’t want to do. And honestly, if I was treated that way in some of these other states, I wouldn’t want to do it either. But in Florida, we wanted to send a different message to say, no, we reward this career choice. We think this is a noble calling.”

DeSantis is relying on county Sheriff’s departments across the state to help some of his policy missions.

Sheriffs from all 67 counties signed on to help the federal government with illegal immigration enforcement in Florida.

DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis also announced Tuesday that Hope Florida is now working with Sheriff’s Offices through the state. Hope Florida helps single mothers, veterans and others in need and utilizes religious organizations to work with the public and private sector.

“There’s more liberal states that wince that we’re enlisting the faith community,” DeSantis said. “What I tell them is, go pound sand. These faith communities are part of the way you lift people up.”

The Hope Florida announcement comes as lawmakers are debating legislation that would permanently codify Hope Florida in the Governor’s Office. Some lawmakers are voicing concerns about the organization’s lack of transparency.