Marion County, FL — The state of Florida has awarded more than 7,800 recruitment bonuses to newly hired law enforcement officers through the Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Payment Program, officials announced this week. The most recent distribution of bonuses went to officers in Marion County, with an additional 660 bonuses recently awarded to recruits across the state.
The program, which launched in 2022, offers a one-time $5,000 post-tax payment to eligible new officers. According to the Governor’s Office, the initiative is intended to encourage individuals to pursue careers in law enforcement within the state and to recognize their public service.
Governor Ron DeSantis personally presented bonus checks to officers in Marion County, highlighting Florida’s continued investment in law enforcement recruitment. The state reports that more than 1,700 officers have relocated to Florida from 49 other states and two U.S. territories, with over 500 of those coming from states such as California, Illinois, and New York.
In total, the program has distributed over $53 million in bonuses since its inception.
Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly emphasized the state’s broader strategy to support law enforcement efforts and public safety initiatives, stating that the state continues to provide resources aimed at enhancing officer recruitment and enforcement capabilities.
Beyond the $5,000 recruitment bonus, the state also promotes additional benefits for new law enforcement officers, including competitive compensation packages, health and retirement benefits, student loan forgiveness, and housing assistance programs.
