Today, Governor Ron DeSantis traveled to Satellite Beach, Temple Terrace, and Fort Myers to announce $1,000 one-time bonuses for approximately 174,000 first responders, including law enforcement officers, paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and firefighters across the state.
“Supporting our law enforcement and first responders has been a top priority for my administration, and it has never been more important than over the last year. As a state, we are grateful for their continued service to our communities,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “This one-time bonus is a small token of appreciation, but we can never go far enough to express our gratitude for their selflessness.”
The authorization comes following the Governor’s call for the bonuses in March, with the bonuses included in the 2021-22 state budget.
While the budget is not yet signed, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) is working to immediately implement this bonus program, expediting the distribution effort.
Approximately $208 million has been allocated from DEO for over 174,000 first responders across the state, including 49,405 sworn law enforcement officers, 40,732 EMTs, 35,811 firefighters, and 33,185 paramedics in Florida.
“Over this last year, Florida was fortunate to have many dedicated first responders who fulfilled essential functions of government throughout the most trying months of the pandemic,” said Senator Kelli Stargel, Chair of the Senate Committee on Appropriations. “From our law enforcement officers, to EMTs, to firefighters and many others, we are so grateful to these hardworking professionals, and pleased to be able to offer these bonus payments as a small token of appreciation on behalf of our state.”
