Last week, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed the Framework for Freedom Budget for Fiscal Year 2023–24, which continues to make vital investments in public safety.
These investments include salary increases for correctional officers, enhancements to officer safety, and tools to combat the flow of fentanyl into Florida from the southern border.
“While there are states still defunding the police, Governor DeSantis once again has proven his remarkable leadership to keep all the people in the State of Florida safe and continue the strongest support of law enforcement officers who stand in the gap between good and evil,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.
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“Due to the continued diligence of Florida’s law enforcement officers, Floridians are benefiting from a 50-year record-low crime rate, and year-over-year crime in Florida is down nearly ten percent,” said the Governor’s office.
The Framework for Freedom Budget includes $20 million for a second round of $5,000 recruitment bonuses for law enforcement officers new to the profession or relocating from other states.
Additionally, the budget provides $110 million to provide one-time recognition bonuses for eligible local first responders.
“The Governor’s Framework for Freedom Budget helps keep our citizens safe by investing in Florida’s law enforcement and criminal justice community,” said Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Commissioner Mark Glass. “At FDLE, additional resources for Capitol Police, Florida’s Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse, the Sex Offender Registry, and the E-Verify program will help us better serve our citizens and law enforcement partners while allowing FDLE to serve as a national leader in public safety best practices.”
The Framework for Freedom Budget also includes nearly $100 million to boost pay for Correctional and Probation Officers.
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“Florida’s Framework for Freedom is yet another perfect example of Governor DeSantis making the safety of Florida’s citizens his top priority,” said Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey. “Like me, Governor DeSantis understands that government’s one and only responsibility is the protection of its citizens and their rights! This budget not only strongly benefits our citizens through sound fiscal responsibility but is also the exact reason that Florida is the greatest place in the country to live, work, and raise our families.”
“Florida is enjoying record low crime levels, and this is not on accident. It is because of the leadership and investments made by Governor Ron DeSantis,” said Steve Zona, President of the Florida State Fraternal Order of Police. “There are substantial pay increases across the board for all of law enforcement and investments in technology that help us all to be more efficient and successful. The first responder recognition payments and the recruiting bonuses continues to make Florida the model for others to follow. We are fortunate in Florida that we have a Governor who backs up every word that comes out of his mouth and stands with law enforcement every single day. Thank you is not enough.”
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