Gov. Rick Scott announced today he will propose $30 million in pay raises for state law enforcement agencies to use for officer recruitment and retention in his 2018-2019 recommended budget.
Last month Scott signed SB 7022 to provide a 5 percent pay raise for Florida’s sworn state law enforcement officers. This $30 million would double that investment and be used to reward current sworn state law enforcement officers and continue to attract qualified officers, according to the governor's announcement.
The governor will announce his entire recommended budget before the beginning of next year’s legislative session.
In making the announcement in Jacksonville, Scott said, “Today, I’m proud to announce that as part of my upcoming recommended budget, I will be proposing a $30 million investment in pay raises for our state law enforcement agencies to use for officer recruitment and retention. ... I know that each state agency has different needs, and this proposal allows them to provide pay raises to best suit their sworn law enforcement officers.
“As governor, I have traveled the state and had the opportunity to meet firsthand with our brave law enforcement officers, to hear incredible stories of their bravery and service. (They) face danger every day, and they have protected our communities during some of our state’s most challenging times.
"I was proud to stand with the Florida Senate and Florida House this year to fight for the well-deserved 5 percent pay raise for sworn state law enforcement officers, but we cannot stop there. We must do everything we can to recognize our law enforcement and work to ensure that our state can recruit ... officers to build on Florida’s 46-year crime low.”
Said Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Rick Swearingen, “We are grateful for Gov. Scott’s continued support of Florida’s law enforcement community and his commitment to the safety of our Florida citizens. His proposal will help us continue to hire the best, and to better retain the talented agents we have already working for FDLE.”
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Executive Director Terry L. Rhodes said, “I am immensely proud of the life-saving work that the Florida Highway Patrol members do every day to protect the citizens and visitors of our state. Gov. Scott is dedicated to ensuring the state has the necessary resources to recruit and retain state law enforcement, and I thank him for his proposal.”
Florida Highway Patrol Director Colonel Gene Spaulding concurred. “Every day, Florida Highway Patrol troopers leave the safety and comfort of their homes and families to protect and serve our great state. This funding proposal is a testament to their great sacrifice, and I thank Gov. Scott for his continued commitment to our troopers and all of the state law enforcement officers.”
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