TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Beginning Wednesday, May 11, 2022 – Tuesday, May 17, 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis will honor the men and women of Florida’s police force by lighting the Florida Historic Capitol blue in recognition of National Police Week. National Police Week recognizes those who have dedicated their lives to protecting our great state and pays special recognition to the officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. “In Florida, we back the blue,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “While some states talk about defunding the police, we fund the police and then some because we respect the work they do to keep all of us safe. This week, we honor the men, women, and their families who have dedicated their lives to protecting our communities.”
On April 1, Governor DeSantis signed HB 3, the strongest law enforcement recruitment and support initiative in the nation, into law. This legislation: Provides signing bonuses of up to $5,000 to newly employed law enforcement officers in Florida through the creation of the Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Payment Program.Covers tuition, fees, and up to $1,000 of eligible education expenses for trainees enrolled in a law enforcement officer basic recruit training program through the creation of the Florida Law Enforcement Academy Scholarship Program.Offers a reimbursement program to pay for up to $1,000 of eligible equivalency training costs for certified law enforcement officers who relocate to Florida or members of the special operations forces who become full-time law enforcement officers in Florida.Makes dependent children of law enforcement officers eligible to receive a Family Empowerment Scholarship to attend private schools.Provides law enforcement officers who adopt a child from within the state child welfare system with a $10,000 benefit or a $25,000 benefit for adopting a child with special needs. To watch Governor DeSantis’ speech to the National Fraternal Order of Police National Conference where he first announced this legislation, click here. To watch Governor DeSantis’ signing ceremony of HB 3 at the Brevard County Sheriff’s office, click here.
Governor DeSantis also released a proclamation declaring this week National Police Week in Florida. |
