VIDEO: Florida Recognizes National Police Week as Hundreds of Out-of-State Officers Move to Serve in the Sunshine State

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Release Date
May 13, 2024
Contact
Kylie Mason
Phone
(850) 245-0150

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—To kick off National Police Week, Attorney General Ashley Moody is sharing initiatives and programs that make Florida the most pro-law enforcement state in the nation. Since July 2022, more than 1,200 officers have moved from all over the country to serve in the Sunshine State. Law enforcement professionals are flocking to Florida because leadership and the public support officers, and the state offers incentives to serve—including sign-on bonuses, scholarships, home-buying assistance and more.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “It is no wonder that Florida is the most pro-law enforcement state in the nation—our leaders back the blue and do whatever it takes to help these brave officers do their jobs. As Florida’s Attorney General and the wife of a law enforcement officer, I am proud to show my appreciation for all they do to keep our state safe. Through their selfless service, they are helping us build a Stronger, Safer Florida.” 

Attorney General Moody worked with Gov. Ron DeSantis and lawmakers to secure pay raises, sign-on bonuses and additional benefits for law enforcement officers in Florida. As part of the Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Program, nearly 5,000 officers have joined Florida’s ranks, including more than 1,200 recruits who moved from out-of-state to serve in the Sunshine State. In addition to sign-on bonuses of up to $5,000, new officers may be eligible for up to $1,000 in both equivalency training and educational costs as well as up to $25,000 toward purchasing a home.

Attorney General Moody created the Be A Florida Hero initiative to spread the word about the benefits and career opportunities that come with serving in Florida. Be A Florida Hero also provides an interactive map tool that shows potential recruits available opportunities to serve at agencies throughout the state. 

To learn more, visit BeAFloridaHero.com.

Attorney General Moody launched other initiatives to show support to the brave men and women who serve, including: 

  • Thin Line Tribute: recognizes the courageous and dangerous work of frontline law enforcement officers for their selfless and dedicated service to the citizens of Florida;
  • Sunshine Salute Series: focuses on out-of-state law enforcement who answered the call to move and become a Florida hero;
  • Back the Blue: highlights law enforcement officers, citizens and organizations taking extraordinary steps to forge positive relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

In 2020, Attorney General Moody served on President Donald Trump’s Law Enforcement Commission. To read the commission’s final report, click here.

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