Governor Ron DeSantis’ administration is requesting $8.2 million in state funds to continue the deployment of Florida National Guard members at state prisons through the end of the fiscal year on June 30. The move comes as the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) grapples with persistent staffing shortages and rising inmate populations, which have strained the state’s correctional system for more than two years.
The funding request, submitted to the Joint Legislative Budget Commission, a panel of House and Senate members responsible for mid-year budget adjustments, highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the state’s prison system. The commission is expected to consider the request during its meeting on Wednesday.
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The Florida Department of Corrections has struggled with high vacancy rates among correctional officers, leading to increased reliance on overtime to maintain security and operations. According to the agency’s request, “correctional officer recruitment and retention has improved,” but new hires must complete a 13-week training program before they can fill critical security posts. This delay has necessitated the continued use of National Guard members to provide temporary relief.
Governor DeSantis first activated the National Guard in September 2022 through an executive order, citing severe staffing shortages that threatened the safety of officers, inmates, and the public. Since then, the governor has issued multiple extensions, with the most recent order in December 2023 authorizing another six-month deployment through June 9, 2024.
The National Guard has played a crucial role in supporting the FDC by filling gaps in staffing and allowing new correctional officers to complete their training. The budget request emphasized that the Guard’s assistance has been “necessary for the care, custody, and control of inmates” and has provided “temporary relief to support current FDC staff.”
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Despite improvements in recruitment and retention, the FDC continues to face challenges. The agency’s request noted that the National Guard’s presence has been instrumental in maintaining operations while new officers are trained, but the need for additional funding underscores the ongoing strain on the system.
The request for $8.2 million is part of a series of budget adjustments the Joint Legislative Budget Commission will consider. The funding would cover the costs of the National Guard’s deployment, including personnel and operational expenses, through the end of the fiscal year.
Governor DeSantis’ administration has emphasized the importance of the National Guard’s role in bridging the gap until new correctional officers are fully trained and deployed. However, the situation raises questions about the sustainability of relying on military personnel to address staffing shortages in civilian institutions.
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