Governor Ron DeSantis, joined by Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) Executive Director Dave Kerner, advocated Wednesday for substantial pay increases and critical funding for Florida State Troopers and other state law enforcement personnel, directly challenging the state budget proposed by the Florida House.
The Governor highlighted his “Focus on Fiscal Responsibility” budget proposal for the upcoming 2025-26 fiscal year, which includes significant investments in law enforcement compensation.
“In my Focus on Fiscal Responsibility proposed budget, I advocate for a 20% pay raise for state entry-level officers and 25% pay raise for veteran officers and all state firefighters,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “The Florida House is blocking these raises, and other critical resources for law enforcement. We must support and equip law enforcement to be successful in defending our communities.”
Governor DeSantis’s proposed budget allocates $118.3 million specifically for these pay increases, aiming to benefit over 4,700 state sworn law enforcement officers and more than 730 state firefighters. The plan calls for:
- A 20% pay increase for entry-level state sworn law enforcement officers.
- A 25% pay increase for veteran sworn law enforcement officers and all state firefighters.
The Governor’s office emphasized that these proposed increases build upon previous initiatives supporting first responders, contributing to Florida’s record-low crime rates and its reputation as a desirable and safe state for residents and first responders.
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However, Governor DeSantis pointedly criticized the budget currently moving through the Florida House, stating it fails to adopt his recommendations and instead imposes detrimental cuts.
According to the Governor’s office, the House budget:
- Blocks the proposed pay raises for law enforcement officers.
- Defunds the procurement of ballistic armor.
- Fails to fund the replacement of law enforcement vehicles with over 100,000 miles.
- Does not allocate funds for replacing in-car camera systems.
- Eliminates 84 current state trooper positions.
- Cuts 73 current state law enforcement dispatcher positions.
The conflict sets the stage for potentially contentious budget negotiations as the Governor pushes for his administration’s priorities against the House’s proposed allocations for state law enforcement funding and staffing.
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