Representative Dan Daley (D-Coral Springs) has filed HB 723 – Florida National Guard Recruitment which establishes the Florida National Guard Joint Enlistment Enhancement Program (JEEP). The program is designed to better support the citizens of Florida and address the growing challenges faced by the state, including rapid population growth, sea level rise, intensified storms, flooding, and public health emergencies.
Florida National Guard is ranked last in the nation for its size compared to the state’s population. To grow the force and address this imbalance, JEEP incentivizes non-recruiter Soldiers to refer new enlistees. This program has already been implemented successfully in other states, such as Alabama and Vermont.
Representative Daley stated, “I am proud to file this bill to support the Florida National Guard. Floridians have heavily relied on the courageous National Guard volunteers over the years and owe them gratitude. In times of disaster, they are called upon and now they require support. The National Guard needs sufficient personnel according to the state’s size and likelihood of natural disasters. The JEEP program will provide financial benefits to participating members and retirees while also encouraging them to contribute to the growth and success of the organization.”
