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Commissioner Adam Putnam Thanks the Legislature for Funding Much-Needed Pay Raises for First Responders

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Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam issued the following statement today thanking the legislature for funding much-needed pay raises for first responders:

“I thank the legislature for standing with our first responders and funding pay raises for our department’s law enforcement officers and wildland firefighters, who are demonstrably underpaid compared to other state and local agencies. These raises will help us recruit and retain the best of the best to keep Floridians and visitors safe when lives and property are on the line.”

Starting pay for the department’s law enforcement officers is $31,880 and the starting pay for Florida Forest Service wildland firefighters is $26,580, substantially less than their counterparts in other state and local agencies resulting in high turnover in these critically important positions. The budget item, pending approval from the Governor, would provide a several thousand dollar increase for each of these positions to bring their pay in line with other competing employers and improve retention.

Commissioner Putnam Asks Legislative Leadership to Stand with First Responders, Fund Much-Needed Pay Raises

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Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam issued the following statement today urging legislative leadership to fund much-needed pay raises for first responders:

“Leading up to legislative session, I asked legislative leadership to fund modest pay raises for our department’s law enforcement officers and wildland firefighters, who are demonstrably underpaid compared to other state and local agencies. These raises will help us recruit and retain the best of the best to keep Floridians and visitors safe when lives and property are on the line. I continue to ask legislative leadership to stand with Florida’s first responders and fund these much-needed and well-deserved raises.”

Starting pay for the department’s law enforcement officers is $31,880 and the starting pay for Florida Forest Service wildland firefighters is $26,580, substantially less than their counterparts in other state and local agencies resulting in high turnover in these critically important positions.

For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.

Gov. Scott to Propose $30 Million in Pay Raises for State Law Enforcement Agencies

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Proposed Funding Would Double Current Year Investment

Governor Rick Scott today announced that he will propose $30 million in pay raises for state law enforcement agencies to use for officer recruitment and retention in his 2018-2019 recommended budget. Last month, Governor Scott signed SB 7022 to provide a five percent pay raise for Florida’s sworn state law enforcement officers. This $30 million would double that investment and be used to reward current sworn state law enforcement officers and continue to attract qualified officers. The Governor’s proposal will allow each state agency with sworn law enforcement to formulate their own pay raise plan to meet their specific needs. The Governor will announce his entire recommended budget before the beginning of next year’s legislative session.
Governor Scott said, “Today, I’m proud to announce that as part of my upcoming recommended budget, I will be proposing a $30 million investment in pay raises for our state law enforcement agencies to use for officer recruitment and retention. This $30 million in pay raises will help reward our hard-working state law enforcement officers and ensure we can continue to hire highly qualified and dedicated officers to keep Florida families safe for years to come. I know that each state agency has different needs, and this proposal allows them to provide pay raises to best suit their sworn law enforcement officers.
“As Governor, I have traveled the state and had the opportunity to meet firsthand with our brave law enforcement officers to hear incredible stories of their bravery and service. Our state law enforcement officers face danger every day, and they have protected our communities during some of our state’s most challenging times. I was proud to stand with the Florida Senate and Florida House this year to fight for the well-deserved five percent pay raise for sworn state law enforcement officers, but we cannot stop there. We must do everything we can to recognize our law enforcement and work to ensure that our state can recruit hard-working law enforcement officers to build on Florida’s 46-year crime low.”
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Rick Swearingen said, “We are grateful for Governor Scott’s continued support of Florida’s law enforcement community and his commitment to the safety of our Florida citizens. His proposal will help us continue to hire the best, and to better retain the talented agents we have already working for FDLE.”
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Executive Director Terry L. Rhodes said, “I am immensely proud of the life-saving work that the Florida Highway Patrol members do every day to protect the citizens and visitors of our state. Governor Scott is dedicated to ensuring the state has the necessary resources to recruit and retain state law enforcement, and I thank him for his proposal.”
Florida Highway Patrol Director Colonel Gene Spaulding said, “Every day, Florida Highway Patrol troopers leave the safety and comfort of their homes and families to protect and serve our great state. This funding proposal is a testament to their great sacrifice, and I thank Governor Scott for his continued commitment to our troopers and all of the state law enforcement officers.”