Florida’s Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Program, which was launched by Gov. Ron DeSantis one year ago, has awarded over 1,750 bonuses to newly employed law enforcement recruits, according to a Tuesday report.
Of these, at least 530 recruits had relocated from out of state, with 200 coming from New York, California, Texas, and Pennsylvania, The Center Square noted.
In a joint statement released by the governor’s office, several recruits shared why they relocated to Florida, with many who are expressing gratitude being former NYPD officers who felt abandoned by the city.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) is experiencing a surge in officers retiring or resigning, with 239 leaving the force in January and February of this year. This is a significant increase compared to the same months in 2022 and 2021, during which 176 and 110 officers left, respectively. According to a report by the New York Post, that represents a 36 percent increase from last year and a 117 percent increase from 2021, based on NYPD pension data.
One former NYPD officer named Davey relocated to central Florida last year to serve in the Clermont Police Department. He told The Post: “After working in the NYPD for 17 years, I began to feel as if the city I served no longer supported my efforts. I decided to look into relocating my family and practicing law enforcement elsewhere.”
He initiated his application to join the Clermont PD before the bonus program was introduced but was still eligible for it. He added that the program “carried a message that was very reassuring—law enforcement were welcome and embraced here in the state of Florida.” He also said the bonus money covered his first mortgage payment, adding that the money came “from a state that truly supports its officers!”
“My family and I are grateful for this blessing as it has made us feel welcome and has affirmed our decision to move,” Davey noted further.
Another former NYPD officer, Rob, also joined Clermont PD, according to The Center Square. He explained that he relocated to Florida because “New York’s over-taxation is burdensome and pays for failed policies that have led to both a dramatic increase in crime and decrease in quality of life.”
After he spent 25 years with the NYPD and got four promotions, “the choice of moving to Florida was an easy one.”
Besides the fact that the cost of living is lower and the weather is better, “the people and the government in Florida are far more appreciative and supportive of law enforcement.”
“Governor DeSantis’s call is being heard and I was happy to make the move,” he added. “The process of going into law enforcement is relatively easy for out-of-state officers and the Clermont Police Department was incredibly supportive and understanding of the challenges faced by the move. Despite all that, moving was incredibly expensive and the bonus was crucial in easing that burden. It is much appreciated.”
Other officers who left the Big Apple for Florida praised other aspects of the Sunshine State, including its education programs and incentives for children.
After DeSantis invited law enforcement officers to relocate to Florida, at least 14 NYPD officers left New York City to join the Lakeland Police Department near Tampa. They mentioned DeSantis’ recruitment program and the hostile work environment in New York City where, they claimed, the leadership turned its back on the police.
