TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott signed SB 7022 which provides pay raises for Florida’s sworn state law enforcement officers, correctional officers and state employees. Governor Scott recommended state law enforcement pay raises in his Fighting for Florida’s Future budget earlier this year.

Governor Scott said, “Today, I am proud to sign legislation which provides much deserved pay raises for Florida’s sworn state law enforcement officers, correctional officers and state employees. Earlier this year, I recommended a five percent pay raise for all sworn state law enforcement officers and increased pay for Florida’s correctional officers as part of my Fighting for Florida’s Future budget and I am glad the Legislature passed meaningful legislation to address this.

“Since becoming Governor, I have seen the sacrifice our law enforcement makes every day to keep our communities safe. These brave men and women make a conscious choice to put their life on the line to protect our communities and they deserve our thanks and recognition for their incredibly important work. It is thanks to their hard work and unyielding commitment that Florida is now at a 46-year crime low – an achievement I was proud to announce today.

“SB 7022 also supports my recommended pay plan for Florida’s correctional officers which enhances the safety and security of Florida’s correctional institutions by ensuring that these facilities are appropriately staffed. Additionally, SB 7022 puts in place a pay raise for Florida’s hard working state employees. Florida’s state employees help make our state the best place in the nation to live, work and raise a family and I am proud of all they have accomplished for Florida families.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi said, “The attack on members of Congress this morning and the one year anniversary of the Pulse nightclub shooting are just a few reminders of how vital our brave law enforcement officers are to our safety. While we can never thank them enough, I am grateful to the Governor and our state lawmakers for this legislation increasing their pay and the pay of state attorneys and judges who work diligently to protect our state from violent criminals.”

Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam said, “Our law enforcement officers and other dedicated public servants work day-in and day-out to make Florida the best place to live, work and raise a family. I thank Governor Scott for signing Senate Bill 7022 that, among other things, provides state law enforcement officers, correctional officers and all state workers a well-deserved and overdue pay raise.”

Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater said, “The best-kept secret in our state is the group of dedicated and talented staff who perform extraordinary work each day on behalf of the state. These men and women, along with our brave law enforcement officers across Florida, are most deserving of our gratitude and appreciation and I’m proud that we’re granting them compensation for their success.”

Florida Senate President Joe Negron said, “I am pleased to see these pay raises become law today. I am grateful to Governor Scott for signing this important legislation, to Senator Latvala for championing this issue during the 2017 Session, and to Senator Montford for his continued dedication to our co-workers in state government. My Senate colleagues and I appreciate the hardworking state employees across Florida, many of whom put their lives on the line each and every day to guard our prisons and protect our roads, forests, and waterways. We are blessed with a talented workforce comprised of tireless professionals who often forgo higher paying jobs in the private sector to dedicate their careers to serving the people of this state. We want to make certain we retain this talent in state government and this critical legislation is a step in the right direction.”

Florida House of Representatives Speaker Richard Corcoran said, “In today's world, law enforcement officers are called upon to do more than ever before. To protect and serve is in their DNA and we are blessed to have them in our midst. I am honored and pleased that, along with Governor Scott and the Florida Senate, we were able to show our appreciation and thanks for their sacrifices and service.”

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Rick Swearingen said, “FDLE appreciates Governor Scott’s support of our state’s law enforcement officers and his recognition of these heroes, who protect Florida's citizens and visitors every day.”

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Division of Law Enforcement Director Col. Curtis Brown said, “We applaud Governor Rick Scott's leadership and steadfast support of the 5 percent pay raise for our sworn law enforcement officers. This critical pay initiative will help us to retain and recruit qualified law enforcement personnel. The Governor understands and appreciates our men and women in uniform who are out working every day to conserve our natural resources and to protect Florida's residents and visitors.”

Florida Department of Corrections Secretary Julie Jones said, “Governor Scott has recognized and fought for our Department's most valuable resource - the brave men and women who have committed their careers to public service. I am proud to stand with the Governor today as we continue to work to create a safer environment for Florida's communities.”

Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Executive Director Terry L. Rhodes said, “As our state grows, we are committed to recruiting and maintaining a statewide force devoted to keeping Florida roads safe and clear. This legislation represents an investment in the members of the Florida Highway Patrol as well as all statewide law enforcement officers, and I applaud Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature’s unwavering dedication to recognizing their heroic work each day.”

SB 7022 authorizes a five percent pay raise for sworn state law enforcement officers from the following state agencies: Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Florida Department of Financial Services and State Attorney offices.

SB 7022 also provides funding to increase the base rate of pay for correctional officers, increase the pay to certified mental health correctional officers, and provide a hiring bonus to correctional officers at institutions with high officer vacancy rates.

The bill also authorizes a $1,400 pay raise for state employees earning less than $40,000 annually and $1,000 pay raise for those earning more than $40,000 annually.

To view the transmittal letter, click HERE.