Frequently Asked
Questions
I am a collector of law enforcement patches
and related memorabilia. Can you please tell me how to get a patch
from Florida Sheriffs offices to add to my collection?
The Florida Sheriffs Association
does not house uniform items, such as patches or insignias. We suggest
going direct to the individual agencies -- we have 67 sheriffs in
the state of Florida. If you'd like to know how to reach them, from
our welcome page choose Meet the Sheriffs.
One word of caution: these patches
can be expensive and are an expense to the county taxpayer, so be
sure to inquire about any prices associated with acquiring the badge
and mailing costs.
I will be moving soon to Florida and am
interested in getting a concealed hand gun permit. How do I go about
it?
This type of permit is issued by
the Florida Department of State. You can either call or write to
them and make a specific request for a "Concealed Weapon Permit."
You may also access the department's web page
for more information.
Call or write:
Florida Department of Agriculture
& Consumer Services
Division of Licensing
Post Office Box 6687
Tallahassee, FL 32314-6687
Telephone (850) 245-5691
I'm trying to encourage my grandsons to
be law-abiding citizens and thought it would be good for them to
become "junior members" of your fine organization. Do
you have a junior membership?
We welcome all ages as members of
the Florida Sheriffs Association. Our affiliation with the Florida
Sheriffs Youth Ranches has long assured us of having youthful members
in our ranks. And many of our members today -- who have been with
us 25 years or longer got started after receiving membership as
a "gift" from a grandparent just like you.
To give a membership in FSA as a gift,
just fill out the Honorary Membership application
and either submit in with credit card information online, or print
it out and mail it with your check to: P.O. Box 12519, Tallahassee,
FL 32317-2519. If you would like for this to be an annually renewing
gift in your loved one's behalf, please be sure to let us know and
we will send an annual renewal to your address. It's truly a gift
that provides lasting returns.
How do I reach the FSA office?
The Florida Sheriffs Association
is headquartered in Tallahassee, Florida at 2617 Mahan Drive. Our
mailing address is: P.O. Box 12519, Tallahassee, FL 32317-2519.
The phone number is: 850-877-2165. Fax is: 850-878-8665. You can
reach us for general questions via Email: click
here
What is the Florida Sheriffs Association?
The Florida Sheriffs Association
is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation made up of the 67 Sheriffs
of Florida, approximately 4,000 business leaders and 100,000 citizens
throughout the state.
Founded in 1893, FSA has quietly served
the citizens of Florida by supporting the needs of the state's law
enforcement community. It has grown to be one of the largest and
most successful state law enforcement associations in the nation.
Through the Florida Sheriffs Association,
the 67 Sheriffs of Florida are given a forum to address lawmakers
to push for positive changes in the criminal justice system in our
state. FSA also provides Sheriffs' Offices badly needed programs
such as affordable training, special task forces and legislative
and legal services. Because FSA unites the efforts of all Sheriffs
Offices in the state, the result is a significant cost savings for
better quality policing.
How is FSA organized?
FSA is a corporation made up of the
67 Sheriffs of Florida. To insure statewide representation, the
state is divided into four districts. The corporation is managed
by a 17-member Board of Directors, all of whom are Sheriffs. The
Board consists of 12 Directors and five officers.
Active member Sheriffs in each of
the four districts of the state nominate three directors from each
district to comprise the 12 members of the board.
The five officers may be nominated
from any of the four districts and elected by the active member
Sheriffs. The Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Board are elected
by a simple majority vote of the 12 directors.
The five officers included on the
board are: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and
Immediate Past President, elected each year at the Annual Summer
Conference by all member Sheriffs present.
A Sergeant-at-Arms and a Chaplain
are also elected at the Annual Summer Conference and are ex-officio,
non-voting members of the board.
The Florida Sheriffs Association
employs an Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director, two staff
attorneys and a support staff to carry out the Association's mission
and organize conferences.
Who are the members of FSA?
The majority of members are not employed
in law enforcement. Approximately 100,000 citizens throughout the
state and 4,000 businesses make up the bulk of membership. FSA is
one of the rare state Sheriffs associations that has full, active
participation by all Sheriffs in the state.
What are some of FSA's programs and events?
The Florida Sheriffs Association
holds two statewide general conferences for Sheriffs and their command
staff each year. One is traditionally in the Summer, the other in
late January.
In addition, FSA organizes: A judicial
process procedures seminar, an Administration Management Training
seminar, an annual Police Vehicle Evaluation and Fleet Management
Training Seminar, quarterly Regional Administrative Roundtable Discussion
Groups, newly-elected Sheriffs' Basic Institute, annual Statewide
Jail Administrators Training Workshop, Mid-Level Supervisors Training
for Jail Supervisors, Court security seminar, Extradition workshop,
Drug Enforcement Training, Law enforcement management courses, Seminar
for the Executive Aides to the Sheriff and other special programs
as the needs arise.
Where does the money from membership go?
More than 80% of FSA's annual revenue
goes right into programs that enhance law enforcement in all counties
throughout the state. These include training, youth programs, task
forces and conferences.
The National Charities Information
Bureau recommends that at least 60% of a group's annual budget should
go to the purpose for which the money was raised. The Florida Sheriffs
Association's track record far exceeds that minimum. FSA does not
employ telemarketers or professional fund raisers and welcomes the
scrutiny of all Florida citizens on financial matters.
A copy of the official registration
and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer
Services by calling 1-800-435-7352, toll free within the state of
Florida. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation
by the state.
I have a question. Where do I send it?
Submit your question and have it
answered by FSA.
Email: click
here
For membership questions Email: membership@flsheriffs.org