Florida Police Chiefs Association and Florida Sheriffs Association Announce Law Enforcement Virtual Job Fair

April 11, 2023

The Florida Police Chiefs Association (FPCA) and the Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) announced today that they will hold a joint Law Enforcement Virtual Job Fair on Thursday, April 20th, from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

"Florida backs the blue. Whether you’re a sworn officer now in another state, or just thinking about a career in law enforcement, this Virtual Job Fair is the perfect opportunity to find out how you can make a difference and be a hero in the most law enforcement-friendly state in the nation," said FPCA president and Fellsmere Police Department Chief Keith Touchberry. “Over 100 law enforcement agencies from jurisdictions across Florida, from charming, rural towns to our largest metropolitan cities, are looking for someone just like you. Take the first step to joining our noble profession and register for our Virtual Job Fair now at this link.”

“When we say that Florida is the most law enforcement-friendly state in our nation, we mean it. From bonus payments, training incentives, home purchasing opportunities and working for communities that truly appreciate your mission, Florida has it all,” said Hernando County Sheriff and Florida Sheriffs Association President Al Nienhuis. “Now is a great time to join our law enforcement community. There are countless opportunities depending on your passions and skills. Being a hero and serving your community is an honor unlike any other.”

Attorney General Ashley Moody also offered her encouragement with a Video Welcome Message that highlights her own, longstanding Be A Florida Hero law enforcement recruitment efforts. Said General Moody, “Hundreds of officers from around the country are moving to Florida to serve in the Sunshine State. I’m excited to join FPCA and FSA to kick off this national virtual job fair to recruit more officers to move here and Be A Florida Hero.”

Proving the point, over the last several years Florida’s leaders have developed or funded:

  • $5,000 one-time, after-tax recruitment bonuses.
  • $1,000 allowances towards basic recruit training costs.
  • Up to $1,000 of equivalency training costs for certified law enforcement officers, or members of the special operations forces who become full-time law enforcement officers, who relocate to Florida.
  • Up to $25,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance to eligible “hometown hero” homebuyers.
  • Up to $25,000 for officers who adopt a child from Florida’s child welfare system.
  • An exemption from basic prerequisites for veterans and applicants with an associate degree or higher to enter a law enforcement officer basic recruit training program; and,
  • Family empowerment scholarships so that children of law enforcement officers may attend a school of their choice, including private schools.

To date, more than 1,750 officers have received $5,000 bonuses, including 530 who relocated from other states and territories. Of those, 200 came from California, New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas. For this year’s budget, Governor DeSantis has proposed an additional $30 million for the bonus program, and $220 million for the First Responder Recognition payment program, an increase of $95 million over the current year.

Interested individuals can sign up for the Virtual Job Fair at this link.

 

###

 

About The Florida Police Chiefs Association

The Florida Police Chiefs Association (FPCA) is the nation's pre-eminent law enforcement professional association, speaking for over 1,300 of Florida's top law enforcement executives, and providing guidance and leadership for the future of law enforcement and our communities. The FPCA serves municipal, airport, college and university, and tribal police departments, as well as private businesses and security firms and federal, state and county law enforcement agencies across every region of the state. For more information about the FPCA, please visit [url=http://www.fpca.com]http://www.fpca.com[/url].

About Florida Sheriffs Association

The Florida Sheriffs Association is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation made up of the Sheriffs of Florida, approximately 3,000 business leaders and 100,000 citizens throughout the state. Founded in 1893, FSA has steadfastly served the citizens of Florida by supporting the needs of the state's law enforcement community. Through the Florida Sheriffs Association, Sheriffs are given a forum to address lawmakers to push for positive changes in Florida’s public safety arena. FSA also provides Sheriffs' Offices much-needed programs such as affordable training, special task forces and legislative and legal services. Dedicated to the prevention of juvenile delinquency and the development of lawful, productive citizens, FSA has established and funded the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches with facilities throughout the state to help restore hope, fulfill dreams, and prepare boys and girls for the future. It has grown to be one of the largest and most successful state law enforcement associations in the nation. For more information on the Florida Sheriffs Association, visit [url=http://www.flsheriffs.org]http://www.flsheriffs.org[/url].