DeSantis Goes the Extra Mile to 'Back the Blue,' Announces 1,750 Police Bonuses

During Governor Ron DeSantis’ (R-FL) time in office, he has been keen on maintaining a platform that “backs the blue” and stands up for police officers and law enforcement. Now, “America’s Governor” has announced that he has been willing to pay the price in order to do so.

To encourage potential law enforcement recruits from Florida to join the force, as well as entice those in law enforcement from other states to come to the Sunshine State, the DeSantis administration has given out 1,750 bonuses ($5,000 each) to law enforcement officers around the country.

According to the administration, they have recruited and provided bonuses to 530 officers from 48 states, bringing them to Florida. More than 200 of those officers have come from California, Texas, New York, and Pennsylvania.

“I’m proud to announce that more than 1,750 new law enforcement officers have received bonuses through the Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Program,” said Governor Ron DeSantis.

“Florida is first in the nation in law enforcement recruitment because of our focus on back-the-blue initiatives that make our law enforcement officers feel supported by their communities. In Florida, we know the invaluable service that law enforcement professionals provide our communities, and we’ve got their backs.”

In the fiscal year’s current budget, $20 million has been allocated for this program, but that number will jump to $30 million in the fiscal year 2023-2024 budget.

“DEO is proud to support Governor DeSantis’ continued efforts to recruit in-state and out-of-state individuals to join the law enforcement profession in Florida,” said Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Acting Secretary, Meredith Ivey.

She would go on to mention that “Law enforcement officers are hardworking, dedicated individuals who protect and serve our residents and communities. We are proud these recruits are choosing this noble profession in the state of Florida.”

Despite Gov. DeSantis not yet declaring for the White House and former President Donald Trump facing charges, Mason-Dixon Polling & Strategy has released their most recent poll and it with Florida Governor is beating President Trump for the Sunshine State in a hypothetical head-to-head contest.

According to their March polling of 507 likely Republican voters, Gov. DeSantis defeats Trump in the state of Florida by only 5 points (44% to 39%). There are more undecided voters (12%) than there are voters who plan to vote for candidates other than Trump or DeSantis (5%).