Florida Governor Ron DeSantis pushes back against budget cuts affecting troopers and public safety workers
Fort Myers, Florida – Governor Ron DeSantis is pushing back against proposed budget decisions from the Florida House that he says threaten to undermine the state’s commitment to public safety and first responders. Speaking in Fort Myers alongside Florida Highway and Safety Motor Vehicles Executive Director Dave Kerner, the Governor reaffirmed his support for significant pay increases for state law enforcement officers and firefighters.
“In my Focus on Fiscal Responsibility proposed budget, I advocate for a 20% pay raise for state entry-level officers and 25% pay raise for veteran officers and all state firefighters,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “The Florida House is blocking these raises, and other critical resources for law enforcement. We must support and equip law enforcement to be successful in defending our communities.”
The Governor’s remarks follow his earlier proposal as part of the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget, which outlines $118.3 million in funding specifically aimed at boosting compensation for over 4,700 sworn law enforcement officers and more than 730 state firefighters. His proposal is part of the broader “Focus on Fiscal Responsibility” budget, which seeks to prioritize public safety, fiscal restraint, and support for frontline workers.
The proposed increases would give a 20% raise to new law enforcement officers joining state agencies, while experienced officers and all state firefighters would see a 25% bump in pay. DeSantis says these increases are not only long overdue but necessary to ensure Florida continues to attract and retain quality personnel in public safety roles.
Florida has seen consistently low crime rates in recent years, a trend the Governor attributes in part to the state’s continued investment in law enforcement. “We’re not just talking about supporting police—we’re delivering results,” he noted.
However, the current budget proposal from the Florida House does not include the Governor’s recommended funding. According to the Governor’s office, the House plan would defund raises for law enforcement, eliminate funding for ballistic armor, fail to replace outdated police vehicles and in-car cameras, and eliminate more than 150 state law enforcement positions, including 84 troopers and 73 dispatchers.
Governor DeSantis criticized these omissions, arguing they send the wrong message at a time when support for first responders should be front and center. “We cannot afford to neglect the people who put their lives on the line for our communities,” he said.
Executive Director Dave Kerner echoed the Governor’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of maintaining modern equipment and offering competitive pay. “Morale, safety, and effectiveness all depend on making sure our law enforcement professionals are properly compensated and equipped,” Kerner said.
The debate over the state budget is expected to continue in the coming weeks, with the Governor vowing to fight for his proposed investments in public safety. While discussions continue in Tallahassee, DeSantis made clear that he views the pay raises not as optional spending, but as essential to the well-being of both law enforcement officers and the communities they serve.
“This is about keeping Florida safe and recognizing the sacrifice of our law enforcement and first responders,” DeSantis said. “We will not back down.”
