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Fla. governor announces ‘unprecedented’ pay raises, hiring bonuses for new COs

New COs can earn bonuses up to $5,000, with starting salaries increasing 16% in the new year

Ron Desantis

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks to supporters and members of the media after a bill signing Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, in Brandon, Fla.

AP Photo/Chris O’Meara

By Sarah Sinning

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — “Now is the time to become a state correctional officer,” the Florida governor’s office said in a statement this week.

Effective immediately, all new correctional officers with the Florida Department of Corrections will receive $3,000 hiring bonuses. Applicants who are already certified COs are eligible for an additional $1,000 bonus as are officers who sign on to work at any of the state’s high vacancy institutions, the release said.

And beginning January 2022, the starting salary for state COs will be raised to $38,750, a 16% increase.

“As so many cities and states choose to disrespect, degrade and defund the work of men and women in uniform, we want Florida to continue valuing them today, tomorrow and for generations to come,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “This year, we have prioritized initiatives to recruit and reward high-quality officers, especially corrections officers, and these new bonuses, effective immediately, will help support public safety positions within the Florida Department of Corrections.”

In addition to an increase in salary, current COs and state probation officers will also receive bonuses in December. COs can expect one-time payments of $1,500; POs will receive $3,000.

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