MILTON, Fla. — Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins joined state corrections leaders and front-line staff at Santa Rosa Correctional Institution to promote Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposed 2026–2027 budget, which includes a base pay increase for correctional officers, probation officers and inspectors.
If approved, the Floridians First budget would raise base pay from $22 an hour to $28 an hour — a move state leaders say is aimed at improving recruitment, retention and safety inside Florida’s prisons.
Speaking during the press conference, Collins described correctional officers as an essential but often overlooked part of the criminal justice system.
“Florida’s justice system does not work without corrections,” Collins said. “Law enforcement can make arrests, prosecutors can bring charges, judges can issue sentences — but none of it matters without a secure correctional system that enforces accountability.”
Staffing, retention and safety
Florida operates one of the largest correctional systems in the country, overseeing more than 80,000 inmates statewide. Collins acknowledged ongoing staffing challenges and pointed to previous measures — including the deployment of the National Guard — as examples of the state stepping in to maintain safety and security.
The governor’s proposed budget includes:
- $373.9 million for pay raises for certified and support staff
- $56.7 million to add approximately 500 full-time security positions statewide
- $56 million for correctional infrastructure investments
Collins said the proposed funding goes beyond compensation.
“This is not just about pay,” he said. “It’s about readiness. It’s about stability. If we want safe institutions, we have to have a stable workforce.”
‘There has never been a better time to join’
Florida Department of Corrections Assistant Deputy Secretary of Institutions Hope Gartman said the proposed pay increase addresses a growing challenge of losing experienced staff to higher-paying law enforcement agencies.
“Right now, we are competing with other law enforcement agencies that can offer higher pay, and we are losing qualified staff to those agencies,” Gartman said. “That is a challenge we cannot ignore.”
Gartman noted that the pay proposal also includes increases for non-uniformed staff who support daily operations inside institutions.
“This is about more than pay,” she said. “It’s about recognizing the importance of the mission and ensuring our workforce has the support and resources needed to succeed.”
Front-line perspective
Sgt. Joseph Hair, who serves at Santa Rosa CI, spoke about the realities of correctional work and the sacrifices made by staff and their families.
“When corrections is running the way it should, the community outside stays safe and most people never have to think about what happens inside a facility,” Hair said. “But this job requires focus, consistency and teamwork every single day.”
Hair said the proposed pay increase would make a meaningful difference for current staff and help attract new recruits seeking a stable career with opportunities for advancement.
“This is a major step forward,” he said. “It’s about building a strong workforce so we can keep our institution safe, keep our community safe, and keep Florida moving in the right direction.”
The governor’s budget proposal will be reviewed during the upcoming legislative session.
