Governor Ron DeSantis Addresses Florida Sheriffs’ Association Summer Conference
The Floridant/10277241

ORLANDO, Fla. ~ ORLANDO, Fla. - In a speech to the Florida Sheriffs Association today, Governor Ron DeSantis reaffirmed his commitment to supporting law enforcement in the state. With crime rates at a 50-year low, the Governor's dedication to maintaining law and order has been crucial in keeping Florida safe.

"As long as I am Governor, Florida will support our law enforcement officers and ensure they have the resources they need," said Governor DeSantis. "Florida is the national model of a law-and-order state."

The Florida Sheriffs Association President and Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper also praised Governor DeSantis for his strong leadership and support for law enforcement.

"For a state and its residents to feel safe, strong leadership is essential, and in Florida, we have a Governor who not only believes in law and order but also shows action to implement his belief," said Sheriff Leeper. "The sheriffs want to thank Governor DeSantis for joining us at the Summer Conference to discuss important matters, including the harms of the legalization of marijuana, which will greatly impact public safety and health."

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One of the ways that Florida has shown its support for law enforcement is through its Law Enforcement Recruitment Program. This program offers bonuses of $5,000 after taxes to new recruits and officers who relocate from other states to work in Florida. So far, over 5,400 new recruits have taken advantage of this program, resulting in more than $36 million being awarded.

Last month, Governor DeSantis signed the Focus on Florida's Future Budget which included significant investments in public safety and enhanced tools and benefits for law enforcement. These investments include $9.3 million to combat the opioid epidemic in Florida by expanding the State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (SAFE) program. This funding will assist local law enforcement in their efforts to combat the illicit trafficking and sale of fentanyl within the state.

The budget also allocated $2 million for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to provide grants for new body armor for law enforcement officers across the state. Additionally, over $17 million was designated for the enhancement of important criminal databases, such as the Biometric Identification Solution (BIS) database and the Missing and Endangered Person Information Clearinghouse.

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Governor DeSantis also signed Senate Bill 718 earlier this year, which imposes criminal penalties for anyone who exposes a first responder to dangerous substances like fentanyl. This measure further demonstrates the Governor's commitment to protecting law enforcement officers.

In 2021, Governor DeSantis also signed the Combatting Public Disorder Act, which prohibits defunding of police in Florida. This legislation ensures that law enforcement agencies have the necessary resources to keep communities safe.

As Governor DeSantis continues to prioritize public safety and support for law enforcement, Florida remains a shining example of a state that values law and order.

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