DeSantis announces $5,000 bonuses and hiring incentives for correctional officers

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) announced new hiring incentives on Wednesday for correctional officers, including bonuses ranging from $3,000 to $5,000.

"Now is the time to become a state correctional officer," a press release from the governor's office said.

Effective immediately, Florida will offer new hire bonuses of $3,000 for new correctional officers, $1,000 for new correctional officers to join high vacancy institutions, and $1,000 for certified correctional officer applicants.

"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," DeSantis said in the statement.

Last month, DeSantis said he was willing to offer $5,000 bonuses to police officers willing to relocate to Florida to avoid Covid-19 vaccine mandates in their work districts.

Beginning in January, state correctional officers will see a 16 percent increase in their salary, earning $38,750. Furthermore, current state correctional officers will get a one-time bonus of $1,500 and state probation officers will get a $3,000 bonus in December.

"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," read the press release.