FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

Governor DeSantis’ Freedom First Budget Provides Unprecedented Support for Officers
Florida’s corrections professionals receive largest pay increase in agency history

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – With Governor Ron DeSantis’ approval of the 2022-2023 Freedom First Budget, the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) receives record pay increases to retain and recruit public servants to continue the agency’s crucial public safety mission.

“Never in my career have I seen such significant support for our officers and staff. Governor DeSantis understands our needs and took bold action to provide vital pay increases for our officers.” said Florida Department of Corrections Secretary Ricky Dixon. “The Governor’s steadfast support for the courageous men and women of this agency, combined with the backing from the Florida Legislature, have secured a pathway for our success.”

Key highlights from the 2022-2023 budget include:

Comprehensive Officer Pay Plan The pay plan brings the minimum annual baseline for correctional officers and probation officers to $20 an hour and law enforcement inspectors to $23 an hour.

Targeted Retention Incentives $15.9 Million These incentives fund a $1,000 pay increase for officers at two years of service, a $1,500 increase at five years of service, and a $2,500 pay increase at eight years of service.

Complete the 8.5-Hour Shift Transition Governor DeSantis recognizes the challenges of long, sometimes unpredictable work hours for correctional officers and supported FDC’s complete transition to 8.5-hour shifts at all state correctional institutions. National experts show shorter shifts will reduce staff attrition, use of force incidents, contraband and violent incidents.

Statewide Recruitment Staffing $1.9 Million and 12 FTE Hire statewide recruitment staffing as well as contract with a marketing firm to develop and implement a marketing campaign to broaden the reach of FDC’s recruitment efforts.

Critical Security Equipment $3 Million Invests in security equipment such as emergency management equipment, drone detection systems, electronic key systems, drone support for K-9 operations, body scanners, and camera equipment for surveillance.

Offender Based Information System (OBIS) Modernization $10.2 Million Funding begins the modernization of OBIS which is the primary data repository for inmate management, classification, work assignments, disciplinary information, and custody status. Originally designed in 1981, this system is indispensable to operations.