Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis stops in Jacksonville to announce more bonuses for first responders

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis today announced in Jacksonville that he will deliver $1,000 bonuses to reward first responders in recognition of their dedicated public service.

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The announcement was made at a briefing on Monday, Sept. 12 while he met with the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department.

These recognition payments were a part of the Freedom First budget signed by the governor earlier this year. Outlined by DeSantis today, eligible recipients are police officers, sheriff’s deputies, paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and firefighters employed by local governments throughout the state.

“Florida supports our first responders because these men and women put on their uniforms every day to serve and protect,” said Gov. Ron DeSantis. “These bonuses are a token of our appreciation for the work that they do and the sacrifices they make to keep Florida safe. I am happy to deliver the bonuses for a second year in a row!”

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Florida’s Department of Economic Opportunity will give the one-time recognition bonus of up to $1,000, after taxes, to those eligible and employed as of May 1, 2022.

The 2022-2023 General Appropriations Act passed by the Florida Legislature includes $125 million for the Essential First Responders Recognition program.

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