Transitioning to Law Enforcement in Florida: Exploring Opportunities and Considerations
Aug 14, 2023Title: Transitioning to Law Enforcement in Florida: Exploring Opportunities and Considerations
Are you a law enforcement officer looking to make a change and considering a move to the Sunshine State? Florida offers a dynamic environment, diverse communities, and a range of law enforcement opportunities. With the Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Payment Program providing a $5,000 bonus (grossing over $6,400) to help offset moving expenses, the prospect of transferring to Florida becomes even more enticing. In this blog post, we'll walk you through some of the positive and negative aspects to consider when making this transition.
Positive Considerations:
1. No State Income Tax: One major perk of living and working in Florida is the absence of state income tax. This means you get to keep more of your hard-earned pay, giving you greater financial leverage.
2. Supportive Communities: Florida tends to be pro law enforcement, and many communities are supportive of the efforts of officers. This can create a positive work environment and a strong sense of belonging.
3. State Retirement Benefits: Florida offers a competitive state retirement plan for law enforcement officers, with a 3% multiplier per year of service. This provides a solid foundation for your financial future.
4. Diverse Specialized Units: Compared to many other states, Florida boasts a wide array of specialized law enforcement units. This means there are ample opportunities to enter specialized fields that match your interests and skills.
5. Take-Home Cars and Panama style 12 hr Shifts: Many agencies in Florida offer the convenience of take-home cars and follow the 12-hour Panama shift schedule, allowing for greater work-life balance. One of the weeks can prove difficult, but the short weeks are great. A typical 2 week cycle would be work Mon,T, F, S,Sun (hard week) BUT, the following is a Wed,Th only! This is great for vacations considering you burn two days on a short week and get a full week off.
Negative Considerations:
1. Extreme Heat and Lack of Seasons: While Florida's warm climate appeals to many, the intense heat and lack of distinct seasons might not suit everyone's preferences. However, the trade-off is avoiding the hassle of winter snow and ice, but the cost to stay cool can he overwhelming at times. HVAC systems get tired fast here and power bills can be a bear! Make sure you purchase a home that is well insulated or write it into closing. Many of the homes are older block homes and if the attics are not insulated the power bills can be astronomical. Blow in insulation until it touches the A frame!
2. Housing Costs: The cost of housing in certain areas of Florida, especially near popular cities and coastal regions, can be steep. Middle-class buyers might find it challenging to afford a home in these desirable locations. Homeowners insurance is a bear in Florida considering the hurricanes you will pay more in homeowners insurance and likely car insurance as well.
3. Home Maintenance Challenges: Florida's unique environment requires specific home maintenance. Irrigation systems are essential for maintaining lush lawns, but the well water's sulfur content can lead to staining and other issues. Pest prevention is also crucial due to the lack of freezing temperatures. Roofs are extremely expensive in Florida considering they have to be inspected and up to code for hurricanes. Most insurance carriers have a limit on how old the roof is. They will not write a home with a tired roof!
4. Competitive Real Estate Market: Florida's real estate is often viewed as a commodity almost, making entry into the market a bit challenging. However, real estate investments in the state tend to be safe and potentially lucrative. If you have time on your side I do not think you can make a bad entry into this market.
5. Diverse Weather Events: Florida is prone to hurricanes and tropical storms, which can disrupt daily life and pose challenges to residents. Being prepared and having a plan is essential. I think it is wise to carry flood insurance in Florida considering it is prone to natural disasters and is built up swamp land. I pay 1400 a year for flood insurance and nearly 4 grand for homeowners insurance. I know you are cringing, but I live close enough to the Atlantic that i can hear it crashing. I could get better rates if I moved mainland, but I prefer life beachside on a barrier island.
Personal Perspective:
Having lived in various southeastern states, including Tennessee, North Carolina, and Georgia, I've found Florida to be my preferred choice. Florida strikes a balance between legality and morality in governance, leaving moral judgments to civil courts and families and focusing on legal precedent on the criminal side. This approach aligns well with my perspective as a law enforcement professional who values personal freedoms.
I am true fan of Voltaire and believe in separation of Church and State. I think Florida does a good job, where I have policed in the SE in other areas, where I can not say that was always the case. The values of the south are woven into its local governments in many places in the SE, not so much in Florida. You may prefer that, but I personally do not like policing morality issues and feel like that is the family/churches job. Examples, would be something like many states in the SE making it illegal to purchase alcohol on Sunday or some going as far as being dry( NO BOOZE) counties. I don't want to big brother people and I agree that the bible teaches many valuable lessons, but I don't need to reinforce those lessons with a gun and a badge in my humble opinion.
So, making the move to law enforcement in Florida offers a mix of benefits and challenges. The Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Payment Program provides a financial boost, and the state's diverse opportunities, supportive communities, and favorable retirement benefits make it an appealing option.
However, it's important to weigh the potential downsides, such as housing costs, climate, and maintenance considerations. Ultimately, your decision should align with your personal and professional priorities.
I left the hustle and bustle of the city in 2017 and my Florida home has doubled in value since I purchased it. I found affordable housing a half mile away from the beach. I traded riding by homeless people defecating on the sidewalk to kids crossing A1A with surfboards and fishing poles. I live in an area where the schools provide top notch free public education for my children, and the taxes I pay are the lowest I have ever faced. I can fish 300 plus days a year and I feel like I get more and pay less! I am proud to be a Florida man!
If you do decide to make the leap to this beautiful state, you're in for some exciting times! I can help because I have been where you will be going. You will be required to pass the FDLE SOCE to transfer your certification.
The FDLE Statewide Officers Certification Exam (SOCE) is a 200 question multiple choice test you will have to pass after the Equivalency of Training (EOT) course.
That's where I come into the fold, the EOT course will not prepare you for the test and however your experience will be invaluable on the streets here, it will not help as much as you would think on the SOCE.
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