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Florida Essential First Responder Recognition Payment Program

This year under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida passed a historic law and order budget and strong legislation demonstrating that our state stands with those who keep our communities safe.

Eligible first responders -- Sworn Law Enforcement, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT), Firefighters, and Paramedics – will receive recognition payments, up to $1,000 after taxes, to reward them for their dedicated public service through the Essential First Responders Recognition Program.

Who is Eligible

DEO adopted the eligibility criteria below outlined in Florida's FY 2022-23 budget and will provide these as guidelines to local government employers. Local government employers are responsible for identifying employees that meet these criteria and attesting to their eligibility. Eligibility criteria includes:

• Employment Job Classes – The employee must be an essential first responder who is employed by a local government as a: Sworn Law Enforcement Officer, Emergency medical technician (EMT), Firefighter, or Paramedic.

• Employment Period – The first responder must be employed by the local government as of May 1, 2022.

• Bonuses are allocated based on the employees’ weekly hours:
  • Full Time Employment (FTE) Count 0.25 (the employee works at least 10 hours per week)
    $250 recognition payment, after taxes; $334.69 check total
  • FTE Count 0.50 (the employee works at least 20 hours per week)
    $500 recognition payment, after taxes; $669.38 check total
  • FTE Count 0.75 (the employee works at least 30 hours per week)
    $750 recognition payment, after taxes; $1,004.08 check total
  • FTE Count 1.00 (the employee works at least 40 hours per week)
    $1,000 recognition payment, after taxes; $1,338.77 check total

Resources

• FY 2022-2023 First Responder Recognition Payment Program Allocation Plan
• Florida Essential First Responders Flyer

Contact Us

Phone: 855-649-4600
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time
Email: RecognitionPayments@DEO.MyFlorida.com