Florida officials are recruiting police officers from states with mandatory COVID-19 vaccination requirements with a potential $5000.00 “sign-on bonus.”

Many officers of states requiring them to receive COVID-19 vaccinations are leaving their jobs and seeking employment elsewhere. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said that they have a need for more officers in the state and is working with state legislators to appropriate the necessary funding for the proposal of the hefty bonus.

Matt Spoto, who now works in Florida and received a $1000.00 sign on bonus, stated that the job opportunity pitch was an “eye opener.”

Spoto told reporters he thought it was “mind-blowing” that officers could park their police vehicles in front of their house. “I used to have to lie about what I used to do. I used to have to tell people I was like a bartender because I was; it was almost like I was ashamed to be a law enforcement officer,” he said. He later added, “I’m happy to say that I found a home in Florida.”

The legislation is not expected to address the $5000.00 sign on bonus until the regular session in January 2022.