Hey Guys,

Asking for a very, very good friend of mine. He has 11 years in with a local PD in Western NY, and he got passed over for an LT promotion for the 3rd time so he is asking me what I know about FL PD's.

I realized I don't know anything. Understanding that NY probably has SIGNIFICANTLY higher pay for Police Departments, I'm not sure what is out there for a guy like him.

I've known this guy since I was 5 years old (literally), and he is probably the most perfect example of the cop you would want to pull over your kid. Never angry, always has a smile on his face and slow to whip out the ticket book! That's probably why he's getting passed up. Couple that with the fact that he's as conservative as the day is long and generally a great human being  - means I would love to help in any way I can.

So I'd humbly ask what ranges of pay are out there, and obviously if there are any other LE guys on here please send me a message if you don't want to post publicly, Id appreciate anything you guys have.

Thanks!

Where in FL? Palm Beach County starts deputies around 50k I think, which is pretty close to what bigger cities pay. Miami Dade is probly higher..

I don't know that he has anything in mind, other than he isn't happy in NY and knows my family is.

What's the relative cost of living to wage in Palm Beach County? Are there good areas to live that aren't absurdly expensive?

Hillsborough County SO = $50k starting.

Polk County SO about $53k.

Tampa PD, Tarpon Springs PD, Pinellas SO, Hillsborough SO, Palm Beach SO, Coconut Creek PD, St. Petersburg PD, Broward SO, Boynton Beach PD

Appreciate all this feedback. I'm giving him the suggestions for him to look into!

All the Sheriff's offices are on the same state retirement plan which can provide some mobility should he want to make a move down the line some cities and all state agencies are part of system. Its not as good as it used to be. Jacksonville JSO and Tallahassee were well paid for north Florida.

In the Orlando area the top paying agencies are right around $50k starting.

Cost of living is fairly high in Palm Beach County. A house in a decent area is going to cost at least $350k and go up from there. I know a lot of guys live in Pt. ST. Lucie and commute. Coming from New York though he may have decent equity in a home?? Starting pay at PBSO is right around $58k I believe. Topped out deputies will make about $110k in salary alone, however it will take you some years to get there. There is tons of overtime on the road and permits to work as well if you want, which can significatly raise your pay. State retirement, to which all that OT and extra permits is accounted for when you take your top averages. I just recently saw something saying we are hiring. PM me if you have any specific questions.

You should get a hold of Miami JBT and ask him that question.  He just pulled his pin last year.

Box is full! I'll try to send an email

Cleaned out now!

Tallahassee PD pays good for the area, significantly higher than Sheriffs Office

https://www.sunrisefl.gov/departments-services/police/police-recruiting