Florida PBA Calls Legislative Session “Productive”

Citing new funding for pay raises and changes to the Florida Retirement System (FRS), the Florida Police Benevolent Association is pleased with the outcome of the 2023 Florida legislative session.

After legislative action during session is implemented, the public sector is in line for a 5% across-the-board pay raise and public employees will benefit from changes to the FRS. These changes include an increase in the Retiree Health Insurance Subsidy from $5 a month to $7.50 a month, an 8-year DROP, the elimination of the DROP “window’ a boost in the DROP interest rate from 1.3% to 4%, and a 2% increase in state contributions to retirement plans.

“I’m very pleased to report that this legislative session was one of the most productive legislative sessions we’ve ever had. Our legislative accomplishments, from pay raises to restoring FRS requirements to an increase in the DROP interest rates, prioritized the needs of many of our members. These new measures will also go a long way in helping our law enforcement agencies recruit and retain the most qualified men and women to join our ranks and serve on the frontlines of maintaining public safety throughout our state,” said Florida PBA and Palm Beach County PBA President John Kazanjian.

Kazanjian continued, “I want to thank our entire leadership team for their work in ensuring our priorities were addressed in this legislative session. I also want to express our gratitude to all the legislative leaders and committee chairs who had our backs throughout the session. We greatly appreciate your support!”

Established in 1972, the Florida Police Benevolent Association, Inc. (PBA) – with approximately 36,000 members – is a politically proactive labor organization that represents law enforcement officers in negotiations for wages, benefits, and terms of their employment.