Hiring Bonus

The Tampa Police Department (TPD) stands as the second-largest police force in Florida and ranks among the top 50 in the United States. With over 1,000 sworn officers and approximately 350 dedicated civilian professionals, TPD proudly serves a diverse and growing population of more than 400,000 residents, maintaining a strong per capita officer ratio of 2.66 per 1,000 residents.

Newly hired officers embark on a comprehensive four-month Field Training Program designed to build confidence, skill, and professionalism. Under the guidance of experienced training officers, recruits gain valuable real-world experience and are fully prepared to meet the high standards of service and safety that define the Tampa Police Department.

In addition to competitive salaries and benefits, TPD offers generous hiring bonuses to qualified applicants, making now the perfect time to start your law enforcement career in Tampa.

Base salary for new officers is $74,942 (Up to $81,702 with prior experience).

Hiring Bonus Eligibility:

Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Payment Program: 

$5,000

The state recruitment bonus program administers one-time after-tax bonus payments of $5,000 to each eligible newly employed officer within the state.

Eligibility Requirements: https://www.floridajobs.org/recognition-and-recruitment/law-and-order

$1,000

In Florida, certified law enforcement officers relocating or becoming new hires are eligible for a reimbursement of up to $1,000 for equivalency of training (EOT) costs. This program, part of the Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Program, aims to incentivize officers to join or relocate to Florida. The EOT program allows officers with prior experience to be exempt from the full basic recruit academy, streamlining the process for those seeking certification in Florida.