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 $72,051(Up to $78,561 with prior experience).

Hiring Bonus Eligibility:

CITY OF TAMPA BONUS PROGRAM: $5,000

We welcome pre-certified out-of-state applicants who successfully meet the following requirements:

• Background Screening & Certification: Applicants must successfully complete all background checks and obtain the required law enforcement certifications for the State of Florida.
• Sign-On Bonus: A $5,000 bonus before taxes will be issued within the first 90 days of employment.
• Training & Probation: All applicants must successfully complete the required training and probationary period. Failure to do so will result in the applicant being responsible for reimbursement of the bonus.

Additional Hiring Bonuses Include:

Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Payment Program: 

$5,000

State recruitment bonus program administers one-time bonus payments of $5,000 after taxes 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.