(1) As used in this section, the term:(a) “Commission” means the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission within the Department of Law Enforcement.
(b) “Department” means the Department of Education.
(c) “Employing agency” has the same meaning as provided in s. 943.10(4). (d) “Law enforcement officer” has the same meaning as provided in s. 943.10(1). (e) “Scholarship program” means the Florida Law Enforcement Academy Scholarship Program.
(2) Beginning with the 2022-2023 academic year, the Florida Law Enforcement Academy Scholarship Program is created to assist in the recruitment of law enforcement officers within the state by providing financial assistance to trainees who enroll in a commission-approved law enforcement officer basic recruit training program.
(3) The department shall administer the scholarship program, in consultation with the Department of Law Enforcement, according to the rules and procedures established by the State Board of Education.
(4) The scholarship shall be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis based on the date the department receives each completed application, and is contingent upon an appropriation by the Legislature.
(5) To be eligible for the scholarship award a trainee must:(a) Be enrolled in a commission-approved basic recruit training program at a Florida College System institution or school district technical center for the purposes of meeting the minimum qualifications under s. 943.13(9) for employment or appointment as a law enforcement officer. (b) Not be sponsored by an employing agency that is already covering the cost of a basic recruit training program.
(6) The award to eligible trainees shall be an amount equal to any costs and fees described in this subsection which are necessary to complete the basic recruit training program, less any state financial aid received by the trainee. The award to trainees shall cover:(a) The cost of tuition.
(b) Any applicable fees required by ss. 1009.22(3), (6), (7), and (8), and 1009.23(3), (4), (7), (8), (10), and (11); however, any award for a nonresident trainee shall not include the out-of-state fee. (c) Up to $1,000 for eligible expenses including:1. The officer certification examination fee established pursuant to s. 943.1397. 2. Textbooks.
3. Uniforms.
4. Ammunition.
5. Required insurance.
6. Any other costs or fees for necessary consumable materials required to complete the basic recruit training program.
(7) The State Board of Education shall adopt rules necessary to administer this section.
