Legislative Update 2025 - Flipbook - Page 11
HB 317/SB 516
Representative Tom Fabricio and Senator Jay Collins
Complaints Against Law Enforcement and Correctional Officers
The FOP Legislative Committee entered negotiations with the Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA)
regarding HB 317, sponsored by Representative Fabricio. This legislation strengthens protections for
law enforcement and correctional officers under misconduct investigations. Key provisions include:
Requiring that officers under investigation receive
a copy of the signed complaint — sworn under
oath by the complainant — before any
interrogation begins.
Prohibiting dismissal, demotion, or other
personnel actions unless the officer has received
the signed complaint; anonymous complaints
would not be permitted.
Ensuring that investigative files resulting in no
disciplinary action are excluded from an officer’s
personnel file and do not impact career
advancement.
Mandating that all complaints against officers be
submitted in writing and signed under oath, with
penalties for false complaints.
Despite three weeks of delays and rescheduling, the FSA attorney arrived at negotiations without
proposed language and became agitated when no agreement was reached on their claim that the
bill was unnecessary.
We continue to push forward, but time is running out. Our efforts remain focused on advocating for
this legislation and educating legislators on its critical importance.
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