Recruitment FAQs & Benefits

The City of Port St. Lucie is an equal opportunity employer. 

Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Payment Program

The program aims to aid in the recruitment of law enforcement officers within the state and attract out-of-state officers to Florida. The program administers one-time bonus payments of $5,000 after taxes to each eligible newly employed officer within the state.

Learn more about the Bonus Payment Program

Frequently asked questions about the Police officer hiring process

What is the starting salary?

The starting salary for Police Officers on the Treasure Coast is $55,708-$66,631, and for officers with five years of experience, it is $66,631.*

*Based on current three-year contact.

How do I become a police officer?

Learn more about sworn jobs and the application process.

Does the City have tuition assistance?

Yes, the city offers tuition assistance. Full-time, non-probationary employees with a satisfactory job performance record over the past 12 months are eligible for $2,500 each fiscal year. Learn More

Do you have a list of local police academies?

There are several public safety training institutions that provide the Equivalency of training available:

The PSLPD will accept applications from individuals with any of the following experience:

  • Current sworn officer a city police, county sheriff or state or federal law enforcement agency
  • Current Florida Department of Law Enforcement Certification
  • Approved or currently enrolled in a Florida Department of Law Enforcement Police Academy

Do you hire retired military, veterans and members of The National Guard?

The PSLPD is actively seeking active or retired military, veterans, and members of The National Guard to serve as police officers. As part of Port St. Lucie's continuing commitment to our veterans, we are working to connect veterans with available services and programs. If you are retiring from active duty military or you were military police, you may be eligible for the Equivalency of Training (EOT). EOT is a modified police academy that focuses on Florida law and high liability, which can be completed in one to two weeks. 

Contact a police academy that offers the Equivalency of Training.

Additionally, the Port St Lucie Police Department is an approved on-the-job-training facility. This means that upon being hired, you may be eligible to utilize your GI Bill benefits to fund the police academy and supplement the first year of service.

Other benefits for retired military, veterans and members of the National Guard include:

  • Compensation & select benefits while in the police academy.
  • Paid military leave up to 240 hours
  • Eligible to buy back up to 10 years of LEO or full-time military service.

How long is the hiring process?

The entire hiring process generally takes between three to four months, which is dependent on several factors, including how quickly our inquiries are answered by your previous employers, personal references and neighbors.

What are the benefits?

Retirement Plan

The Port St. Lucie Police Officers’ Retirement Trust Fund is a Florida State Statute 185 Plan and also a 457 Deferred Compensation Plan. Compliance is overseen Florida, Department of Management Services/Division of Retirement.

A Local Law Plan, managed by a Board of Trustees, it has a “5 years + 1 day of eligible service” vesting requirement. The plan offers an early retirement option at age 50 with 10 years or more of service. Normal retirement age is 52 with 25 years of service or age 55 with 10 years of service.

Police Officers contribute 9% bi-weekly of pre-taxed gross earnings. There is a Buy Back Provision and a DROP Program. Police Officers become eligible on date of hire.

For more information, contact the pension office at 772-344-4223.

Additional benefits include

  • $50,000 Basic Term Life Insurance
  • $50,000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
  • Health, Vision and Dental Insurance

Optional Benefits

  • Roth IRA
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Flexible spending account
  • Wellness program (including dental, vision and a prescription drug plan)
  • Health reimbursement account
  • Employee assistance plan
  • Supplemental life
  • Legal insurance

The City of Port St. Lucie provides a variety of benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees.

Learn more about benefits offered by the City of Port St. Lucie.

12 paid holidays per year

Vacation leave:

  • 1-3 years: 10 days
  • 4-9 years: 15 days
  • 10-19 years: 20 days
  • 20+ years: 25 days

Personal days:

  • 2 days for non-exempt employees per year

Sick time:

  • FT employees accrue 8 hours per month

Additional benefits

  • Take home car program
  • Shift differential pay 
  • 10-hour shift on road patrol
  • Four day work week
  • A set schedule that is picked twice a year. Shifts are Sunday-Wednesday or Wednesday-Saturday.
  • City pays for uniforms and equipment
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