about FSA

The Florida Sheriffs Association is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation made up of the 67 sheriffs of Florida, plus more than 100,000 citizens, business leaders and law-enforcement officers throughout the state.

Founded in 1893, FSA has served the citizens of Florida by supporting the needs of the state’s law-enforcement community. It is the largest and most successful state law enforcement association in the nation and is Florida’s oldest. FSA is also one of the few sheriffs’ associations that has full, active participation by all sheriffs in the state.

Through the Florida Sheriffs Association, the 67 sheriffs of Florida are given a forum to address lawmakers and push for positive changes in the criminal justice system in our state. FSA also provides sheriffs’ offices with much-needed training, special task forces as well as legislative and legal services. Because FSA unites the efforts of all sheriffs’ offices in the state, the result is a significant cost savings for better-quality policing.

Find more information about the membership levels:

FSA is a corporation made up of the 67 sheriffs of Florida. To ensure statewide representation, the state is divided into four districts. The Board of Directors – five officers and 12 other members, all of whom are sheriffs – manages the corporation.

The Florida Sheriffs Association employs an executive director and a support staff to carry out the Association’s mission and programs. The FSA offices are located in Tallahassee.

There are many opportunities for individuals, companies and organizations to support the work of the Florida Sheriffs Association.

Membership – Multiple categories and levels are available for all who work in or support law enforcement.

Donations – Programs that rely on support include the FSA Law Enforcement Memorial, Teen Driver Challenge, Explorer’s Program and the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches.

Scholarships – FSA rewards high-achieving students whose parents work in a Florida sheriff’s office with funds for college.

Specialty License Plate – Join more than 8,800 Floridians who are helping to ensure our deputies are receiving the most advanced training and show your support for the Florida Sheriffs Association and your local sheriff by ordering your FSA specialty license plate today!

Business Partnerships – The FSA Annual Partner/Conference Sponsor Program provides a unique opportunity to highlight your products and services at the FSA Conferences with additional exposure to the sheriffs and other law enforcement decision-makers.

Approximately 85 percent of FSA’s annual expenses go directly into programs that enhance law enforcement in all counties throughout the state. These include training for sheriffs’ office staff, financing of youth programs, providing professional and legal services to sheriffs, organizing task forces, training conferences, discount purchasing programs, legislative services and more.

FSA does not employ telemarketers or professional fundraisers and welcomes the scrutiny of all Florida citizens on financial matters.

A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling 1-800-435-7352, toll free within the state of Florida. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the state.

The Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance recommends that at least 65 percent of a group’s annual budget should go to the purpose for which the money was raised. The Florida Sheriffs Association’s track record far exceeds that minimum. Learn about our sources of revenue and how FSA spends its revenues.

The Florida Sheriffs Association holds three statewide conferences for sheriffs and their command staff each year. One sheriffs conference is traditionally in the summer, the other in the winter. In addition, we host an Executive Leadership and Fleet Conference.

Please see our training calendar for more details on other events that FSA sponsors.

FSA is also the founding sponsor of the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches and a primary source of their support. The Association founded the Florida Sheriffs Explorers Association, the Florida Sheriffs Teen Driver Challenge and offers numerous other programs that contribute to public safety in Florida.

The Florida Sheriffs Association is the organization that formed the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches Inc. in 1957. A portion of FSA membership dues is allotted to help the Youth Ranches, but our offices are separate.

The Association and Youth Ranches are both run by a Board of Directors, but they are not the same board. The Association and the Youth Ranches are registered as Florida charities and are tax exempt.

FSA publishes an Annual Report that you can download. Much of the information is available on this website, but the report can be helpful for quick reference.

We welcome all ages as members of the Florida Sheriffs Association. Our affiliation with the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches has long assured us of having youthful members in our ranks. And many of our members today – who have been with us 25 years or longer – got started after receiving membership as a “gift” from a grandparent just like you.

To give a membership in FSA as a gift, just use the online Honorary Membership application. Then send an email to our membership office and give your name and the name of the gift recipient. We will be sure to indicate their name on any further correspondence from FSA.

The Florida Sheriffs Association does not house uniform items, such as patches or insignias. We suggest going direct to the individual agencies — we have 67 sheriffs in the state of Florida. One word of caution: these patches can be expensive and are an expense to the county taxpayer, so be sure to inquire about any prices associated with acquiring the badge and mailing costs.

Our membership office can help you with any lost or misplaced information. Just email our office.