Youth Learning Center

Matt Dunagan

Staff Contacts

The Florida Sheriffs Association has proposed building the Florida Sheriffs Youth Learning Center as a place to preserve the more than two-century history of the Office of Sheriff in Florida as well as to create a place for children to visit and learn more about the honor and tradition of serving in law enforcement. The center will be a facility for youth to explore the possibilities of a future career as a law enforcement officer, correctional deputy, dispatcher or civilian employee in a sheriff’s office by connecting them with a series of interactive displays, videos and activities that will inspire them in a future public safety vocation.

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Once completed, the two-story, 22,000 square foot building will contain:

A theater room with 67 seats, representing each county sheriff’s office in Florida
Numerous interactive displays that highlight the more than 200-year history of the Office of Sheriff
A 2,500 square foot space for young people to see, hear, and feel all aspects of working in a sheriff’s office, such as road patrol, corrections, emergency dispatch, crime scene investigations, and more
A 2,100 square foot library on the second floor to preserve more than 70 years of sheriff’s office publications, books, and news articles, as well as display statewide historical artifacts from sheriffs’ offices.
Critical elements and areas for our expanding Florida Sheriffs Explorers’ Posts to use when they visit, so that they can continue to work towards a successful and productive career in law enforcement

Read about our groundbreaking ceremony Make a Donation

Rising Star Youth Program

We are excited to announce the launch of the Florida Sheriffs Association Rising Star Youth Program, a unique opportunity to inspire the next generation of leaders in law enforcement and public safety.

This engaging program is tailored to students in elementary, middle, and high school. Each age group will explore the world of law enforcement through fun and educational activities designed to spark curiosity and develop leadership, responsibility, and teamwork.

By connecting with youth at various stages of their educational journey, the Florida Sheriffs Association will cultivate a new generation of law enforcement professionals dedicated to service and community safety. These programs will not only educate young people about the history and honor of the Office of Sheriff but will provide them with the tools, skills, and opportunities to pursue a meaningful and impactful career in public safety. The Rising Star Youth Program will also provide parents with safety tips tailored to their child’s age group.

Join us in shaping tomorrow’s public safety professionals.

Sign up for Rising Star Program