(1) Each sheriff shall receive as salary the amount indicated, based on the population of his or her county. In addition, a compensation shall be made for population increments over the minimum for each group, which shall be determined by multiplying the population in excess of the minimum for the group times the group rate.

(2)(a) There shall be an additional $2,000 per year special qualification salary for each sheriff who has met the qualification requirements established by the Department of Law Enforcement. Any sheriff who so qualifies during a calendar year shall receive in that year a pro rata share of the special qualification salary based on the remaining period of the year.

(b) In order to qualify for the special qualification salary described in paragraph (a), the sheriff must complete the requirements specified in that paragraph within 6 years after first taking office.

(c) After a sheriff meets the requirements of paragraph (a), in order to remain qualified the sheriff shall thereafter be required to complete each year a course of continuing education as prescribed by the Department of Law Enforcement.

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section or s. 145.19, each sheriff may reduce his or her salary rate on a voluntary basis.

History.—s. 1, ch. 61-461; s. 1, ch. 63-560; s. 1, ch. 65-356; s. 2, ch. 67-543; s. 2, ch. 67-576; s. 5, ch. 69-346; ss. 1-3, ch. 70-395; s. 5, ch. 73-173; s. 46, ch. 73-333; ss. 3, 13, ch. 80-377; s. 1, ch. 81-216; s. 5, ch. 85-322; s. 21, ch. 87-224; s. 1, ch. 89-178; s. 28, ch. 91-45; s. 855, ch. 95-147; s. 3, ch. 2011-158.