LEESBURG, Fla. – Leesburg Police Department officers will receive a 6% pay increase starting Oct. 1, as the Central Florida city works to attract and retain law enforcement personnel.
The Leesburg City Commission finalized the agreement this week, setting the starting salary for first-year officers at $66,255, which includes $1,255 for shift differential and boot allowance. Experienced officers will see their pay range from $70,000 to $76,000 annually.
“With the cost of pay going up, we’re really hoping to increase the quality applicant that comes in through our front door,” said Sgt. Shannon Walsh of the Leesburg Police Department.
The salary adjustment comes as law enforcement agencies grapple with staffing shortages. According to a 2024 study by the International Association of Chiefs of Police, more than 70% of departments report that recruitment is more challenging now than five years ago.
The pay increase is strategically timed as Leesburg experiences significant population growth. U.S. Census Bureau data identifies Leesburg as the third fastest-growing city in the U.S. with more than 20,000 residents, based on growth from July 2023 to July 2024.
“As the needs of our agency continue to grow and we’re getting our new positions added to our department, we’re hoping this increase of pay will bring in that qualified talent,” Walsh said.
Beyond the base salary increase, the city has also improved the police pension benefit, raising it from 75% to just over 81% at normal retirement age.
The Leesburg Police Department is actively recruiting for multiple positions. Interested candidates can find more information about available positions and the application process here.