(1) A sheriff has exclusive power to appoint a deputy sheriff. However, a person may not be appointed as a deputy sheriff unless the person meets all qualifications set out in the Florida Statutes.
(2)(a) A person’s appointment as a deputy sheriff is not a regular appointment until the person has satisfactorily completed 12 consecutive months of probation.
(b) A deputy sheriff’s promotion to a higher rank within the agency is not a regular appointment to that rank until the deputy sheriff has satisfactorily completed 6 consecutive months of probation.
(c) If a deputy sheriff is unable to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position to which he or she is appointed or promoted due to a nonservice-connected disability or other justifiable cause, the period of probation may be extended by the amount of time the deputy sheriff is unable to perform his or her duties.
(3) At any time, the sheriff may terminate, with or without cause, the appointment or promotion of a deputy sheriff who has not completed probation.
(a) An appointment is terminated upon the receipt by the deputy sheriff of written notice, signed by the sheriff, advising the deputy sheriff of his or her termination from appointment.
(b) A promotion is terminated upon the receipt by the deputy sheriff of a written notice, signed by the sheriff, advising the deputy sheriff of his or her return to his or her previous regular appointment.
(4) A deputy sheriff who satisfactorily completes probation is considered regularly appointed to his or her position and is entitled to all the rights and privileges set forth in this act.
(5) A deputy sheriff covered by ss. 30.071-30.079, other than the undersheriff or chief deputy, who is regularly appointed to his or her position may not be terminated for lawful off-duty political activity or for a discriminatory reason.
History.—s. 4, ch. 94-143; s. 1326, ch. 95-147; s. 1, ch. 95-155.
Structure Florida Statutes
30.01 - Bond of Sheriffs; Small Counties.
30.02 - Bond of Sheriffs; Large Counties.
30.03 - Obligation of Sureties.
30.04 - Justification of Sureties.
30.06 - Liability of Sureties.
30.071 - Applicability and Scope of Act.
30.073 - Appointment; Probation; Regular Appointment.
30.074 - Regular Appointee Status.
30.078 - Continuation of Appointment After a Change in Sheriff.
30.079 - Effects of Act; No Property Interest or Expectancy in Office; Sheriff’s Authority.
30.09 - Qualification of Deputies; Special Deputies.
30.12 - Power to Appoint Sheriff.
30.15 - Powers, Duties, and Obligations.
30.21 - Failure to Pay Over Money.
30.22 - When Sheriff May Accept Service.
30.231 - Sheriffs’ Fees for Service of Summons, Subpoenas, and Executions.
30.24 - Transportation and Return of Prisoners.
30.27 - Constructive Mileage Not to Be Charged.
30.29 - Sheriffs May Furnish Vital War Industries Guard Service Against Sabotage.
30.2905 - Program to Contract for Employment of Off-Duty Deputies for Security Services.
30.291 - Closing of Public Facilities Upon Threat of Violence.
30.30 - Writs, Process; Duties and Liabilities in Levying.
30.46 - Sheriffs; Motor Vehicles Color Combination; Badges; Simulation Prohibited; Penalties.
30.50 - Payment of Salaries and Expenses.
30.501 - Bailiffs’ Meals and Lodging.
30.52 - Handling of Public Funds.
30.53 - Independence of Constitutional Officials.
30.56 - Release of Traffic Violator on Recognizance or Bond; Penalty for Failure to Appear.