Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Contact Us Search Become a Member About Sheriffs Programs Publications Join Today Renew Membership About FAQs Below are the frequently asked questions submitted to FSA. If you have a question, please email us at info@flsheriffs.org. What You Need to Know About the Florida Sheriffs Association Q. What is the Florida Sheriffs Association? 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. Q. How is FSA organized? 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. Q. How can I support the FSA and its programs? 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 than rely on support include the FSA Law Enforcement Memorial Wall, 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. Amazon Smile – FSA receives 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products purchased through Amazon.com. Amazon has donated more than $45 million through the program to date. Specialty License Plate – Join more than 8,800 Floridians who are helping to ensure our deputies are receiving the most advance 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. Q. Where does the money from membership dues go? 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. Q. What are some of FSA’s programs and events? The Florida Sheriffs Association holds four 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 Assistants Conference and 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 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. Q. Please explain the relationship between the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches Inc. and the Florida Sheriffs Association. The Florida Sheriffs Association is the parent 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. Find out more on their website. Q. How do I find out more about FSA? 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. Q. Do you have a junior membership for my grandchildren? 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 (membership@flsheriffs.org) 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. Q. How can I get a patch from Florida sheriffs' offices to add to my collection? 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. Q. How can I get my misplaced membership information? Our membership office can help you with any lost or misplaced information. Just email our office: membership@flsheriffs.org Q. How do I get a concealed weapons permit in Florida? This type of permit is issued by the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. You can either call or write to them and make a specific request for a "Concealed Weapon Permit." Call or write: Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services Division of Licensing Post Office Box 6687 Tallahassee, FL 32314-6687 Telephone (850) 245-5691 If you have a question not listed here, please email us at info@flsheriffs.org. Protecting, Leading & Uniting Since 1893 Board of Directors Conferences Mission and Values FSA Memorial Sheriffs Directory Contact FSA Become a Member Donate Legislation Training Our Programs FSA Store SHERIFF LOGIN Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Florida Sheriffs Association 2617 Mahan Drive Tallahassee, FL 32308 (800) 877-2168 ©2021 Florida Sheriffs Association // Privacy and Refund Policy