(1) It is the intent of the Legislature to recognize and honor law enforcement officers, as defined in s. 943.10, who put their lives on the line for the safety and protection of the citizens of Florida through their works, service, and exemplary accomplishments during or following their service as law enforcement officers. (2) There is established the Florida Law Enforcement Officers’ Hall of Fame.(a) The Department of Management Services shall set aside an appropriate public area on the Plaza Level of the Capitol Building for the Florida Law Enforcement Officers’ Hall of Fame and shall consult with the Department of Law Enforcement regarding the design and theme of the area.
(b) The Department of Law Enforcement may establish, organize, and conduct a formal induction ceremony. The department shall affix the name of each law enforcement officer inducted into the Florida Law Enforcement Officers’ Hall of Fame on a plaque displayed in the designated area of the Capitol Building.
(3)(a) The Department of Law Enforcement shall annually accept nominations of law enforcement officers to be considered for induction into the Florida Law Enforcement Officers’ Hall of Fame from the Florida Police Chiefs Association, the Florida Sheriffs Association, the Florida Police Benevolent Association, the Fraternal Order of Police, and the State Law Enforcement Chiefs’ Association. Each association may submit a maximum of three nominations annually. The department shall transmit a list of no more than 10 nominees to the Governor and Cabinet, who will select up to 5 nominees to be inducted.
(b) In providing recommendations to the Governor and Cabinet, the Department of Law Enforcement shall give preference to law enforcement officers who were born in Florida or adopted Florida as their home state.
(4) The Department of Law Enforcement may establish criteria and set specific time periods for the acceptance of nominations and the selection process of nominees.
(5) The Department of Law Enforcement shall adopt rules to implement this section.
