Happy 200th	

Takeaways from Tallahassee, Florida Politics, 1/9/2020

 
The Office of Sheriff in Florida turns 200 this year.

The first Sheriffs of Florida were appointed in 1821, before the Civil War and before Florida became a state, when Gov. Andrew Jackson issued the Jackson Ordinance and established Florida’s first two counties: Escambia in the west and St. Johns in the east.

Jackson named James Hannam Sheriff of St. Johns County, and Henri Peire Sheriff of Escambia County.

Two centuries later, there are 67 counties and 67 Sheriffs. While many have been appointed over the years, today they are elected in every county except Miami-Dade, which is set to start electing their Sheriff in 2024.

The Office of Sheriff was founded to protect residents and enforce the law. Today’s Sheriffs are still charged with those same duties while also serving as public safety leaders, community liaisons, and law enforcement advocates.

While the responsibilities of Florida’s Sheriffs have changed, so have their training, learning, and leadership roles.

Through smart law enforcement solutions, today’s Sheriffs are working to break cycles of crime and change the lives of troubled youth with programs like the Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranch and mentorships.

They have also established best-in-class training and certifications for law enforcement and corrections professionals to make Florida communities safer.

More information about Florida Sheriffs is available on www.flsheriffs.org.