Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability

Department of Law Enforcement

Capitol Police

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What is the purpose of the program?

The mission of the Capitol Police is to serve the safety and security needs of both the legislative and executive branches of state government.  Capitol Police serve as a specially trained security and law enforcement agency serving the Capitol Complex and Capitol Circle Office Complex (CCOC). The Capitol Police protect the security of the Governor and Cabinet, the Lieutenant Governor, members of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and their staff. The Capitol Police is part of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).

What services does the program provide?

  • Operations 
    o   Communications answers and initiates all calls for police and security services at the Capitol Complex and other facilities within the Capitol Circle Office Complex. In Fiscal Year 2020-21, the Capitol Police received 5,693 calls for service. This was an increase over the 4,773 calls for service that they received in Fiscal Year 2019-20.
    o    Directed Patrol provides community policing while operating primarily from bikes, which allows for quick responses to emergencies and easier access to congested areas.
    o    Patrol provides uniformed law enforcement at the Capitol Building, Holland Building, Pepper Building, and the Capital Circle Office Complex.
  • Special Operations 
    o    Investigations processes all employment applications for the Capitol Police and investigates all criminal activities at the Capitol Complex.
    o    Hazardous Devices deals with suspected explosive devices, incendiary devices, chemicals, pyrotechnics, and ammunition.
    o    K-9 teams assist in the detection of explosive compounds in the Capitol Complex.
  • Special Assignments 
    o    Honor Guard displays the patriotic Colors and adds solemnity at funerals, parades, and other ceremonial occasions.
    o    Protective Operations is a specialized operational component that provides protection services to the Governor and members of the Florida Legislature.  It also provides services to visiting public officials and figures, providing 17 protective details in Fiscal Year 2020-21.
    o    Special Operations Team is specially trained to respond to critical incidents within the Capitol Complex and assume control. In addition to critical incident response, the team also provides security to dignitaries within the Capitol Complex and the Governor's Mansion when needed.

How are these activities funded?

Fiscal Year: 2023-24
Fund Dollars Positions
PROGRAM: FLORIDA CAPITOL POLICE PROGRAM
CAPITOL POLICE SERVICES
11,756,169
105.00
TOTAL
11,756,169
105.00

Updates

In 2023 Session, the Florida Legislature passed Ch. 2023-242, Laws of Florida, which expanded the boundaries of the Capitol Complex, adding the Holland Building, the Elliot Building, the R.A. Gray Building and their associated parking garages. (See map below.) The expansion of the complex increases the jurisdiction area of the Capitol Police.

Where can I find related OPPAGA reports?

A complete list of related OPPAGA reports is available on our website.

Where can I get more information?

Performance Information
Performance measures and standards for the department may be found in its Long Range Program Plan.

What are the applicable statutes?

Section 943.61, Florida Statutes

Whom do I contact for help?

850-410-7000
Website