Every day, law enforcement officers across America put on the badge and head into work not knowing what the day will bring.
They miss holidays, birthdays and school events, all in service to their communities.
For many of these officers, especially those in smaller departments like Holmes Beach, doing the job right often means putting in long hours far beyond the standard shift.
At the Holmes Beach Police Department, there are only 19 full-time sworn law enforcement officers.
This small but committed team is responsible for keeping thousands of residents and tourists safe every day on Anna Maria Island.
Officers routinely work overtime to cover shifts, respond to emergencies and patrol the community.
That time comes at a personal cost, including time away from family, friends and loved ones. What makes it even more frustrating is that the federal government taxes this overtime work as if it were ordinary income.
That needs to change.
Congress, exempt overtime pay from federal income taxes
Congress should act now to exempt overtime pay from federal income taxes.
Doing so would give officers more take-home pay, provide meaningful support to their families and send a clear message that we value the men and women who keep us safe.
No one enters law enforcement to get rich.
Many officers rely on overtime to afford basic expenses like groceries, child care and housing. Taking less of that pay in taxes would make a real difference in their lives.
It would also improve retention and recruitment, two of the most urgent challenges facing law enforcement agencies today.
Across the country, police departments are grappling with shrinking ranks and low morale. Since 2020, attacks on law enforcement, efforts to defund departments and a lack of political support in many cities have taken a toll on the profession.
While our state leaders in Florida continue to stand strong to defend our officers, we’ve seen a national shortage of officers, leaving communities less safe and existing officers more stretched than ever.
Ending the federal tax on overtime would serve both as financial relief and symbolic recognition to our local heroes. It says to our officers: we see your sacrifice, we value your service and we’re willing to back it up with action.
Relief for Holmes Beach police would be immediate
In Holmes Beach, the impact of this policy would be immediate. With a small department staff and a community that swells in population during the tourist season, every hour of officer time counts.
The department depends on the experience of senior officers who train and mentor newer recruits. Allowing officers to keep more of what they earn when they work overtime could help us retain that vital experience.
For younger officers starting families and building their futures, tax-free overtime could mean being able to afford day care or start saving to buy a home. These aren’t luxuries; they’re basic needs that stronger take-home pay can help meet.
This isn’t partisan. Support our officers.
This is not a partisan issue: Officers across our state and country, including the National Fraternal Order of Police, have voiced their support for eliminating the federal tax on overtime. It’s a simple, commonsense way to support those who serve.
Congress has a chance to do something tangible for law enforcement families. Exempting overtime pay from federal income tax is not just a policy change – it’s a show of respect, a tool for retention and a recognition of the personal sacrifices officers make to protect their communities.
We ask so much of our law enforcement officers. It’s time to give them something meaningful in return.
Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.) is the vice chairman of the Ways and Means Committee and the chair of the Health Subcommittee. Chief William Tokajer is the police chief of Holmes Beach.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Florida police officers need Congress to stop taxes on their overtime pay | Opinion
Reporting by Rep. Vern Buchanan and Chief William Tokajer Guest columnists / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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