Broward Sheriff’s Office seeks $937 million budget amid staffing, municipal transition concerns

The Broward Sheriff’s Office is requesting approximately $937 million for its fiscal year 2027 budget, a significant increase from its current adopted budget of $833 million, as county officials continue reviewing funding demands during the annual budget process.

The proposal was discussed Thursday during a Broward County budget workshop, where Sheriff Gregory Tony did not attend in person but monitored proceedings via livestream.

Undersheriff Steve Robson presented the agency’s funding request to county commissioners, emphasizing unresolved financial pressures carried over from the current fiscal year.

“The elephant is our unresolved issue, money of this current year rolled into next year’s budget,” Robson said.

Robson also pointed to staffing challenges, particularly starting salaries for deputies, which he said are among the lowest in Broward County law enforcement agencies. He argued that compensation issues are contributing to ongoing recruitment and retention problems.

According to Robson, much of the proposed budget increase is driven by personnel costs. The agency is requesting 50 additional positions, with staffing accounting for the majority of overall expenditures.

“Here’s a pie chart showing within the agency the different categories where the funds flow to. Personnel is 80%,” he said.

The budget debate comes as Broward County also navigates tensions with the City of Deerfield Beach, which is preparing to establish its own independent police and fire-rescue services beginning in October 2027.

Robson said BSO is preparing a transition plan to absorb affected personnel but acknowledged disagreements with city officials over the approach.

“October is when October 1 takes over—they have their own force. What happens to the 150 officers? So we plan to absorb them through our transition plan that we’ve given to the city, and the city has refuted the plan that we put forward, so we’re kind of in that position right now,” Robson said. “Before October 1st of ’27, I plan to absorb all of those officers into the BSO.”

Broward County Mayor Mark Bogen also raised concerns about affordability.

“Based on our budget constraints right now, it isn’t realistic,” Bogen said.

Commissioner Steven Geller questioned whether the request aligned with the county’s fiscal capacity, noting the competing demands on limited resources.

“Tony asks us for more money than is available,” Geller said, adding that while public safety remains a priority, other essential county services must also be funded.