Florida DOGE launches review of Broward Sheriff's Office finances amid budget debate

The Broward Sheriff's Office is undergoing a state-requested financial review as county officials continue to scrutinize a proposed budget increase exceeding $100 million.

According to a report from the Sun Sentinel, Florida's Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE) directed the Broward Sheriff's Office on May 28 to provide extensive financial records, the same day the agency requested a $103 million increase to its annual budget.

The state's request seeks a broad range of documents, including construction contracts, purchases exceeding $5,000, software licensing agreements, salary and benefits information for civilian employees, records related to the purchase of three helicopters, and contracts tied to compensation studies used by the sheriff's office during budget negotiations with Broward County and municipalities that contract with BSO for police and fire-rescue services.

The records were requested by June 11 as part of the state's review process.

Sheriff Gregory Tony welcomed the examination, noting that discussions about a potential DOGE review began last year.

“During discussions last year with the state, the Broward Sheriff’s Office welcomed the opportunity to participate with DOGE to demonstrate the transparency, accountability and fiscal responsibility that guide our organization,” BSO said in a statement. The agency added that it has fully complied with all information requests and intends to continue cooperating throughout the review.

The audit comes at a time of growing debate over the sheriff's funding requests. Last year, Tony sought a budget increase of approximately 9 percent but ultimately received a 3 percent increase, bringing the agency's budget to about $833 million.

This year, the sheriff is seeking a significantly larger increase. The proposed 2027 budget represents a 12.4 percent increase over the adopted 2026 spending plan and includes a request for roughly $103 million in additional funding.

The size of the request has drawn attention from county leaders and some municipalities that contract with BSO for public safety services.

One of those municipalities, Deerfield Beach, recently voted to reestablish its own police and fire-rescue departments beginning in 2027 rather than continue under the cost structure proposed by BSO.

Questions about oversight were also raised during a recent county budget workshop. Broward County Mayor Mark Bogen asked sheriff's office representatives whether they would support an independent audit of the agency's finances.

County officials have argued that once funding is approved, state law gives the sheriff broad authority to reallocate budgeted funds internally without requiring county approval, limiting the county's ability to monitor how money is ultimately spent.

Speaking after the meeting, Bogen said he welcomed the state's review.

“I have no problem with any county government being audited,” he said. “If the state can get things that we can’t get, that has to be a good thing.”

The DOGE review is expected to provide state officials with a detailed look at the sheriff's spending practices as Broward County commissioners weigh the agency's latest budget request.