Florida Department of Corrections

After 30 years of dedicated service to the State of Florida, Secretary Ricky Dixon has announced his retirement from the Florida Department of Corrections. Secretary Dixon began his career in 1996 as a Correctional Officer at Lancaster Correctional Institution, before rising through the ranks to lead the third-largest state correctional system in the nation. During his tenure, Secretary Dixon has been instrumental in helping FDC navigate obstacles and deliver successes that have enhanced the Department and strengthened Florida’s public safety mission. Congratulations, Secretary Dixon, on your well-deserved retirement, and thank you for your dedicated service to the State of Florida.

FDC partnered with law enforcement and housing authority agencies across Palm Beach County for a countywide Planned Compliance Initiative. The operation resulted in multiple arrests and the recovery of firearms, ammunition, illegal narcotics, and cash. This successful effort highlights the power of partnership, accountability, and proactive supervision in keeping our communities safe.

Hamilton CI’s K9 Team assisted the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office after suspects fled a traffic stop and hid in a wooded area near I-75. K9s Jasper, Maddy, and Poncho were activated immediately and successfully tracked through miles of wooded terrain, helping locate and apprehend the individuals. Strong coordination and joint law enforcement partnerships continue to keep Florida safe.

Strong collaboration between the @HCSOSheriff Strategic Gun Intelligence Unit and Circuit 13 SOTEC Search Team led to the recovery of an AK-47-style pistol, extended magazines, and ammunition during a compliance check tied to a shooting investigation. The offender was taken into custody, highlighting the critical role of coordinated supervision and strong law enforcement partnerships in keeping dangerous weapons off the streets.

Outstanding work by staff at Suwannee Correctional Institution for uncovering contraband, including weapons, cell phones, drugs, chargers, tobacco, and unauthorized electronic devices, during a coordinated mass search operation. This operation highlights the teamwork, vigilance, and dedication our staff bring every day to keep our institutions safe and secure.

FDC’s Titusville SOTEC Team, working alongside the @TitusvillePD Special Task Force, took swift action during an offender compliance operation connected to credible threats of gang retaliation violence. This joint effort resulted in the recovery of assault rifles and ammunition. FDC is proud of our SOTEC teams who continue to play a critical role in enhancing public safety through proactive supervision, specialized search operations, and coordinated law enforcement efforts!

Region I Community Corrections hosted its first SOTEC Training Competition at Santa Rosa CI, bringing teams together for a day of tactical challenges and skills-based training. The event highlighted the professionalism, teamwork, and readiness of SOTEC teams as they continue to support compliance efforts and strengthen public safety through specialized operations and partnerships.

On this Memorial Day, we honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. Their sacrifice, and dedication to protecting our freedoms will never be forgotten. Today, and every day, we honor their legacy with gratitude and respect.

FDC’s CERT leadership attended the internationally recognized Mock Prison Riot in West Virginia, joining special operations teams from around the world for advanced tactical training. They represented FDC with professionalism, teamwork, and a strong commitment to mission readiness.

The Circuit 15 (Lake Worth) office, in partnership with the @PBCountySheriff Street Team, conducted a successful planned search based on reasonable suspicion. Officers recovered cocaine, marijuana,drug paraphernalia, and a weapon, resulting in an arrest and proving that partnerships and proactive supervision continue to make our communities safer every day.

Today, we proudly honor the courageous men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. FDC extends our deepest appreciation to the veterans and active-duty service members whose dedication, sacrifice, and commitment to service continue to make a difference in our communities and across our nation. Thank you for your service!

Training never stops for FDC’s Contraband Interdiction Unit! Following their latest recertification, CIU captains and K9 teams remain prepared to detect contraband, support institutional safety, and answer the call when needed across our state. 🐾

Firearms Instructor Training is one of FDC’s most demanding and comprehensive programs, designed to prepare staff to perform at a high level. From strengthening technical proficiency to reinforcing sound decision-making under pressure, the course equips future instructors with the knowledge and experience needed to train and lead others effectively.

Eleven FDC team members were recognized at Tallahassee State College’s 7th Annual Heroes in Public Safety Banquet, an event that brings together agencies across the region to honor first responders for their dedication and service to the community. Team FDC is proud of our staff who go above and beyond to keep Florida safe.

Today, Secretary Dixon joined @GovRonDeSantis to support raising the base pay for essential frontline correctional professionals. The work they do is crucial in maintaining a law-and-order state, and this investment ensures that our corrections workforce stays competitive and are compensated for the work they do each day to keep Florida safe.

One of my top priorities as governor has been to stop the flow of deadly drugs into Florida communities. In 2023, we established the State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (S.A.F.E.) grant program, which supports large-scale operations to take down traffickers and seize fentanyl. I have also signed legislation to increase penalties for drug dealers and to crack down on illegal immigration, which is tied to cartel operations. Our efforts are saving lives. The latest FDLE report shows that statewide drug-related deaths decreased by 19 percent overall from January through June of 2025. Deaths from fentanyl—the most common drug involved in overdose fatalities—declined by 46 percent. These results happened because Florida has backed law enforcement. We’ve empowered state troopers and local agencies to aggressively target traffickers, and we’ve given officers the resources needed to get the job done. We must continue to build on this progress. That is why I am recommending additional pay raises for state law enforcement officers, as well as correctional personnel, in this year’s budget.

Governor DeSantis Highlights Florida’s Progress in Reducing Opioid Overdose Deaths x.com/i/broadcasts/1…

🚨HAPPENING TODAY🚨@CareerSourceFL @CareerSourceBD

🚨HAPPENING TODAY🚨 @CareerSourceFL @CareerSourceCF