Published on February 24, 2025 at 11:18 am
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St. Johns County sheriff’s deputies have voted against forming a union under the Fraternal Order of Police.
A representative from the FOP said the final vote tally was 180 against unionization and 102 in favor. With a majority decision needed, the tally effectively shut down the collective bargaining effort.
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In a statement, the Florida State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police acknowledged the results but reaffirmed its commitment to supporting law enforcement officers across the state.
“The Florida State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) extends our sincere best wishes to the deputies of the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office following their recent election regarding union representation,” the statement said. “While we are disappointed that we did not prevail, we respect the democratic process and the decision made by the deputies. The FOP remains committed to advocating for the rights and interests of law enforcement professionals across Florida, and we will always stand ready to support those who seek strong representation and a voice in the workplace.”
The FOP, which represents about 26,000 members in Florida and 365,000 nationwide, said that union representation can lead to higher salaries, improved working conditions and enhanced benefits.
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The unionization process begins with gathering interest cards, followed by a confidential vote requiring majority approval to move forward. In this case, the deputies ultimately opted against joining.
Sheriff Robert Hardwick responded to the results with a statement emphasizing his commitment to the department’s personnel.
:These results are a reflection of my commitment to provide the best pay, benefits and equipment for the men and women of the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office,” Hardwick said. “I’m proud of the work they do on a daily basis, and I am honored to be their sheriff. I will continue to be relentless in my efforts to provide a phenomenal quality of life for our personnel and their families as we serve the citizens of St. Johns County.”
State FOP representatives indicated they would review the process and consider possible future actions. They also plan to engage with deputies to understand what influenced their decision.
This story was produced by News4Jax, a Jacksonville Today news partner.
