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$1,000 stimulus check for Florida first responders: how many people will get it?

First responders in Florida are to receive a one-time bonus as a "small token of appreciation" for their efforts during the coronavirus pandemic, Governor Ron DeSantis announced on Wednesday.

Update:
(FILES) In this file photo taken on October 23, 2020  Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaks during a campaign rally for the US president at Pensacola International Airport in Pensacola, Florida. - Florida governor Ron DeSantis on May 3, 2021 lifted all Cov
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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Wednesday announced that first responders in the US state are to receive a $1,000 'pandemic bonus'.

DeSantis: $1,000 bonus "a small token of appreciation"

"Supporting our law enforcement and first responders has been a top priority for my administration, and it has never been more important than over the last year," DeSantis said. "As a state, we are grateful for their continued service to our communities.

"This one-time bonus is a small token of appreciation, but we can never go far enough to express our gratitude for their selflessness."

Roughly 174,000 Florida first responders to receive check

In all, around 174,000 law-enforcement officers, fire-service personnel and emergency medical workers across Florida are in line to receive the payment, DeSantis said.

According to a statement released by the Governor’s Office, those set to be sent the bonus include "49,405 sworn law enforcement officers, 40,732 EMTs [emergency medical technicians], 35,811 firefighters and 33,185 paramedics in Florida".

When will the $1,000 'pandemic bonus' arrive?

$208 million has now been set aside in Florida’s 2021/22 state budget for the payments, which DeSantis had initially called for in March. Although the budget has not yet been signed into law, the Governor’s Office said the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity "is working to immediately implement this bonus program, expediting the distribution effort".

Speaking at a news conference held at Temple Terrace Fire Department, DeSantis said he expected the checks to arrive "throughout the summer".

US stimulus checks: live updates

You can get updates on a possible fourth federal stimulus check, as well as information on the third round of direct payments and other economic-aid measures such as the expanded Child Tax Credit, by reading our dedicated live blog.