Policy Supported by National Fraternal Order of Police
“Simple, Commonsense Way to Support Those Who Serve”
HOLMES BEACH, Fla. — Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan and Holmes Beach Chief of Police William Tokajer penned an op-ed in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune calling for Congress to exempt overtime pay from federal income taxes to support the law enforcement community.
“Our law enforcement officers deserve our full support, and exempting their overtime pay from taxes will make a significant difference in their lives,” said Buchanan. “I look forward to passing the ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’ to make this proposal a reality for officers across the country looking to provide for their families.”
Read the full op-ed here or below.
Let Officers Keep Their Overtime
By Congressman Vern Buchanan and Holmes Beach Chief of Police William Tokajer
Every day, law enforcement officers across America put on the badge and head into work not knowing what the day will bring. They miss holidays, birthdays and school events, all in service to their communities. For many of these officers, especially those in smaller departments like Holmes Beach, doing the job right often means putting in long hours far beyond the standard shift.
At the Holmes Beach Police Department, there are only 19 full-time sworn law enforcement officers. This small but committed team is responsible for keeping thousands of residents and tourists safe every day on Anna Maria Island. Officers routinely work overtime to cover shifts, respond to emergencies and patrol the community. That time comes at a personal cost, including time away from family, friends and loved ones. What makes it even more frustrating is that the federal government taxes this overtime work as if it were ordinary income.
That needs to change.
Congress should act now to exempt overtime pay from federal income taxes. Doing so would give officers more take-home pay, provide meaningful support to their families and send a clear message that we value the men and women who keep us safe. No one enters law enforcement to get rich. Many officers rely on overtime to afford basic expenses like groceries, childcare and housing. Taking less of that pay in taxes would make a real difference in their lives.
It would also improve retention and recruitment, two of the most urgent challenges facing law enforcement agencies today. Across the country, police departments are grappling with shrinking ranks and low morale. Since 2020, attacks on law enforcement, efforts to defund departments and a lack of political support in many cities have taken a toll on the profession. While our state leaders in Florida continue to stand strong to defend our officers, we’ve seen a national shortage of officers, leaving communities less safe and existing officers more stretched than ever.
Ending the federal tax on overtime would serve both as financial relief and symbolic recognition to our local heroes. It says to our officers: we see your sacrifice, we value your service and we’re willing to back it up with action.
In Holmes Beach, the impact of this policy would be immediate. With a small department staff and a community that swells in population during the tourist season, every hour of officer time counts. The department depends on the experience of senior officers who train and mentor newer recruits. Allowing officers to keep more of what they earn when they work overtime could help us retain that vital experience.
For younger officers starting families and building their futures, tax-free overtime could mean being able to afford daycare or start saving to buy a home. These aren’t luxuries—they’re basic needs that stronger take-home pay can help meet.
This is not a partisan issue. Officers across our state and country, including the National Fraternal Order of Police, have voiced their support for eliminating the federal tax on overtime. It’s a simple, commonsense way to support those who serve.
Congress has a chance to do something tangible for law enforcement families. Exempting overtime pay from federal income tax is not just a policy change—it’s a show of respect, a tool for retention and a recognition of the personal sacrifices officers make to protect their communities.
We ask so much of our law enforcement officers. It’s time to give them something meaningful in return.
Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.) is the vice chairman of the Ways and Means Committee and the chair of the Health Subcommittee. Prior to serving in Congress, Buchanan was in business for more than 30 years and chaired both the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce and Florida Chamber of Commerce.
Chief William Tokajer is the Chief of Police for the City of Holmes Beach, Florida. Prior to leading the Holmes Beach Police Department, Tokajer served as an officer with the Longboat Key Police Department, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Department and the Bradenton Police Department, where he received a Purple Heart and a Medal of Valor. He also served in the U.S. Army.
