How does DROP affect your FRS pension?
DROP and your monthly benefit
- When you enter DROP you are retired and stop earning retirement service credit. [FRS 2026 DROP Guide, p.3]
- After DROP you get your monthly benefit in the same amount determined at retirement, plus any applicable COLA. [FRS 2026 DROP Guide, p.3]
- Once DROP begins you cannot add service credit, change your option, or change your type of retirement. [FRS 2026 DROP Guide, p.17]
- COLA: members retiring on/after July 1, 2011 get a prorated COLA based on pre-July 2011 service; those first hired on/after July 1, 2011 get 0%. [FRS 2026 DROP Guide, p.7]
- Benefit formula: years of service × percentage value × average final compensation. [FRS 2026 DROP Guide, p.8]
- Up to 500 hours of annual leave paid when you enter DROP can count in your benefit; leave paid at the end does not. [FRS 2026 DROP Guide, p.8]
- You cannot receive the Health Insurance Subsidy (HIS) while in DROP; you apply with Form HIS-1 afterward. [FRS 2026 DROP Guide, p.25]
Related DROP answers
- Who is eligible for Florida DROP?
- How long can you stay in DROP? (96 months, not 60)
- What interest rate does a DROP account earn?
- DROP termination and the 6-month reemployment rule
- DROP payout options: lump sum, rollover or both
- How to apply for DROP with Form DP-11
- DROP: Investment Plan vs Pension Plan
- DROP for Special Risk vs Regular Class
- DROP beneficiaries, death and divorce
Educational information only, based on official Florida Retirement System (frs.fl.gov) publications. Not affiliated with the State of Florida or the Division of Retirement. Chapter 121, F.S., and Chapter 60S, F.A.C., are the final authority. Confirm your situation with the Division of Retirement (850-907-6500 / 844-377-1888). [FRS 2026 DROP Guide, p.2]
DROP Answers