Who is eligible for Florida DROP?
Who can join the FRS DROP
- DROP is a voluntary program available only to FRS Pension Plan members who qualify for normal retirement. [FRS 2026 DROP Guide, p.3]
- You must be vested and eligible for normal retirement as an active member of the FRS Pension Plan or the Teachers' Retirement System (TRS). [FRS 2026 DROP Guide, p.4]
- You are not eligible if you are already retired from the Pension Plan (including disability retirement), or are a member or retiree of the FRS Investment Plan, SUSORP, SCCSORP or SMSOAP, or withdrew from the FRS as an SMSC or Elected Officers' Class member. [FRS 2026 DROP Guide, p.4]
- Vesting: 6 years of service if first enrolled before July 1, 2011; 8 years if enrolled on or after July 1, 2011. [FRS 2026 DROP Guide, p.5]
- Regular Class normal retirement (enrolled before 7/1/2011): age 62 with at least 6 years, or 30 years at any age. Enrolled on/after 7/1/2011: age 65 with at least 8 years, or 33 years at any age. [FRS 2026 DROP Guide, p.5]
- You can start DROP in the month you reach normal retirement by age, or the month after you reach it by years of service. [FRS 2026 DROP Guide, p.5]
Related DROP answers
- 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 does DROP affect your FRS pension?
- 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