Fla. Admin. Code R. 60S-11.001 (2026)

The definitions in Rule 60S-6.001, F.A.C., apply to this chapter unless otherwise expressly stated, and when used in this chapter, the following words and terms have the meaning indicated:

(1) deferred retirement option program (DROP) – means a program, hereinafter referred to as the DROP, available to certain members who are eligible for retirement under the FRS Pension Plan, under which members effectively retire and have their retirement benefits accumulate, tax deferred, in the FRS Trust Fund while they continue covered employment for a limited time.

(2) DROP eligibility date – means the first day of the month in which a vested member becomes eligible to participate in the DROP by virtue of reaching his or her normal retirement date. Normal retirement date shall be as defined in section 121.021(29), F.S.

(3) DROP begin date – means the first day of the month in which the member’s DROP participation period begins and is always the same date as the member’s effective date of retirement. Such date shall be no sooner than the first day of the month following the receipt of the DROP application by the Division. A member may apply for the DROP up to 6 months prior to his or her DROP begin date. A member’s DROP begin date cannot be the same as the month the Division receives the DROP application.

(4) DROP participation period – means the period of time a member participates in the DROP, not to exceed the limits set forth in section 121.091(13), F.S.

(5) DROP Participant or PARTICIPANT – means a person who has retired from the FRS Pension Plan and is participating in the DROP.

(6) DROP end date – means the date the DROP participation ceases and shall be the date termination of all employment occurs as defined in section 121.021(39)(b), F.S., except as provided in section 121.053, F.S., for elected officers. The DROP end date shall be effective as of the date of the participant’s approved future deferred resignation, as stated on Form DP-ELE, adopted by reference in Rule 60S-11.002, F.A.C.; or if applicable on Form DP-EXT, adopted by reference in Rule 60S-11.004, F.A.C., or earlier if the participant terminates prior to the approved future resignation date. The participant may cease participation in the DROP prior to the approved future resignation date only by satisfying the definition of termination as provided in section 121.021(39)(b), F.S.

(7) Optional Service Credit – includes credit for prior service, past service purchased by the member, wartime military service, a military leave of absence before December 3, 1974, a leave of absence without pay, in-state and out-of-state service, a suspension without pay, teaching in a federally operated school in Florida, and periods of disability retirement. Optional service credit does not include Workers’ Compensation credit, past service credit paid for by the employer, credit for a military leave of absence on or after December 3, 1974, paid for by the employer, or credit for upgraded service purchased by the member or employer.

(8) DROP BREAK IN SERVICE – occurs when no compensation is received by a DROP participant during one full calendar month of the participant’s work year and there is no continuing employer-employee relationship. A member who is on an approved leave of absence without pay or on a Workers’ Compensation leave has an employer-employee relationship.

Rulemaking Authority 121.031, 121.091(13) FS. Law Implemented 121.091(13) FS. History–New 9-16-03, Amended 4-5-12, 3-25-13, 4-30-17, 9-30-18, 8-6-26.

Effective: 8/6/2026.