WATCH: Ron DeSantis commits to FUNDING the police in Florida

"They were out there every single day, our police, our fire, our EMTs, and they had to work more than they ever have, not just to deal with protecting us when the pandemic hit, but obviously how the police were treated in many parts of the country last year was a total disgrace," DeSantis said.

"And they had to put the uniform on. Yes, they knew that the state of Florida had their back, and I think we did much better in Florida, but if you look at what a lot of these police officers are dealing with now, it's terrible.

"So I thought it was important to recognize the service, to recognize the sacrifice, and I asked the legislature in this legislative session. We need to do bonuses for law enforcement," DeSantis said to cheers from the crowd.

"Some want to defund the police, we want to fund the police, and then some, and that's what we're here to say."

He thanked the legislators of the state government, saying "we asked and they delivered." The $1,000 bonuses will be signed into law with the upcoming state budget, which DeSantis expects to sign soon.

DeSantis has bucked many of the trends in state government over the past year. He declined to implement intensive COVID restrictions, lifted those that were imposed sooner than other governors, and has consistently backed law enforcement and the freedoms of his own constituents. Some have speculated that the Florida governor could make a run for president in the 2024 election.