For Immediate Release: Wednesday, February 19, 2025
Contact: Office of Communications, Communications@MyFloridaCFO.com, 850.413.2842

CFO Jimmy Patronis Appoints Police Chief Robert Bage to the State Immigration Enforcement Council

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the appointment of Fort Walton Beach Police Chief Robert Bage to the State of Immigration Enforcement Council. The Council is an advisory body that advises the new State Board of Immigration Enforcement led by Governor DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet, which includes Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, Attorney General James Uthmeier, and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson. The Florida Legislature established the State Board of Immigration Enforcement in February 2025 to combat illegal immigration in the state of Florida.

CFO Jimmy Patronis said, "I'm pleased to appoint Fort Walton Beach Police Chief Robert Bage to serve on the State Immigration Enforcement Council. Before serving nearly 30 years in Florida law enforcement, Chief Bage served two years in the United States Navy and has great experience protecting America’s borders from illegal immigration from his time with the United States Border Patrol. During his tenure with the Fort Walton Beach Police Department, Chief Bage reformed and grew the Department to be more effective at serving the local community. For these reasons and more, I believe Chief Bage will serve as a fine addition to the State Immigration Enforcement Council, and I wish him the best of luck.”

Okaloosa Sheriff Eric Aden said, “Thanks to CFO Jimmy Patronis on appointing Chief Robert Bage to the State Immigration Enforcement Council. Chief Bage’s years of law enforcement experience make him an excellent choice to serve on this Council. I have every confidence that Chief Bage’s contributions to the Council will help keep our borders secure and Floridians safe from criminal illegal aliens. As Sheriff of Okaloosa County, I look forward to working with this team to ensure Florida residents remain safe.”

Robert Bage, Fort Walton Beach
Chief Bage has served nearly 30 years in Florida law enforcement. He graduated from North Miami Senior High School in 1994 and subsequently enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served for two years. After his military service, he joined the United States Border Patrol for a year before commencing a 20-year career with the North Miami Police Department in 1999. In 2019, Bage was appointed Chief of Police for the City of Fort Walton Beach following a nationwide search. Under his leadership, the department successfully regained its accreditation status, which had been lost nearly a decade prior, and established a dedicated Traffic Safety and Community Policing unit. Chief Bage currently serves as the 1^st Vice President of the Florida Police Chief’s Association and is actively involved in local organizations, including the Okaloosa Health Department, the Advanced Sacred Hope Academy, and the Fort Walton Beach Rotary.

Born and raised in Miami, FL, Robert Bage earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Florida International University and a master’s degree in public administration from Barry University.

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About CFO Jimmy Patronis 
Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is a statewide elected official and a member of Florida’s Cabinet who oversees the Department of Financial Services. CFO Patronis works each day to fight insurance fraud, support Florida’s firefighters, and ensure the state’s finances are stable to support economic growth in the state. Follow the activities of the Department on Facebook (FLDFS) and X (@FLDFS).