Retired before July 1, 2011
3%
Members who retired before July 1, 2011 receive a 3% COLA.
DROP Guide (2026), p. 7; F.S. 121.101(3)Retiring now, enrolled before July 1, 2011
3% × share
Members who retire on or after July 1, 2011 receive an individually calculated COLA: service before July 1, 2011 divided by total service at retirement or DROP entry, times 3%.
Handbook (2026), p. 58, Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA); DROP Guide (2026), p. 7; F.S. 121.101(4)(c)Enrolled on or after July 1, 2011
None
Members initially enrolled on or after July 1, 2011 do not receive a COLA after retirement, unless they are eligible Special Risk Class retirees.
Handbook (2026), p. 43, note 11; Pension Plan SPD (July 1, 2026), p. 9FRS's examples
| Years before July 1, 2011 | Total years | FRS | Our engine |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | 30 | 2.6% | 2.6% |
| 26 | 33.75 | 2.31% | 2.31% |
The first COLA
If you have not been retired for a full year, your first COLA is prorated by the number of months you have been retired as of July 1 (retired Jan. 1: half). Retiring January 1, 2026 means 6 months retired by July 1, so the first COLA is 6/12 of a full one. Handbook (2026), p. 58, Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)
FRS's DROP example: 30 years, 20 of them before July 1, 2011, gives 2%. Entering DROP January 1, 2024, the first COLA on July 1, 2024 is 1%; the next is the full 2%.
DROP Guide (2026), p. 7, Will my FRS benefits receive a COLA while I am in the DROP?What it applies to
Paid in the July benefit payment each year (the check at the end of July), figured on the June benefit. Excludes the health insurance subsidy. Handbook (2026), p. 58, Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA); Pension Plan SPD (July 1, 2026), p. 9
Normal and early service retirement, disability, survivor benefits, and DROP benefits accruing for DROP participants. Pension Plan SPD (July 1, 2026), p. 9, Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)
The Division raises the benefit of an eligible normal retiree whose benefit is below a certain level to a minimum when the retiree reaches age 65 and one month. Handbook (2026), p. 60, Minimum Benefit Adjustment
From July 1, 2026, eligible Special Risk Class retirees get at least 1.5% after five years of retirement. Not applicable to the Regular Class. Handbook (2026), p. 58, COLA for Eligible Special Risk Class Members
The SPD says the 3% COLA applies to retirements or DROP effective before Aug. 1, 2011, and the individual COLA to those on or after Aug. 1, 2011. The DROP Guide and F.S. 121.101(3)-(4) use July 1, 2011.
We use July 1, 2011. It matters only for retirements effective in July 2011.
Pension Plan SPD (July 1, 2026), p. 9; DROP Guide (2026), p. 7; F.S. 121.101(3)-(4)
The facts
- The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is paid each July, on your June benefit. It does not apply to the HIS.Handbook (2026), p. 58, Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)
- Your COLA = 3% x your years of service before July 1, 2011 / your total years at retirement. Example: 26 of 30 years gives 2.60%; 26 of 33.75 gives 2.31%.Seminar slides (Sept. 24, 2025), slide 33
- If you were first enrolled on or after July 1, 2011, you get no COLA after retirement (Regular Class).Handbook (2026), p. 43, note 11; Pension Plan SPD (July 1, 2026), p. 9
- Your first COLA is prorated by the months you have been retired as of July 1. Retired Jan. 1: half.Handbook (2026), p. 58
- Retirees who retired before July 1, 2011 get 3% a year.DROP Guide (2026), p. 7
Next: the health insurance subsidy or DROP.
Questions
Does the FRS Pension Plan have a COLA?
Yes, for members first enrolled before July 1, 2011: 3% × your years of service before July 1, 2011 ÷ your total years at retirement, each July. Members initially enrolled on or after July 1, 2011 do not receive a COLA after retirement, unless they are eligible Special Risk Class retirees.
When is the COLA paid?
Paid in the July benefit payment each year (the check at the end of July), figured on the June benefit. Excludes the health insurance subsidy.
Is the first COLA a full year's?
If you have not been retired for a full year, your first COLA is prorated by the number of months you have been retired as of July 1 (retired Jan. 1: half).
Source: FRS Pension Plan Member Handbook, 2026 Edition, pp. 43, 58, 60. Also: DROP Guide (2026), p. 7; Pension Plan SPD (July 1, 2026), p. 9; Seminar slides (Sept. 24, 2025), slide 33; F.S. 121.101. Last reviewed .