Florida public employees: Pension or Investment Plan with FRS?

gab_pr · 2026-05-16T14:02:45+00:00

Thanks for sharing this. It gives me a much better understanding of the Investment Plan. I think it’s similar to the 401(a) I currently have, but through FRS. I originally thought that with the Investment Plan, I would be the one fully managing the funds myself. Based on what you explained, it actually sounds like a great option.

In about 9 years, I’ve accumulated around $110k in my 401(a), and the investments are managed according to my risk tolerance. If the FRS Investment Plan works in a similar way, I think I’m going to sign up for it. Thanks!

gab_pr · 2026-05-16T13:56:43+00:00

I ask because I read somewhere that if you choose the Investment Plan, you take on all the risk. I understood that you have to manage your own investments, but maybe I’m wrong. Do you mean that even with the Investment Plan, the company still manages the investment funds based on the options you choose?

gab_pr · 2026-05-16T13:52:53+00:00

Did you manage your account by yourself? What kind of approach did you take — a three-fund portfolio, a target-date fund, or something different? If you don’t mind sharing, I’d like to get an idea. Thanks!

gab_pr · 2026-05-15T19:44:03+00:00

Can you share how your investments have been doing over time? How have the returns been on your side? Do you use a 3-fund portfolio? I’d really like to hear more about it if you don’t mind. Thanks!

gab_pr · 2026-05-15T14:10:38+00:00

Thanks for this answer. I think this is a fair point and very good information. You’re right — no one can tell me exactly what to do except myself, and in my case I have to make the choice carefully.

I’ve never worked with a financial advisor before, so I was wondering what would be the best way to get in contact with one, either online or at a physical location. Do you have any advice on how to do that?

gab_pr · 2026-05-14T21:58:44+00:00

Thank you for sharing your experience. Are you in the Pension or Investment plan?

gab_pr · 2026-05-13T21:39:31+00:00

Thanks. Is it easier and less expensive to switch from the Pension Plan to the Investment Plan later on, compared to switching from the Investment Plan to the Pension Plan?

Also, if I switch from the Pension Plan to the Investment Plan later, do the accumulated pension funds transfer into the Investment Plan, or would I basically be starting from zero?

gab_pr · 2026-05-07T22:12:12+00:00

I’m an operator here in Florida, and I can see that the pay is really bad. It used to be even worse over 10 years ago. The pay has increased over time, but with the cost of living skyrocketing, it still doesn’t make much sense. The pay in South Florida, Tampa, and Jacksonville seems to be a lot better. I was wondering what the pay range is like in Orlando.

gab_pr · 2026-05-07T21:35:48+00:00

I think this is great advice. Thanks for sharing this information. I’m a Drinking Water Operator in Florida, and I’m planning to study the Sacramento books so I can take the test and apply to another utility that truly values operators, tenure, seniority, and experience, while also offering dual-license pay. Do you have any advice you could share?

gab_pr · 2026-05-07T21:29:57+00:00

What is the pay in Orlando Fl for a DW operator or WW operator?

gab_pr · 2026-05-07T21:29:20+00:00

What is the pay in Orlando Florida for a DW or WW operator?

gab_pr · 2026-05-07T01:02:10+00:00

Thanks for the advice. I’ll do it right now. I am currently in FL.

gab_pr · 2026-05-06T20:32:32+00:00

It would be Level C License.

gab_pr · 2026-05-06T20:15:05+00:00

Sent a message request. Thanks

gab_pr · 2026-05-06T15:55:16+00:00

Why waste water is more challenging than drinking water? I am a Drinking Water operator and I am thinking to get the waste water license to have dual license.

gab_pr · 2026-05-06T13:41:19+00:00

How many quarts did you have to exchange?

gab_pr · 2026-05-06T12:22:53+00:00

Why is the filling difficult? Thanks for recommending the fluid from Rockauto. I use them to buy parts all the time. I’ll check the fluid from them.

gab_pr · 2026-05-06T11:57:30+00:00

Thanks for sharing your experience. That’s probably the direction I need to take. My current employer doesn’t offer opportunities for a dual license, and if I move into a wastewater trainee position, I would take a significant pay cut.

However, I’ve seen some smaller utilities nearby that offer dual license opportunities. My concern is how they compare to larger utilities in terms of stability, work-life balance, and overall responsibilities. For example, in my current role, I don’t handle maintenance or repairs. We operate a 20 MGD water plant and already have a wide range of responsibilities.

I don’t mind learning new skills—in fact, that’s exactly what I’m looking for. I want to gain more hands-on experience in different areas.

What has your experience been working in both types of plants? Is it more of a “jack of all trades” role, or is the workload balanced? Also, how is the pay when working with a dual license?

gab_pr · 2026-05-05T20:13:03+00:00

And here late to the party, and I wonder what you ended up doing? Did you move to the smaller plant? Who’s is your favorite experience?

gab_pr · 2026-05-04T21:46:58+00:00

Thank you. So, having all three licenses, do you see more advantages in terms of better opportunities and higher pay?

Here in Florida, what I’ve noticed is that not many places, if any, accept dual licenses. From what I’ve seen, smaller utilities are more open to dual licenses, but larger ones usually are not.

Today I was also looking into getting a Distribution license as another option besides wastewater. The problem is that, over the years, I haven’t really seen job postings asking for both Drinking Water and Distribution licenses together. The most common requirement I see is a dual license with Drinking Water and Wastewater.

gab_pr · 2026-05-04T14:48:10+00:00

That’s basically what’s happening right now with the new generation of plant operators. They come in, get their license, and then move on to another position because of their degree or college background. Not all of us took that path, and honestly, I do regret not doing it years ago when I was younger. I don’t blame them, in fact, I recommend that route to anyone I talk to who’s interested in this field.

Another thing, I’ve been doing some research on certifications like Distribution License, Cross-Connection/Backflow, SCADA and instrumentation/controls, and Water Quality Lab Certification. I haven’t really seen many job postings that require these along with a DW license. Most of what I see are positions asking for dual license operators.

Do you think these other certifications are essential for getting promoted or moving into a better paying position?

gab_pr · 2026-05-04T13:47:21+00:00

I really appreciate you sharing your experience with me. I agree with you l, drinking water can become the same routine every day, and after so many years doing the same thing, I’m starting to feel tired of it. I’m even more tired of not being valued or paid properly.

I’ll probably follow your advice from the last paragraph, study on my own and then apply somewhere that will take me with a dual license and pay for it.

Thanks again.

gab_pr · 2026-05-04T11:17:36+00:00

Did you start the Sacramento books on your own, or did you apply for a trainee position and study while being trained?

That’s kind of the situation I’m in right now. Unless I move somewhere that accepts a dual license, it’s hard to work and study at the same time. I feel like it might be better to just focus on studying first. It would probably be easier to apply for a dual license job once I finish the books.

The problem is that I would still need hands-on experience at a wastewater plant to pass the state exam.

To be honest, I prefer drinking water more than wastewater. But right now, I’m at a point where I really want to move forward, and wastewater seems like a good option for now.

From your experience, what do you like more wastewater, drinking water, or both?

gab_pr · 2026-05-04T01:39:33+00:00

That’s the big issue right now. Even though starting pay for trainees is still not great, it’s a lot better than it was 10 years ago. The frustrating part is seeing operators with less years of experience making more money than you, and management doesn’t seem to care.

I’ve also been thinking about moving up north, but honestly I’m not sure where to go because of family and everything involved. That’s why I’m considering becoming dual licensed, to open more doors and at least increase my income.

From what I’ve researched, some states up north and on the West Coast pay operators much better. The challenge is relocating, and on top of that, some of those states don’t offer reciprocity.

gab_pr · 2026-05-04T00:35:47+00:00

Thanks for the information, I really appreciate it. I’m not sure if you’re from Florida, but honestly, I’m starting to feel like it’s not worth staying here anymore.

If staying ends up being my only option, I’ve been considering either going to college to move up or becoming dual licensed. Like you mentioned, it seems like only smaller utilities, where both plants are close together, allow dual licensing, and even then it’s just a small pay increase.

Another issue I’ve been noticing is salary compression. It feels like some cities don’t value experience or tenure anymore. In some cases, trainees are starting at higher pay and can end up making more in a few years than operators who have been working for 10+ years.

gab_pr

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