The independence of the sheriffs, including a sheriff in a consolidated government, consolidated pursuant to s. 3 or s. 6(e), Art. VIII of the State Constitution or s. 9, Art. VIII of the State Constitution of 1885, as preserved by s. 6(e), Art. VIII of the State Constitution, shall be preserved concerning the purchase and procurement of supplies and equipment, selection of personnel, and the hiring, firing, and setting of salaries of such personnel; provided that nothing herein contained shall restrict the establishment or operation of any civil service system or civil service board created pursuant to s. 14, Art. III, of the State Constitution, provided, further that nothing contained in ss. 30.48 - 30.53 shall be construed to alter, modify or change in any manner any civil service system or board, state or local, now in existence or hereafter established.
Fla. Stat. § 30.53