BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. -- Brevard County Property Appraiser Jim Ford, who was re-elected last month, is using a clause in state law that will allow him to retire his official current position in order to collect state retirement benefits. Then, when he takes office again, he'll receive his new salary.

Ford sent a letter to Governor Charlie Crist two days after the November election, announcing his retirement. His actions have infuriated his critics.

"If you are an elected official and you resign your position, then you should resign your position," said County Clerk Scott Ellis. "Then, you should be replaced by the Governor. You should not be allowed to resign your position and come back at a later date."

Ford was re-elected despite a Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigation and the prosecution of his chief deputy, Lance Larsen. A judge found there wasn't enough evidence to continue Larsen's trial and he was adjudicated not guilty.

Ford won re-election by a slim margin.

Ford is using a program called DROP. He will get a lump sum check of $337,192. He will also get a retirement check of $6,892 a month. That is in addition to the $139,000 dollar annual salary for his office.

Ford could not be reached for comment but he is not alone. Last year 211 other elected officials in Florida did the same thing, costing taxpayers an estimated $300 million.