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DROP Rollover to the Investment Plan FAQs
Applicable Publications:
Keep Your DROP in the FRS
DROP Rollover Flyer
Below are answers to some of the questions you might have:
- Q1: Who can I call to get answers about rolling over my DROP accumulations into the Investment Plan?
A: You can call the MyFRS Financial Guidance Line at 1-866-446-9377, Option 2 (TRS 711), and speak with experienced and unbiased financial planners from EY. - Q2: Do I have to roll my DROP accumulation to the Investment Plan?
A: No. You may roll over your accumulation to any eligible retirement plan as defined in section 402(c)(8)(b) of the Internal Revenue Code. (See the Division of Retirement's DROP Guide for more information.) You should carefully compare fees, penalties, investment options, restrictions and services before choosing where to roll over your DROP accumulation. - Q3: Are all DROP participants eligible for the rollover?
A: Yes. All DROP participants are eligible to roll their DROP accumulation over to the Investment Plan as long as they do not take their accumulation as a cash lump sum payment. However, if a cash lump sum payment is received, DROP retirees may convert the cash payment to a lump sum rollover prior to the end of the 60-day rollover window after the date of their distribution check. - Q4: Are former DROP participants who took their DROP distribution as a rollover eligible for a rollover to the Investment Plan?
A: Yes. All former DROP participants are eligible to roll over their DROP accumulation to the FRS Investment Plan. Rollovers from former DROP participants may be transferred to the FRS Investment Plan as long as they come into the Plan from a qualified retirement account, such as an IRA, 403(b), 457, 401(a), 401(k), etc. - Q5: Are former DROP participants who took their DROP distribution as a cash lump sum payment eligible for a rollover to the Investment Plan?
A: No. If a former participant took their DROP accumulation as a cash lump sum payment and are beyond the 60-day rollover window; they are not eligible to roll the payment into the Investment Plan - Q6: If I roll my DROP accumulation into the Investment Plan, will I pay account management fees?
A: Yes. You will pay the investment management fees for the fund(s) in which you choose to invest, plus a quarterly plan administrative fee of $6 ($24 annually). These fees will be reflected on your quarterly statement from the Investment Plan. Total fees paid in the Investment Plan are likely to be less than those paid in other plans, but you should review all fees carefully. - Q7: Is there a minimum amount I can roll over to the Investment Plan?
A: Yes. Your DROP rollover must be greater than $1,000. There is no maximum amount that may be rolled over - Q8: Is there a minimum account balance I must keep in my Investment Plan account?
A: Yes, your Investment Plan account balance must be at least $1,000. If your account balance falls below $1,000, you will receive a mandatory distribution of your full balance in the plan. - Q9: If I roll my DROP accumulation into the Investment Plan, will I have to pay any taxes?
A: Your DROP accumulation will not be taxed at the time you roll it over to the Investment Plan. It will only be taxed when you decide to take a distribution from the Investment Plan, and then only the amount you take as a distribution will be taxed. - Q10: A portion of my DROP accumulation was based on after-tax contributions I made for the
purchase of additional service in the Pension Plan prior to entering DROP. As such, I will be
receiving two checks when I take my DROP distribution from the Pension Plan. Can I roll over
both of my distribution amounts?
A: No. Any DROP accumulations you receive which are based on your after-tax personal contributions are not eligible to roll over to the Investment Plan. These accumulations will be paid to you as a tax-free, lump sum payment, as computed using the Simplified General Rule under the Internal Revenue Code. Only the DROP accumulation you receive based on pre-tax funds is eligible to be rolled over to the Investment Plan. - Q11: If I retire from the Pension Plan, I know I will be subject to the reemployment-after-retirement
restrictions of the Pension Plan. But if I roll my DROP accumulation into the Investment Plan,
will I also be subject to the reemployment-after-retirement restrictions of the Investment Plan?
A: You will only be subject to the Pension Plan termination requirements and reemployment limitations if you return to work for an FRS employer during the 6 calendar months immediately following your DROP termination. - Q12: If I roll my DROP accumulation into the Investment Plan, am I eligible to also roll other
retirement monies I have from other sources to the Investment Plan?
A: Yes. You may roll other retirement monies into the Investment Plan if they are from a qualified retirement plan that is an eligible plan as provided by the IRS (includes IRA, 401(k), 401(a), 403, and 457 retirement plans, and the Federal Thrift Savings Plan). An FRS Investment Plan Employee Rollover Deposit Form ("IP-Rollover") must be completed in order to facilitate the transfer. This form is also available by calling the MyFRS Financial Guidance Line and selecting Option 4. - Q13: If I roll my DROP accumulation into the Investment Plan, will those funds be subject to the
minimum required distribution rules of the IRS (i.e., minimum payments beginning at age 73)?
A: Yes. If you meet the minimum required distribution rules prior to rolling the DROP accumulation into the Investment Plan, those applicable funds will be paid to you in a lump sum and cannot be rolled over. - Q14: How many funds are in the Investment Plan and what are the fees?
A: There are 20 funds available in the Investment Plan with annual fees as low as 0.02%. Of these 20 funds, 11 are retirement date funds that are a mixture of various asset classes. Information on the funds and fees is available online or by calling the MyFRS Financial Guidance Line at 1-866-446-9377, Option 2 (TRS 711), and speaking to one of the financial planners. They can talk with you about all the funds and help you choose funds you feel best fit your goals and circumstances. - Q15: If I am completing my DROP participation prior to age 59½, will I be subject to the 10% tax
penalty assessed by the IRS for early withdrawals?
A: The answer is generally “yes,” but there are important exceptions. Since the Investment Plan is an employer sponsored plan, you will be eligible to take distributions from the Investment Plan without the 10% IRS early withdrawal penalty if payments are paid to you after you separate from service with your FRS employer during or after the year you reach age 55, or in the year you reach age 50 or 25 years of service, whichever comes first, if you meet the IRS definition of a retired Qualified Public Safety Employee. Another IRS exception allows for payments to be made over your life or joint life expectancies and, if IRS guidelines are followed, payments can be made for the longer of 5 years or until the age of 59½. You should consult your tax advisor or one of the financial planners at the MyFRS Financial Guidance Line about your specific circumstances. Additional information on taxability of benefits. - Q16: What paperwork will I have to complete in order to roll my DROP accumulation into the FRS Investment Plan?
A: Three months before your DROP end date, the Division of Retirement will send you your DROP termination packet. This packet will include a flyer informing you that you can roll over your accumulated DROP benefits into the FRS Investment Plan. The flyer will also notify you of the availability to receive free guidance from EY financial planners to help you determine what to do with your DROP payout.
If you are a current DROP participant, you should complete the Division of Retirement's Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP) Selected Payout Method, Form DP-PAYT, (it will be provided to you in the DROP termination packet) and send it to the Investment Plan Administrator, who will sign and forward the completed form to the Division of Retirement. You must also complete an Investment Plan DROP Accumulation Direct Rollover Form for Current DROP Members, Form IPDROP-AD-1, and send it to the Investment Plan Administrator to set up your Investment Plan account. The Investment Plan Administrator will send you a confirmation letter and personal PIN for accessing your account under separate cover after processing your completed form.
If you are a former DROP participant who received your DROP distribution as a rollover, you should complete the Investment Plan's DROP Direct Rollover Form for Former DROP Members, IPDROP-RO-1, and send it to the Investment Plan Administrator, for processing. The Investment Plan Administrator will send you a confirmation letter and personal PIN for accessing your account under separate cover.
You must also complete the FRS Investment Plan Beneficiary Designation (Form IPBEN-1) because your Pension Plan beneficiary(ies) designation will not transfer to the Investment Plan. See question 19 for more information. - Q17: If I choose to roll my DROP accumulation to the Investment Plan, but fail to designate an investment fund for its deposit what will happen to my money?
A: If you do not choose one of the investment options listed on the rollover enrollment form, your DROP accumulation will be initially invested in the FRS Retirement Fund (2000). After your account has been established you will be able to move your money to any of the other available funds offered in the Investment Plan. - Q18: How do I take a distribution from the FRS Investment Plan?
A: To take a distribution, you can either log onto MyFRS.com or call the MyFRS Financial Guidance Line at 1-866-446-9377, Option 4 (TRS 711), and speak to an Investment Plan Administrator representative. Be sure to have your PIN number available prior to calling. If you do not have a PIN, you may request a PIN reminder online or by calling the MyFRS Financial Guidance Line and selecting Option 2. You do not need to complete any paper forms in order to request a distribution. - Q19: If I roll my DROP accumulation into the Investment Plan, will the beneficiary I named under the Pension Plan when I entered DROP automatically become my beneficiary for my money invested into the Investment Plan?
A: No. The beneficiary you named to receive your DROP accumulation and Pension Plan benefit are only applicable under the Pension Plan. If you roll over your DROP accumulation to the Investment Plan, you will need to name a new beneficiary(ies) to receive any IP benefits due at your death. You can designate a beneficiary(ies) for your Investment Plan account by completing and returning a Beneficiary Designation Form (IPBEN-1) or complete the online form. If you do not name a beneficiary, your benefits will be paid out according to Florida Law. If you are married and designate someone other than your spouse as your primary beneficiary, your spouse must sign the form and/or acknowledge the designation. The beneficiary you named under the Pension Plan will remain in effect for that plan. - Q20: If I roll my DROP accumulation into the Investment Plan and later return to FRS-covered
employment as a renewed member (only applicable if you retired and were initially reemployed
prior to July 1, 2010), and join the Investment Plan as my retirement option, can I name a
different beneficiary than the beneficiary I named for my DROP rollover?
A: No. Your named beneficiary under the Investment Plan will pertain to all investment accounts you have under the Investment Plan. You may, however, have different beneficiary(ies) named under the Pension Plan to receive any benefits due from that plan. - Q21: If I roll some or all of my DROP accumulation into the Investment Plan, what services will I get
from the FRS?
A: As long as you have a balance in the Investment Plan you will continue to have access to the MyFRS Financial Guidance Line at 1-866-446-9377, Option 2, where you can talk to experienced and unbiased financial planners from EY. They can help you manage your retirement benefits and answer any financial questions you may have. You will also have access to the MyFRS.com website where you can log in to your account to make asset allocation changes. - Q22: Can the FRS Investment Plan receive rollovers from Roth IRA's?
A: No. - Q23: I am a Special Risk member considering rolling my DROP accumulation to the Investment Plan.
Will I be subject to a 10% early distribution tax penalty if I take a lump sum distribution from the
Investment Plan before I am age 55?
A: No, as long as you meet the IRS definition of a retired Qualified Public Safety Employee (“QPSE”). The “Defending Public Safety Employees Retirement Act (P. L. 114-26)” permitted distributions from qualified plans after December 31, 2015 to be exempt from the 10% tax penalty, when made to retired QPSE. Please check with your tax advisor for more information about this exception to the penalty (see IRC Section 72(t)(10)). If you are not eligible for the exception you may be subject to the 10% tax penalty (i.e., excise tax) and you will pay the 10% tax penalty when you file your tax return. You will also be responsible for any other taxes you may owe for this payment above the 20% that was withheld. Note: The 10% tax penalty triggered by lump sum distributions before you are age 59½ is applicable for distributions from the Investment Plan, tax-deferred annuities and traditional IRAs (some exceptions apply - see the following three questions for examples). - Q24: If I am age 50 when I terminate DROP and roll my DROP accumulation into the Investment Plan,
will I be subject to the 10% tax penalty if I wait to take a lump sum distribution at age 55?
A: Yes. You are subject to the 10% tax penalty for plans like the FRS based on your age at FRS-covered employment termination. You would need to wait until age 59½, unless you qualify for an exemption as defined under IRS section 72(t). For example, taking distributions as substantial and equal periodic payments over your lifetime; this method would allow you to avoid the 10% tax penalty. Please see Question 23 regarding the exception to the 10% tax penalty if you are a retired Qualified Public Safety Employee. - Q25: If I roll my DROP accumulation into the Investment Plan and begin taking equal installments
over my lifetime prior to age 55 to avoid the 10% tax penalty, can I change my payment amount
after 2 years?
A: Since these payments are complicated in nature and need to be set up by a qualified professional to be considered acceptable by the IRS, please consult your tax professional or accountant. If the payments are not set up properly or altered during the period of the payments, you may be subject to tax claims by the IRS. - Q26: I am a 50 year old Special Risk member and I would like to take a partial distribution from the
DROP, and roll over the balance into the Investment Plan. Is it true that Special Risk members
may be able to receive distributions and avoid the 10% tax penalty?
A: The 2006 Pension Protection Act (PPA) allows qualified public safety employees (QPSEs) to receive distributions from a qualified defined benefit plan without the 10% tax penalty if separating from service after age 50 (IRC Section 72(t)(10)). However, the IRS defines QPSEs as those who provide police protection, firefighting services, or emergency medical services for a state or municipality. Not all FRS Special Risk members meet the definition of QPSE.
The 2015 “Defending Public Safety Employees Retirement Act (P. L. 114-26)” allowed for an exception to the 10% tax penalty for QPSE who would be eligible to take distributions from qualified defined contribution plans after December 31, 2015. This change permitted some Special Risk members who met the IRS definition of a retired QPSE and who roll over their DROP accumulation into the Investment Plan to claim the exemption from the 10% tax penalty. Please consult your tax professional for more guidance on this matter. - Q27: If I roll my DROP balance into the Investment Plan and the beneficiary(ies) I named is not my
spouse, how will the payments be treated if I die?
A: For DROP Rollovers commenced prior to January 1, 2020 and the account owner passed away prior to January 1, 2020: If you had not begun taking distributions from the Investment Plan, the non-spouse beneficiary has the choice of taking distributions over 5 years, or the beneficiary can elect to take lifetime installments over the beneficiary's life expectancy. The decision on the method of payment has to be made within 1 year of your death. If no choice is made, the distribution will be subject to the 5- year rule.
A non-spouse beneficiary may now roll over a balance in the Investment Plan to an inherited IRA (only a spouse has the ability to treat the IRA like his or her own or as an inherited IRA). The inherited IRA is subject to the rules that apply to any beneficiary and, as such, has the choice of taking distributions over 5 years, or the beneficiary can elect to take lifetime installments over the beneficiary's life expectancy. The decision on the method of payment has to be made within 1 year of your death. If no choice is made, the distribution will be subject to the 5-year rule.
For DROP Rollovers commenced after December 31, 2019 and the account owner passed away after December 31, 2019: The passage of the "Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act" in 2019 inaugurated some changes to the ways that non-spousal beneficiaries would be able to take distributions from defined contribution plans and IRAs.
If you had not begun taking distributions from the Investment Plan, the non-spouse beneficiary has to take distributions over the 10 years following the death of the original account holder. Distributions can no longer be stretched over the lifetime of the non-spouse inheritor.
A non-spouse beneficiary may now roll over a balance in the Investment Plan to an inherited IRA (only a spouse has the ability to treat the IRA like his or her own or as an inherited IRA). The inherited IRA is subject to the new 10-year distribution rules that apply under the 2019 SECURE Act. The new regulations disallow the taxpayer’s ability to stretch out tax payments for longer periods of time. - Q28: Are members of the Teachers' Retirement System (TRS) and State County Officers Employees
Retirement System (SCOERS) eligible to roll their DROP accumulations into the Investment
Plan?
A: Yes. Current and former TRS and SCOERS members are eligible to roll over their DROP accumulations to the Investment Plan.
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