Florida Retirement Systems (FRS) & DROP Specialist
At Prime Retirement Advisors, we are helping Florida Public Employees Maximize Pensions, DROP Benefits, and Lifetime Retirement Income with expert guidance for FRS Pension and Investment Plan members—before, during, and after retirement to safeguard your family’s future and ensure financial peace of mind.
Who We Are
I specialize in helping Florida public employees make informed, confident decisions within the Florida Retirement System (FRS)—with a specific focus on Pension vs. Investment Plan elections, DROP strategies, and long-term retirement income planning.
These decisions are permanent. One mistake can cost years of income. My role is to make sure that doesn’t happen.
I began working with public sector employees after personally witnessing how confusing and poorly explained FRS and DROP decisions can be while working at a local Florida school district. As a former public employee myself, I understand firsthand the frustration, lack of clarity, and pressure that comes with major retirement elections—especially as DROP or retirement approaches.
With over 20 years of professional experience, including a long career in Information Technology and more than a decade in the financial services industry, I bring a disciplined, analytical approach to retirement planning. I don’t believe in generic advice or one-size-fits-all solutions—especially when it comes to pensions and guaranteed income.
My work is centered on:
Florida Retirement System (FRS) Pension & Investment Plan guidance
DROP entry, participation, and exit strategies
Retirement income planning designed to last—not just look good on paper
Helping public employees transition confidently from work to retirement
I serve clients the same way I would expect to be served myself—with clarity, precision, and respect for the years they’ve spent serving the public.
My wife, Sarahi, and I have been married since 2001, and we live in Central Florida with our daughter, Ava. Our family roots here reinforce my commitment to helping Florida’s teachers, school employees, and public servants protect what they’ve earned.
I am currently licensed in Florida, Georgia, and Texas, allowing me to serve clients across multiple states while maintaining a strong focus on Florida Retirement System members.
Our Services
We Serve The Best Service
DROP accounts earn interest compounded monthly at an effective annual rate of 6.5% (if your DROP participation began prior to July 1, 2011) or 4% (if your DROP participation began on or after July 1, 2011).
Drop Rollovers
The Investment Plan has been offered to FRS employees since 2002 and is like other defined contribution plans that have been offered to select groups of FRS employees for over 25 years.
FRS Investment Rollovers
Tax-Deferred Plans
Annuities are insurance products that provide a source of monthly, quarterly, annual, or lump-sum income during retirement. An annuity makes periodic payments for a certain amount of time, or until a specified event occurs (for example, the death of the person who receives the payments).
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Client Testimonials
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- Emma Turner
“Richard has been so helpful. He was great when I originally signed started my 401k in Jacksonville. Then when I moved, he helped transfer my accounts. I gave him a brief description of what I was hoping to do with my accounts and he was able to come up with different options that suited my needs and retirement goals. Richard is super personable and available at odd times to accommodate my crazy schedule.”
Would you recommend him and/or his services?
Yes
Overall, How happy are you with the services?
100%
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- Vanessa Forbes-Bryant
“The year prior to retirement I found myself being bombarded with mountains of paperwork without any guidance. It was very overwhelming!! Richard guided me through the process explaining every step. Most importantly, he listened to me and understood my needs for my family. Overall he found a company with a policy that would meet my needs long term.”
Would you recommend him and/or his services?
Yes
Overall, How happy are you with the services?
100%
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- Tim LaForest
“Mr Hilliker was very professional and helpful guiding me through my investment process. Most importantly he helped guide me to an investment curtailed to my needs and lifestyle. I will be making future investments for sure with him.”
Would you recommend him and/or his services?
Yes
Overall, How happy are you with the services?
100%
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- Ruth Brazelton
“Richie has been incredibly helpful with our financial needs. I enjoy talking to him when he checks on us because he’s very personable. He cares about our lives. I never feel like it’s a business call or that he has to get off the phone.”
Would you recommend him and/or his services?
Yes
Overall, How happy are you with the services?
100%
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- Tammy Saunders
Richard is very knowledgeable. He is eager to help with your financial goals whether it is to retire early or just invest. We have been using him for a few years now and we are truly satisfied with his services. We highly recommend him.
Would you recommend him and/or his services?
Yes
Overall, How happy are you with the services?
100%
Get in Touch
As a Retirement Planning Professional, I am focused on helping my clients work through and towards their retirement plan and dreams through well thought-out solutions for retirement income.