Police officer shot and killed in Florida

A man has shot and killed a Florida police officer, before fleeing the scene.

A man has shot and killed a 45-year-old police officer in Florida. (AAP)

Florida authorities say a police officer was shot and killed in Tarpon Springs early on Sunday.

The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office said in a statement that the shooting occurred around 3am in the Tampa Bay-area city and that a suspect has been taken into custody.

The Tarpon Springs Police Department identified the fallen officer as 45-year-old Charles Kondek, a 17-year veteran of the local police department.

Originally from New York, Kondek had previously served on the New York City Police Department for more than five years, authorities said.

Authorities say Kondek responded to a call for service shortly after 2am. Police said the suspect shot at the officer and then fled the scene in a vehicle before crashing into a pole and another vehicle.

He was then apprehended by police at that location.

The Tampa Bay Times reports that Kondek was the father of five children.