PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis signed new legislation Thursday aimed at strengthening health and safety protections for Florida’s firefighters.
He signed the bill while speaking at the 81st Annual Convention of the Florida Professional Firefighters, calling the move a continued commitment to the well-being of first responders.
“Firefighters put their lives on the line to save others,” DeSantis said. “The heroic work takes a physical and mental toll. HB 929 recognizes the risks and strengthens Florida’s commitment to the well-being of our firefighters, and I was proud to sign it alongside some of state’s hometown heroes today.”
The bill updates the Florida Firefighters Occupational Safety and Health Act to expand protections for occupational illnesses, including cancer and adds suicide prevention efforts.
It also also instructs the Division of the State Fire Marshal to adopt rules aimed at reducing health risks, including toxic exposure and mental health impacts.
According to a news release from the governor’s office, some of the changes include:
- Requiring fire departments to buy protective gear that’s free of hazardous chemicals, once it’s commercially available.
- Informing firefighters if their current equipment contains toxic substances.
- Monitoring mental health concerns, including suicide risk, and creating prevention programs.
- Limiting firefighter shifts to 42 hours per week to reduce burnout.
This marks the latest in a series of firefighter-focused policies from DeSantis.
In 2019, he approved cancer coverage benefits for firefighters. After Hurricane Ian, he directed $2 million in disaster relief for first responders.
Just last month, he also signed a bill expanding injury compensation during training.
A news release stated that his proposed budget also includes more than $118 million to boost first responder pay, with a 25% raise recommended for state-employed firefighters.
