This bill amends Section 112.18 of the Florida Statutes, which pertains to disability provisions for firefighters, law enforcement officers, and correctional officers. It introduces new definitions, including "heart disease," which is defined as any organic, mechanical, or functional abnormality of the heart and its structures. The bill also clarifies the definitions of "correctional officer," "correctional probation officer," "fire service provider," and "medical specialist," ensuring that they align with existing statutes. Additionally, it revises the presumption of disability related to tuberculosis, heart disease, or hypertension, stating that such conditions are presumed to be accidental and suffered in the line of duty unless proven otherwise.

The bill also includes technical changes and deletes obsolete language to streamline the provisions. It specifies that if a firefighter did not undergo a preemployment physical examination, a subsequent medical examination would satisfy the requirement if it shows no evidence of the specified conditions. Furthermore, it allows for the negotiation of life and disability insurance policies that include accidental death benefits, reinforcing the presumption of duty-related health impairments. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 366 Filed: 112.18