The bill amends several sections of the Florida Statutes to enhance firefighter health and safety. It revises the legislative intent to focus on reducing firefighter accidents, occupational diseases, and fatalities, while also requiring the Division of State Fire Marshal to adopt rules aimed at improving workplace safety. Key provisions include mandates for firefighter employers to purchase gear free from chemical hazards when available, provide notifications about hazardous gear, and implement work schedules that do not exceed 42 hours per week. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of mental health best practices and establishes a framework for identifying and assisting employers with high rates of work-related injuries and suicides.

Further amendments include the requirement for the division to adopt rules related to cancer prevention and mental health best practices, as well as the establishment of workplace safety committees for smaller employers with high injury rates. The bill also outlines penalties for non-compliance with safety regulations, including administrative fines and civil penalties, which are designed to be proportional to the severity of violations. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 929 Filed: 633.506, 633.526
H 929 c1: 633.506, 633.520, 633.526
H 929 er: 633.506, 633.520, 633.526