The Florida First Responder and Florida Public Safety Act aims to enhance public safety through the establishment of a Counterterrorism/Counterintelligence Unit within the Department of Law Enforcement and the creation of a unified 911 system for all county-level first responder agencies by July 1, 2029. The bill prohibits employment discrimination against first responders, allowing for civil actions and remedies for affected individuals. It also mandates the integration of 911 operations under the sheriff's office, the formation of an executive board in each county to oversee operations, and the dispatching of the closest unit to emergencies regardless of jurisdiction. Additionally, the bill introduces the Florida Medal of Valor and the Florida Blue/Red Heart Medal to honor first responders and requires a study on hurricane-hardened public safety operations centers.

Furthermore, the bill proposes the consolidation of various law enforcement agencies into a new Florida Department of Public Safety to improve crime-fighting capabilities and operational efficiency. This department will be administered by a director appointed by the Governor and will include divisions for administration, patrol, investigations, and special operations, while maintaining the duties of the Florida Highway Patrol. The Capitol Police will be dissolved and integrated into this new department. A task force will be established to prepare a report on the consolidation by July 1, 2026, with the provisions of this section repealed upon the report's submission. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1554 Filed: 365.171, 937.022, 943.131