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 civil actions for denied promotions, and mandates the integration of 911 operations under the sheriff's jurisdiction. It also introduces provisions for dispatching the closest emergency unit regardless of jurisdiction, revises reporting requirements for missing persons, and creates the Florida Medal of Valor and the Florida Blue/Red Heart Medal. Additionally, it establishes training requirements for law enforcement officers and allows first responder amputees to continue serving under certain conditions.

Furthermore, the bill proposes the consolidation of various law enforcement agencies into a new Florida Department of Public Safety, which aims to improve crime-fighting capabilities and government efficiency. A task force will be formed to oversee the administration of the new department and will include members appointed by key legislative and executive leaders. The bill specifies the appointment of a director for the department by the Governor and outlines the integration of the Capitol Police into the new structure while maintaining the duties of the Florida Highway Patrol. The task force will prepare a report by July 1, 2026, and the section establishing the task force will be repealed upon submission of this report. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

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