This bill amends several sections of Florida Statutes related to emergency services. Notably, it removes the previous limitation on the number of red or red and white warning signals that certain vehicles, such as those belonging to volunteer firefighters and medical staff, may display. Additionally, it revises the criteria under which specific applicants for a license are exempt from obtaining certificates of public convenience and necessity. The new requirements include submitting a sworn affidavit to the department, which must attest to various conditions, including the applicant's operational history and volunteer status. The bill also introduces criminal penalties for those who submit fraudulent affidavits and limits the number of counties that can be granted this exemption to 15.

Furthermore, the bill prohibits licensed volunteer ambulance services from applying for or participating in grant programs intended for publicly operated fire departments or emergency medical service agencies. It also includes a requirement for volunteer ambulance services to provide a management plan as part of their application for licensure and to enter into a memorandum of understanding with local emergency medical services to ensure coordinated care. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1644 Filed: 316.072, 316.2397, 401.25
S 1644 c1: 316.2398, 395.401