This bill amends Florida Statutes to enhance disability provisions for firefighters, law enforcement officers, and correctional officers. It introduces definitions for terms such as "employing agency" and "heart disease," and clarifies that a previously conducted physical examination can satisfy the requirement for a presumption of disability related to tuberculosis, heart disease, or hypertension. The bill also removes obsolete language and makes technical changes to existing statutes. Specifically, it allows law enforcement and correctional officers to use a physical examination from a former employer to claim a presumption of disability if they did not undergo a preemployment physical examination with their current agency.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that if a current officer did not have a preemployment physical examination but had one with a former employer, that examination can be used to meet the requirements for claiming disability. It also outlines conditions under which a presumption of not incurring disease in the line of duty applies, particularly if there is a material departure from prescribed treatment. The bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining physical examination records for at least five years after an employee's separation from the agency. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 330 Filed: 112.18, 943.13