After addressing the 81st annual Florida Professional Firefighters (FPF) Convention in Palm Beach Gardens, Governor Ron DeSantis signed H.B. 929 – bipartisan legislation to improve fire fighter mental health, remove PFAS from protective gear, and more – into law. It is the most significant advancement of fire fighter health and safety policy in the state in generations.
“This comprehensive legislation modernizes our state’s fire fighter OSHA statute by improving suicide data collection, establishing best practices for mental health, requiring safer turnout gear in excess of NFPA standards, and guiding departments toward more sustainable work schedules,” said FPF President Wayne ‘Bernie’ Bernoska.
DeSantis thanked Florida’s professional fire fighters for their work protecting their communities, acknowledging the sacrifices they make each day to carry out their mission.
“Fire fighters put their lives on the line to save others,” he said at the signing ceremony. “Their heroic work takes a physical and mental toll. H.B. 929 recognizes the risks and strengthens Florida’s commitment to the well-being of our fire fighters, and I was proud to sign it alongside some of state’s hometown heroes today.”
H.B. 929 was co-led by Republican Reps. Danny Alvarez Sr. and Erika Booth in the Florida House, while Senator Nick DiCeglie (R) shepherded the bill through the state’s upper chamber.
“We are proud to have championed this measure on behalf of our members and are grateful for the broad support it has received in the legislative process and for the Governor making this important law a reality for Florida’s fire fighters,” said Bernoska.
H.B. 929 passed the House of Representatives 115-0 and the Florida Senate by a vote of 37-0 – demonstrating the strong backing fire fighters have from lawmakers across the state.
We are proud to have championed this measure on behalf of our members and are grateful for the broad support it has received in the legislative process and for the Governor making this important law a reality for Florida’s fire fighters
Florida Professional Firefighters President Wayne ‘Bernie’ Bernoska
“Securing unanimous support for these critical reforms is a testament to the outstanding work President Bernoska and his members are doing in Tallahassee and across the state. H.B. 929 is one of the most comprehensive, pro-fire fighter pieces of legislation we’ve seen in some time,” said 12th District Vice President Walter Dix.
“Florida fire fighters now know the state has their back as they fight to combat occupational cancer, ongoing mental health challenges, and burnout in the fire service.”
General President Edward Kelly praised the FPF for their work on behalf of the thousands of IAFF members in Florida.
“The Florida Professional Fire Fighter’s work on H.B. 929 shows what can be accomplished when fire fighters work with their elected officials to enact real, common-sense reforms,” he said.
“We know that when fire fighters are safer, the communities we took an oath to protect are safer, too,” Kelly added. “This new legislation will make a difference in the lives of every Floridian and the fire fighters they count on.”
We know that when fire fighters are safer, the communities we took an oath to protect are safer, too. This new legislation will make a difference in the lives of every Floridian and the fire fighters they count on.
IAFF General President Edward Kelly
With the Governor’s signature, the new law is set to go into effect on July 1.
