Florida updates firefighter health law to include cancer, suicide, and toxic gear rules
Iain Hoey
Share this content
New law enhances firefighter health and safety in Florida
Florida has introduced new legal protections for firefighters through House Bill 929, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis at the 81st Florida Professional Firefighters Convention.
According to the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), the legislation updates the state’s Occupational Safety and Health Act to address cancer risks, mental health, and gear contamination.
The bill requires departments to phase in gear free from hazardous chemicals, disclose the contents of existing gear, and establish mental health monitoring and suicide prevention measures.
Firefighter shifts will be capped at 42 hours per week.
The law will come into force on 1 July 2025.
Legislative background and bipartisan passage
The IAFF reported that H.B. 929 received unanimous support in both chambers of Florida’s legislature.
It was led in the House by Representatives Danny Alvarez Sr. and Erika Booth, and guided through the Senate by Nick DiCeglie.
The IAFF noted that the law updates fire safety standards for the first time in a generation.
Florida Professional Firefighters (FPF) President Wayne ‘Bernie’ Bernoska said: “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.”
Bernoska added: “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.”
IAFF 12th District Vice President Walter Dix said: “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.”
Dix added: “H.B. 929 is one of the most comprehensive, pro-fire fighter pieces of legislation we’ve seen in some time.
“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.”
Governor’s support and previous firefighter legislation
Governor DeSantis signed the bill during a speech at the Florida Professional Firefighters Convention in Palm Beach Gardens.
DeSantis said: “Firefighters put their lives on the line to save others. 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.”
The IAFF highlighted that the Governor has introduced other measures to support firefighters, including cancer benefits legislation in 2019, a recent pay increase proposal, and funding after Hurricane Ian.
Last month, DeSantis also signed legislation expanding training-related injury compensation for first responders.
Impact and response from IAFF leadership
IAFF General President Edward Kelly praised the FPF’s role in pushing forward the law.
Kelly said: “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.”
Kelly added: “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.”
The IAFF stated that the new requirements would improve safety by removing PFAS from firefighter gear, improving mental health oversight, and limiting exposure to long working hours.
Key provisions of House Bill 929
The IAFF confirmed that the law will implement four main changes.
Departments must phase in new protective gear free from hazardous chemicals once it becomes commercially available.
Firefighters must be informed if their current gear contains toxic substances.
The Division of the State Fire Marshal must monitor suicide risk and introduce prevention protocols.
Weekly firefighter shifts will be restricted to 42 hours to reduce burnout.
The Division is also tasked with developing official rules to reduce mental and physical health risks associated with firefighting.
Florida updates firefighter health law to include cancer, suicide, and toxic gear rules: Summary
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 929 into law at the Florida Professional Firefighters Convention.
The IAFF reported that the law addresses firefighter health by updating Florida’s occupational safety laws.
The bill covers cancer risk, mental health, toxic exposure, and shift schedules.
It requires departments to replace gear with PFAS-free alternatives.
Firefighters must be informed of any toxic substances in current gear.
Mental health will be monitored by the Division of the State Fire Marshal.
The law limits weekly working hours for firefighters to 42 hours.
The bill was supported unanimously in both chambers of the Florida legislature.
It was co-sponsored by Representatives Alvarez Sr. and Booth, and Senator DiCeglie.
The IAFF, FPF, and Florida officials all endorsed the law.
Governor DeSantis has previously signed related firefighter support laws.
FPF President Bernoska and IAFF President Kelly welcomed the law’s passage.
The law takes effect on 1 July 2025.