Bill > S0854

This bill amends Florida law to allow small independent special fire control districts (defined as independent fire districts with fewer than 100 employees located in a county with a countywide emergency medical services authority) to participate in the state group health insurance and prescription drug programs. The bill outlines specific requirements for these districts, including submitting an application with a $500 fee, issuing a request for proposals for health insurance coverage, and agreeing to terms such as a minimum 3-year enrollment period, paying administrative fees, and providing required information to the Department of Management Services. The bill includes provisions to facilitate participation for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, allowing districts to use recent requests for proposals and requiring the Department of Management Services to conduct an actuarial analysis by June 1, 2026, if the district notifies them of intent to participate by May 5, 2026. The changes aim to provide smaller fire control districts with more flexible health insurance options while ensuring careful financial and administrative oversight, and the bill is set to take effect on May 1, 2026.

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/854