Bill > S0984

This bill amends existing Florida law to revise the conditions under which former employers must provide benefits to firefighters diagnosed with cancer. Specifically, it clarifies that a former employer must continue to provide health insurance coverage for a firefighter for 10 years after they leave their job, provided the firefighter met the initial eligibility criteria and did not work as a firefighter again. The bill also extends the timeframe for a former employer to provide a one-time $25,000 cancer diagnosis payout to 10 years after employment termination, under the same conditions. Additionally, it mandates that former employers provide death benefits for a period of 1 year after a firefighter's termination if the death is related to cancer or its treatment, again contingent on the firefighter meeting the initial criteria and not subsequently working as a firefighter. Importantly, the bill removes the requirement for the Division of State Fire Marshal to create rules for employer cancer prevention best practices, and it includes a legislative declaration that the act serves an important state interest, with an effective date of July 1, 2026.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

Appropriations (Senate), Governmental Oversight and Accountability (Senate)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/984