Preparing for Florida’s Upcoming 2025 Legislative Session
Understanding the Challenges
Florida’s 911 public safety telecommunicators face unique challenges as we work to gain recognition as first responders. Our profession involves high-stakes decision-making, intense emotional stress, and exposure to trauma that mirrors what field responders experience. Yet, we are excluded from critical benefits such as early retirement, PTSD support, and Special Risk Classification.
The hurdles we face include:
Awareness Gap: Many legislators and the public remain unaware of the life-saving role 911 telecommunicators play in public safety along with the mental and physical toll it takes on them.
Budgetary Concerns: Reclassification could have fiscal implications, making it vital to present a compelling case backed by data. Last year the Governor’s office requested an actuarial study which can be found here.
Legislative Process Complexity: Navigating the legislative process and ensuring our bill progresses requires meticulous planning and persistent advocacy.
How does the State of Florida currently define First Responder?
112.1815 Firefighters, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and law enforcement officers; special provisions for employment-related accidents and injuries.— To read the full statute, click here
(1) The term “first responder” as used in this section means a law enforcement officer as defined in s. 943.10, a firefighter as defined in s. 633.102, or an emergency medical technician or paramedic as defined in s. 401.23 employed by state or local government. A volunteer law enforcement officer, firefighter, or emergency medical technician or paramedic engaged by the state or a local government is also considered a first responder of the state or local government for purposes of this section.
Potential Draft for a new First Responder Definition:
(e) “First responder” means any of the following individuals, whether employed full-time, part-time, or serving as an unpaid volunteer, who, in the course of their professional or voluntary duties, acts as the primary responder or is the first point of contact in response to a citizen's call to 911, text to 911, or real time emergency application notification:
(1) “Law enforcement officer” as defined in s. 943.10;
(2) "Federal law enforcement officer as defined in s. 901.1505(1);
(3) “Correctional officer” as defined in s. 943.10;
(4) “Firefighter” as defined in s. 633.102;
(5) “Paramedic" or "emergency medical technician” as defined in s. 401.23;
(6) “911 public safety telecommunicator” as defined in s. 401.465 (1).
Why First Responder recognition matters to a 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator:
Under Florida Statute 112.1815, First Responders receive vital benefits such as retirement enhancements and mental health support, including coverage for PTSD. Despite telecommunicators meeting the criteria, we are excluded from these benefits because 911 Public Safety Telecommunicators are not considered by the state’s definition as “First Responders.” For years, 911 PST’s have been diagnosed with PTSD from simply hearing traumatic events on the phone and/or the radio. With the advances in technology that are actively in our PSAPs, PST’s are now witnessing real-time events and/or the direct aftermath immediately following a traumatic event.
This statute, which includes PTSD benefits for First Responders (FSS 112.1815) defines “directly witnessing” as seeing or hearing for oneself or in other words defines “directly witnessing” trauma as seeing or hearing events firsthand. PSTs fulfill this requirement daily by hearing victims, observing live video feeds, and witnessing events through advanced PSAP technology. Modern PSAPs include real-time emergency feeds, video calls, and surveillance data. These innovations increase the mental toll on telecommunicators as they witness traumatic events similar to field responders but without comparable recognition or benefits. The law’s own language regarding trauma and witnessing applies to 911 PSTs. The exclusion of PSTs from PTSD and other first responder benefits creates an inequitable and unjust distinction.
The First Responder statute (FSS 112.1815) states that in cases involving “occupational disease,” both causation and sufficient exposure to a specific harmful substance shown to be present in the workplace to support causation shall be proven by a preponderance of the evidence. It goes on to define “occupational disease” as meaning “only a disease that arises out of employment as a first responder and is due to causes and conditions that are characteristic of and peculiar to a particular trade, occupation, process, or employment and excludes all ordinary diseases of life to which the general public is exposed, unless the incidence of the disease is substantially higher in the particular trade, occupation, process, or employment than for the general public.” It goes on to say that PTSD is a compensable occupational disease as long as:
It resulted from the first responder acting within the course of his or her employment
The first responder is examined and subsequently diagnosed with such a disorder by a licensed psychiatrist
And is due to a specific list of events.
Events that could cause PTSD according to the statute and could also be applicable to 911 Public Safety Telecommunications are:
a. Seeing for oneself a deceased minor;
b. Directly witnessing the death of a minor;
c. Directly witnessing an injury to a minor who subsequently died before or upon arrival at a hospital emergency department;
f. Seeing for oneself a decedent whose death involved grievous bodily harm of a nature that shocks the conscience;
g. Directly witnessing a death, including suicide, that involved grievous bodily harm of a nature that shocks the conscience;
h. Directly witnessing a homicide regardless of whether the homicide was criminal or excusable, including murder, mass killing as defined in 28 U.S.C. s. 530C, manslaughter, self-defense, misadventure, and negligence;
i. Directly witnessing an injury, including an attempted suicide, to a person who subsequently died before or upon arrival at a hospital emergency department if the person was injured by grievous bodily harm of a nature that shocks the conscience;
Regular Class telecommunicators can retire after 30-33 years of service, which often means working into their 60s. Field first responders retire earlier due to the recognition of the physical and mental toll their roles take. However, PSTs face equivalent, if not greater, emotional trauma without similar retirement options. The actuarial study demonstrates the viability of offering earlier retirement to PSTs while ensuring the sustainability of the Florida Retirement System. The nature of the work requires early retirement options to allow PSTs to leave their roles with dignity and health intact, just as other first responders are allowed. The cost of not providing mental health support for PSTs is reflected in increased sick leave, reduced productivity, higher turnover rates, and recruitment challenges. These hidden costs far exceed the fiscal impact of reclassification. Reclassification would reduce long-term costs associated with turnover and mental health crises by addressing the root cause: lack of adequate support and recognition.
The actuarial study provides a clear financial framework, showing that reclassification is feasible within the existing retirement system. The additional costs are manageable and justified given the role’s critical nature. It demonstrates that reclassification is a financially responsible decision, especially considering the long-term benefits of improved retention and mental health support.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, as of October 2024, 25 states have enacted legislation or adopted resolutions to classify public safety telecommunicators as first responders or other public safety occupations. This shift reflects a growing recognition of their essential role in public safety. Florida's reclassification would align with these national trends, ensuring the state remains at the forefront of public safety standards. Public safety telecommunicators are repeatedly exposed to traumatic events, leading to significant mental health challenges, including a higher risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). States like Nevada, Idaho, and Oregon have expanded mental health benefits for telecommunicators by reclassifying them as first responders, thereby granting them access to workers' compensation for PTSD. Implementing similar measures in Florida would provide telecommunicators with necessary mental health support, acknowledging the psychological toll of their work.
At the federal level, there have been initiatives to reclassify 911 telecommunicators under the "Protective Service Occupation" category. Although the 911 SAVES Act has not yet passed, the National 911 Program has published toolkits to help state and local Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) address changes required for reclassification. By reclassifying telecommunicators as first responders, Florida would align with these federal efforts, ensuring consistency in the recognition and support of 911 professionals nationwide.
What does the Florida State Statute currently say about 911 Public Safety Telecommunicators?
401.465 911 public safety telecommunicator certification.— To read the full statute, click here
(a) “911 public safety telecommunicator” means a public safety dispatcher or 911 operator whose duties and responsibilities include the answering, receiving, transferring, and dispatching functions related to 911 calls; dispatching law enforcement officers, fire rescue services, emergency medical services, and other public safety services to the scene of an emergency; providing real-time information from federal, state, and local crime databases; or supervising or serving as the command officer to a person or persons having such duties and responsibilities. However, the term does not include administrative support personnel, including, but not limited to, those whose primary duties and responsibilities are in accounting, purchasing, legal, and personnel.
But wait, the state of Florida does refer to a 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator as a “First Responder!”
Technically, yes, the State has already taken one step forward and included 911 PST’s in the meaning of First Responder under a statute that defines and outlines Peer Support for First Responders that can be read in full here.
111.09 Peer support for first responders.—
(b) “First responder” has the same meaning as provided in s. 112.1815 and includes 911 public safety telecommunicators as defined in s. 401.465, correctional officers as defined in s. 943.10(2), and correctional probation officers as defined in s. 943.10(3).
This designation is a huge win and a great step in the right direction but it can’t stop there. It should be used as part of our argument to push for reclassification. According to the State of Florida, we are First Responders when it comes to Peer Support but not in the broader definition of “First Responder.”
This same statute, defines First Responder Peer Support as this:
(d) “Peer support” means the provision of physical, moral, or emotional support to a first responder by a first responder peer for the purpose of addressing physical or emotional conditions or other issues associated with being a first responder.
This inconsistency highlights a lack of recognition where it matters most: essential benefits such as PTSD coverage. Under the statute for Peer support for first responders, 911 PSTs are considered first responders and are capable of providing support to other first responders. If PSTs qualify for First Responder peer support roles, then they must also qualify for the broader legal definition of First Responder to ensure equitable access to benefits.
Additionally we have outlined some optional legislative routes as we prepare to communicate with our legislators:
Potential Legislative Routes:
Best Case Scenario:
Reclassification as a First Responder
Special Risk Classification
PTSD Support/Access to First Responder mental health benefits
Option for retirement at 25 years
Second Option
Reclassification as a First Responder
PTSD Support/Access to First Responder mental health benefits
Option for retirement at 25 years
Third Option
Reclassification/Recognition as a First Responder
PTSD Support/Access to First Responder mental health benefits
Fourth Option
Reclassification/Recognition as a First Responder
Is there a Bill currently out there for us?
Is there a Bill currently out there for us?
Not yet. Currently, the Legislative committees from the Florida chapters of NENA, APCO, and the 911 Coordinators are working on this with their lobbyist.
Last year’s Bills:
HB 993
SB 1490
Other Bills that affected 9-1-1 last year:
HB 951 - Behavioral Health
SB 1306 - Behavioral Health
SB 448 - Misuse of Emergency Communications Systems
HB 775 - Surrendered Infants
SB 790 - Surrendered Infants
HB75 - Impeding, Threatening, or Harassing First Responders
SB 184 - Impeding, Threatening, or Harassing First Responders
HB 1413 - 911 Public Safety Telecommunicators
SB 1508 - 911 Public Safety Telecommunicators
Co-sponsors from the past:
McFarland - Rep - Sarasota
Bankson - Rep - Orange/Seminole
Fabricio - Rep - Miami-Dade
Rudman - Rep - Okaloosa/Santa Rosa
Casello - Dem - Palm Beach
Waldron - Dem - Palm Beach
Key Insights from the Actuarial Study
Retirement Benefits Comparison
Currently, Regular Class members under Tier I can retire with full benefits at any age with at least 30 years of service or must work until age 62 with at least 6 years of service. Under Tier II, Regular Class members can retire at any age with at least 33 years of service or reach 65 years of age with at least 8 years of service to receive full benefits. Under the proposed Special Risk Telecommunicator Subclass, telecommunicators could retire as early as age 55 with just six years of service or after 25 years of service at any age.Financial Implications
The proposed changes would add $43.8 million to both the FRS Pension Plan Actuarial Liability and Unfunded Actuarial Liability for the new Special Risk Telecommunicator subclass. The increased costs are largely driven by shorter projected working careers and enhanced retirement eligibility.Membership Impact
Approximately 3,594 telecommunicators statewide could benefit from this proposal.
Key People to Engage
To make our voices heard, it’s important to know who to approach and how to engage them effectively. Here’s a roadmap for building strategic relationships:
Your Local Legislators
Identify your state representatives and senators by visiting the Florida Senate and Florida House of Representatives. These individuals are crucial advocates for your district's concerns.Committee Members - last year’s bills were sent to the committees below. Check out the webpage for each committee and check out the members for each committee:
Legislators on these committees will likely review any bill concerning our reclassification. Familiarize yourself with their names and districts.
Legislative Champions
This year, Rep. Edmonds, Rep. Casello, and Rep. Caruso from Palm Beach County have all voiced support for our cause. Building relationships with legislators who have shown interest in public safety issues, can help us find sponsors for our bill. Other Legislators who have sponsored bills in support of our cause in the past are:McFarland - Rep - Sarasota
Bankson - Rep - Orange/Seminole
Fabricio - Rep - Miami-Dade
Rudman - Rep - Okaloosa/Santa Rosa
Casello - Dem - Palm Beach
Waldron - Dem - Palm Beach
Agency Heads and Local Officials
Leaders such as county commissioners and sheriffs can advocate for us at the state level and influence local legislative priorities.
Professional Associations
Organizations like Florida NENA, APCO Florida, and the 911 Coordinators Association are actively working on legislation for us.
The Legislative Process
Understanding the legislative process empowers us to advocate effectively. Here’s a simplified breakdown:
Bill Drafting
A bill begins as an idea, drafted by a legislator with input from stakeholders. Collaborate with a legislator to ensure the language reflects our priorities, such as PTSD support and retirement benefits.Filing the Bill
Once drafted, the bill is filed and assigned a number (e.g., HB ### or SB ###). It is then referred to committees for review.Committee Hearings
Committees analyze the bill, hear testimony, and may amend it. Testimonies from telecommunicators sharing their stories can make a powerful impact.Floor Debate
If the bill passes through committees, it moves to the House and Senate floors for debate and voting.Approval and Enactment
If both chambers approve the bill, it goes to the governor for signature. Upon signing, it becomes law.
Action Plan: How You Can Help
Educate Legislators
Schedule meetings with your representatives and senators to educate them on the vital role 911 telecommunicators play. Share personal stories, statistics, and examples of how our work saves lives.
Engage the Community
Build grassroots support by informing your community about our efforts. Encourage them to contact their legislators and advocate on our behalf.Participate in Legislative Days
Join events like Public Safety Day at the Capitol, Palm Beach County Day, and 9-1-1 Goes to Washington, where we can meet with legislators, distribute materials, and network with other public safety professionals.Follow the Bill’s Progress
Track the status of our bill through online platforms like flsenate.gov and myfloridahouse.gov. Stay informed so you can provide timely support.Amplify Our Voice
Use social media to share updates, thank supportive legislators, and spread awareness about our mission.
