TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis issued the following statement on an Amicus Curiae Brief submitted by the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) in support of an appeal by a St. Johns’ County firefighter seeking heart disease disability benefits under Florida Statute 112.18(1). DFS submitted the brief to Florida’s First District Court of Appeal on October 4, 2024. To read the full Amicus Curiae Brief, click HERE.

CFO & State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis said, “As Florida’s State Fire Marshal, I have prioritized supporting our first responders and ensuring they are protected as they work to keep our communities safe. I’m proud to support St. John's County Firefighter Joseph Durden in his battle to get the benefits he deserves. These heroes rush towards danger at a moment's notice, and when disaster strikes, they are the first ones on the ground to support us. We owe it to our firefighters and first responders to support them in their greatest time of need."

CFO Patronis worked with the Florida Legislature in 2018 to provide PTSD benefits for first responders and again in 2019 to pass vital measures to support firefighters in their battle against cancer.

The appeal seeks reversal of an order of the Office of the Judge of Compensation Claims, which determined that atrial fibrillation (AFib) does not constitute heart disease under the 1965 statute, despite the fact that both the firefighter’s and employer’s expert cardiologists agreed that the firefighter has heart disease and that AFib was recognized as heart disease in 1965. 

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About CFO Jimmy Patronis  
Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is a statewide elected official and a member of Florida’s Cabinet who oversees the Department of Financial Services. CFO Patronis works each day to fight insurance fraud, support Florida’s firefighters, and ensure the state’s finances are stable to support economic growth in the state. Follow the activities of the Department on Facebook (FLDFS) and X (@FLDFS).