TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis released the following statement today regarding the unanimous passage by the Florida Legislature of legislation that provides cancer coverage benefits for firefighters. The bill now heads to Gov. Ron DeSantis' desk to be signed into law.

 

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis said, "Today, Florida proved that we stand with our firefighters as they bravely stand with us every day. It is the day so many in our firefighting community have been waiting for. The day firefighters like Dwayne McKeaver from Sarasota, who has been battling cancer for years and brought this to my attention, have hoped and fought for. I’m grateful that the Florida Legislature stepped up for our firefighters and passed this legislation. Florida will soon be added to the list of 45 other states that provide cancer benefits and it was an honor to be apart of this moment today.

 

"I thank Senator Flores, Representative Willhite, Representative Ingoglia, Speaker Oliva, President Galvano and every lawmaker for their support of this necessary legislation. This is a monumental victory for firefighters in their battle against cancer."