TAMPA, Fla. – Today, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis and Gov. Rick Scott honored first responders in Tampa as the governor signed Senate Bill 376 surrounded by hundreds of first responders and their families. The bill allows first responders suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to access mental health benefits through Florida’s workers’ compensation system.

 

Governor Rick Scott said, “I’m proud to sign SB 376 today to help our first responders receive the help that they deserve. Florida is home to the best first responders in the nation and we will continue to provide them support. I want to thank Jimmy and the Florida Legislature for their work on this important bill.”

 

CFO Patronis said, “From day one, this has been a life or death issue. Our first responders are attempting suicide at a rate that is exponentially higher than the general population. We know that with the right treatment our first responders who suffer from PTSD can get the help they need. Before this bill, Florida’s workers’ compensation system failed too many of our brave heroes. Signing this bill into law tells every first responder that Florida has your back. That it’s okay to get help and treatment. That you are not alone. Thank you to Gov. Rick Scott for his continued support of our first responders.”