Marion County, union agree to propose major schedule changes for firefighters, paramedics
Editor’s note: the date that HB 929 was signed by the Governor has been corrected in this article
Marion County Fire Rescue and the firefighters’ union came to a significant breakthrough during their Nov. 17 collective-bargaining session, agreeing in principle to reshape firefighter and paramedic work schedules for the first time in decades.
The proposal—described by both sides as a “major step” toward a healthier, more sustainable workforce—would shift firefighters and paramedics off the traditional 24-hours-on/48-hours-off rotation that averages 56 hours a week and move toward schedules more aligned with national standards and newly signed state law.
Under the deal:
- Firefighters would move to a 24/48 schedule with a three-week Kelly Day, reducing their average workweek from 56 to 48 hours, for the same pay they currently receive under the longer-hour system.
- Paramedics would move to a 24/72 schedule—24 hours on duty followed by 72 hours off—also for the same pay they currently receive under the longer-hour system.
A Kelly Day—first established in Chicago in 1936 under Mayor Edward J. Kelly—provides one day off every three weeks and is designed to help reduce firefighter fatigue.
HB 929 places a little pressure to move the needle
Negotiations opened with heightened urgency after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 929 on June 5, 2025. The bill calls for firefighter gear free of harmful chemicals, enhanced mental-health monitoring and suicide-risk tracking, and—critically—encourages limiting standard shifts to 42 hours per week to reduce burnout.
According to flgov.com, DeSantis said firefighters “put their lives on the line to save others,” adding that the bill aims to support the health and safety of first responders.
However, the state provided no funding for the measure, leaving the counties to figure it out and generating a competitive market for people to switch to departments that could offer more.
Union leaders cited HB 929 throughout the discussion, noting that the law gives clear direction to modernize schedules and reduce work hours that contribute to chronic fatigue.
As previously reported, chronic fatigue is influenced by the body’s circadian rhythm, which is disrupted after a 24-hour shift and inadequate nighttime sleep. Research indicates it takes at least 48 hours to recover. The Cleveland Clinic explains that the circadian rhythm is tied to the brain’s internal clock and “coordinates the physical and mental systems throughout your body. For instance, your endocrine system controls hormones like cortisol for energy expenditure, and your digestive system creates proteins to match the timing of your meals.”
Hiring required to make the schedule possible
Implementing the new schedule will require the county to dramatically expand its ranks. MCFR Fire Chief James Banta told county negotiators he will need to hire 114 new personnel at the cost of $12 million by Oct. 1, 2027 to support the 48-hour and 42-hour weekly averages.
Banta said he plans to begin recruiting “immediately,” even as other contract elements remain unsettled.
“We can’t wait,” he said during the meeting. “If this is the direction we’re going, we have to start now.”
The shift also requires union agreement to allow the department to hire qualified candidates from outside the agency into higher-ranked positions when necessary to meet staffing demands. Historically, fire departments promote from within.
Union: Healthier schedules mean safer service
In written responses to questions from the “Gazette,” union representatives said the agreement “moved the needle for the future of MCFR in a big way” but emphasized that major work remains.
Their top priorities are:
- Schedule reform
- Retention
- Consistency across the workforce
“Our goal is to secure a healthier work schedule for our first responders, enabling them to be well rested and ready for the heavy load of caring for people on their worst days,” Union Vice President Joe Romani said. “We want to follow the suggestion of HB 929, but more importantly, we wish to have the best first responders for when our citizens dial 911.”
More negotiations ahead
The current three-year contract expires in June 2026, but Assistant County Administrator Amanda Tart told the group she hopes the remaining issues can be resolved far earlier.
With both sides trading proposals, Tart called it a “lofty goal” to finalize the contract by Jan. 1, 2026, but said that remains her target.
The next negotiation session is scheduled for Dec. 8, where wages, staffing and other operational issues are expected to be discussed.
Once the negotiations are completed, the contract will have to be approved by union members.
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