Florida First Responder Benefits
A guide to every state and federal benefit program available to Florida first responders and their families. Browse below, or answer a few questions to see which ones may apply to you.
Start the 2-minute screeningFor first responders
First Responder PTSDLaw enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics living with work-related PTSD — even without a physical injury.
§112.1815
Firefighter Cancer BenefitsFirefighters with 5+ years of service and no tobacco use in the last 5 years, diagnosed with one of 21 covered cancers.
$25,000§112.1816
Heart / Lung PresumptionFirefighters, law enforcement, correctional, and correctional probation officers with heart disease, high blood pressure, or tuberculosis.
§112.18
Workers' CompensationAny first responder hurt or made ill on the job.
Ch. 440
First Responder Disability Property Tax ExemptionA first responder with a total, permanent disability from a line-of-duty injury who owns and lives in a Florida home.
§196.102
Hometown Heroes HousingWorking first responders buying a first home in Florida. Not first-responder-only, and funding runs out fast.
up to $35,000FHFC
FRS Special Risk Disability RetirementFRS Special Risk members (state or local) who can no longer do their job because of injury or illness.
Ch. 121
Infectious Disease PresumptionFirst responders who caught hepatitis, meningococcal meningitis, or tuberculosis on the job.
§112.181
Municipal Pension DisabilityCity police officers and firefighters on a local pension plan (not FRS). Terms vary by city.
Ch. 175/185
Catastrophic-Injury Health InsuranceA first responder catastrophically injured on the job, plus their spouse and dependent children.
§112.19/.191
For survivors
Line-of-Duty Death Benefit (Law Enforcement / Corrections)The family of a law enforcement or correctional officer lost in the line of duty.
$75,000–$225,000§112.19
Line-of-Duty Death Benefit (Firefighter)The family of a firefighter lost in the line of duty.
$75,000–$225,000§112.191
Survivor Property Tax ExemptionThe surviving spouse of a first responder lost in the line of duty who owns and lives in the Florida home and hasn’t remarried.
§196.081
Dependent Tuition WaiverThe spouse and children of a first responder lost in the line of duty. Children up to age 25; a spouse must start within 5 years.
§112.19/.191
Survivor Health InsuranceThe spouse and children of a first responder lost in the line of duty.
§112.19/.191
Federal
Common questions
How much is the Florida line-of-duty death benefit?
$75,000 if the loss was accidental on duty, up to $150,000 for an emergency response, or $225,000 if the officer's life was taken unlawfully and intentionally. Governed by Florida Statutes §112.19 (law enforcement / corrections) and §112.191 (firefighters).
Do Florida first responders get workers’ comp for PTSD?
Yes. Under Florida Statute §112.1815, law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics can receive workers’ compensation for PTSD without a physical injury, when the PTSD stems from one of the defined qualifying traumatic events.
What cancer benefits are available to Florida firefighters?
Florida Statute §112.1816 provides full treatment coverage for one of 21 covered cancers plus a $25,000 one-time payout at initial diagnosis. It requires 5+ continuous years of service and no tobacco use in the prior 5 years.
Can a surviving spouse get a property tax exemption in Florida?
Yes. Florida Statute §196.081 provides a full homestead property tax exemption for the unremarried surviving spouse of a first responder who died in the line of duty, as long as they hold title and permanently reside there.
What housing help is available to Florida first responders?
The Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program offers down-payment and closing-cost assistance as a 0%-interest deferred second mortgage. It is not first-responder-exclusive and funding is first-come, first-served.
Is this a government website or legal advice?
No. This is a free nonprofit tool, a program of Mission 360. It is not a government agency and does not provide legal advice — it helps you find the benefits you may be eligible for and points you to the right people to claim them.
Not sure where to start? Answer a few questions and we’ll show you what may apply.
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