PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation Thursday that aims to better protect the health and safety of firefighters in the state.

House Bill 929 updates the Florida Firefighters Occupational Safety and Health Act by expanding its scope to include occupational diseases and suicide prevention. The bill directs the Department of Financial Services' Division of the State Fire Marshal to adopt standards to limit health risks, including mental health impacts and exposure to toxic substances.

The new law goes into effect July 1 and: • Limits standard firefighter shifts to 42 hours per week to try to reduce burnout • Requires departments to buy gear free of hazardous chemicals after it becomes available on the commercial market • Requires the Division of the

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