Marion County Approves $60 Million Firefighters' Contract, Strengthening Public Safety and Workforce Recruitment

Marion County firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs will soon receive some of the most competitive pay and benefits in Florida following approval of a new collective bargaining agreement by the Marion County Board of County Commissioners during its regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday.

Representing an investment of approximately $60 million over the life of the contract, county leaders say the agreement is one of the most significant commitments to public safety personnel in Marion County's history. The contract is designed to strengthen recruitment, retention, employee wellness, and the long-term sustainability of emergency services throughout the community.

The agreement, reached between Marion County and the Professional Firefighters of Marion County, IAFF Local 3169, provides substantial enhancements to compensation, benefits, and quality-of-life initiatives for the first responders who serve Marion County residents and visitors.

The contract establishes highly competitive starting salaries, including:

• Dual-certified firefighter/paramedic: $75,022
• Dual-certified firefighter/EMT: $65,067
• Single-certified paramedic: $72,239
• Single-certified EMT: $61,815

Additional highlights of the agreement include:

• Annual 3% cost-of-living adjustments
• 5% longevity increases every 5 years of service
• 80 hours of paid holiday leave annually
• Holiday hours worked compensated at 1.5 times the employee's hourly rate
• $2-per-hour transport stipend for dual-certified firefighter/paramedics
• $0.75-per-hour transport stipend for dual-certified firefighter/EMTs
• Transition to a 24-hours-on, 72-hours-off work schedule by October 2029

County officials said the agreement is intended not only to support first responders, but also to ensure Marion County remains competitive in attracting and retaining highly qualified emergency personnel in an increasingly competitive labor market.

One of the agreement's most significant provisions is the transition to a 24/72 work schedule. By 2029, firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs within the union will work a 24-hour shift followed by 72 hours off duty. The schedule provides additional recovery time between shifts, supporting physical health, mental wellness, family engagement, and overall job performance. Fire service agencies across the country have increasingly adopted the model to reduce fatigue, improve employee retention, and enhance operational readiness.

"Our firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs show up every day ready to serve and protect our community, and this agreement reflects our commitment to them," said County Commission Chairman Carl Zalak III. "By investing in better pay, benefits, and work-life balance, we're supporting the people who keep Marion County safe and helping ensure we continue to attract and retain the best first responders for years to come."

The agreement is the result of years of planning and collaboration among county administration, the Board of County Commissioners, Marion County Fire Rescue leadership, and IAFF Local 3169. Many of the contract provisions align with recommendations identified through Marion County Fire Rescue's Blue Sky Project, a comprehensive initiative focused on improving recruitment, retention, employee wellness, and organizational sustainability.

"This contract changes the trajectory of Marion County Fire Rescue," said Fire Chief James Banta. "It is an investment in the people who answer the call every day and a commitment to building a stronger, healthier, and more resilient workforce. The support shown by our county commission and county administration demonstrates their recognition of the critical role our firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs play in safeguarding this community."

The agreement was ratified by IAFF Local 3169 and approved by the Marion County Board of County Commissioners. Implementation of the contract provisions will begin according to the timelines established within the agreement.

County leaders said the agreement positions Marion County Fire Rescue to remain a destination agency for top public safety professionals while continuing to provide the high-quality emergency response services residents depend on every day.