Coral Springs businesses could face fire fee increases of more than 20 percent while homeowners see a 7 percent rise to help pay for new firefighter paramedics
Coral Springs, Florida – Businesses and homeowners in Coral Springs could soon be paying more for fire-rescue services, as city leaders weigh a proposed budget that includes notable fee increases to fund staffing, equipment, and improvements in emergency response.
Under the preliminary plan, commercial property owners would see a more than 20 percent jump in fire assessment fees, while residential property owners would face a rise of just over 7 percent. City officials say the added revenue would support the hiring of 12 new firefighter paramedics — the largest staff expansion in any Coral Springs department next year.
The proposal reflects an 8.4 percent overall increase in the Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department’s budget, or roughly $2.7 million in additional spending. About $1.5 million of that total would go directly toward salaries, benefits, and the necessary equipment for the new hires.
Expanding Coverage and Upgrading Emergency Response
City spokesperson Sayona Khandwalla said the staffing boost will significantly change how rescue calls are handled in Coral Springs.
“First, we’re adding a third firefighter/paramedic to every rescue truck,” Khandwalla explained. “This upgrade allows rescue units to handle most medical emergencies independently, freeing up engines in the same zone to stay available for fires, accidents, and other critical calls.”
By expanding rescue teams from two to three firefighter paramedics per truck, officials say the city will nearly double its emergency coverage across each fire zone, reducing response times and ensuring engines are not pulled away from other urgent needs.
The new positions also align with broader efforts to improve firefighter wellness and safety. The city is preparing to transition its fire crews to the state-recommended 42-hour workweek. That shift will replace the current 24-hours-on, 48-hours-off schedule with 24 hours on duty followed by 72 hours off. Florida lawmakers encouraged this change earlier in 2025, pointing to research that suggests longer rest periods can reduce stress and improve mental health outcomes for firefighters.
How the Fee Increases Break Down
For homeowners, the increase would raise the annual fire assessment fee from $287.18 to $308.18, a 7.3 percent rise. Businesses and industrial property owners, however, would shoulder much larger hikes.
Commercial properties would see rates climb from $35.18 per 100 square feet to $43.27, representing a 20.8 percent increase. Industrial and warehouse facilities would pay $5.85 per 100 square feet, up from $4.79 — a 22.2 percent jump.
The fire assessment currently covers about 60 percent of the fire department’s operating budget. The rest comes from the city’s general fund, which also supports other municipal services. City staff emphasized that no other department is seeking more than two new employees next year, underscoring how unusual the fire department’s request is in scale.
Public Hearings Scheduled
Coral Springs residents and business owners will have two chances this month to weigh in before city leaders cast their final vote. The first public hearing is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. on Sept. 15, followed by a second hearing at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 25. The city commission is expected to vote on the budget after the second session.
The proposed changes would take effect with the start of the new fiscal year on Oct. 1, which runs through Sept. 30, 2026.
Balancing Costs with Safety
City leaders acknowledge that any increase in fees can be difficult for residents and businesses, particularly in a year when many costs are already rising. Still, officials argue the investments are necessary to maintain effective emergency services in a growing city.
The addition of 12 firefighter paramedics marks a significant expansion of resources, one that city officials believe will help both the community and the firefighters themselves. With rescue trucks better staffed, engines more available for critical incidents, and new work schedules designed to improve wellness, the department expects measurable improvements in service delivery.
Whether the public sees the trade-off as worthwhile will become clearer during the upcoming hearings, when residents and business owners have their say before elected leaders decide how Coral Springs will fund its fire services in the year ahead.
