Coral Springs firefighters poised to receive nine percent raises and new work schedules under proposed three-year contract
Coral Springs, Florida – Coral Springs firefighters are set to see significant changes to their pay, staffing, and schedules under a proposed three-year contract that the city commission is expected to consider ratifying at its upcoming meeting on Wednesday. The agreement, negotiated with the Metro-Broward Professional Firefighters Local 3080, would cover members of the Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department, providing both salary increases and operational adjustments aimed at improving work-life balance and department efficiency.
If approved, the contract would take effect Jan. 19, 2026, and remain in place through Jan. 19, 2029. Firefighters at the lower end of the pay scale are projected to receive 9% raises for the first two fiscal years, followed by an 8% increase in the final year. Those at the top of the pay range would see 6% increases for the first two years and a 5% raise the last year of the contract, according to city documents. The average pay increase across the department under the new contract is just over 7%.
“These negotiated salary actions help the city re-establish a competitive compensation package and remain in the top tier among local fire departments,” city officials wrote in a summary sheet outlining the new agreement.
Under the proposed contract, the minimum pay for a firefighter EMT would rise from $69,219 on Oct. 1, 2026, to $74,064 in October 2027, and $78,509 in October 2028. Battalion chiefs would see their salaries increase from $114,748 to $122,780, and finally $130,147 over the three-year period. Coral Springs’ fiscal year runs from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30, setting the timeline for these incremental raises.
Beyond compensation, the agreement includes changes to the city’s contribution to the firefighter pension plan, as well as staffing adjustments and work schedule modifications. Minimum staffing levels for all rescue units will be standardized to include one lieutenant and two other firefighters per station, ensuring adequate coverage for emergencies.
Starting Jan. 1, 2029, the fire department will adopt a 42-hour work week with regular rotating days off, known as a “Kelly Day”, scheduled every fourth shift. This change reflects a state law signed earlier this year by Gov. Ron DeSantis, which encourages fire departments to move away from the traditional 56-hour work week of 24 hours on and 48 hours off, toward a 42-hour schedule of 24 hours on and 72 hours off. The law was passed to help address both the physical wear and tear and the mental health challenges faced by firefighters.
City officials noted that these adjustments aim to balance operational efficiency with firefighter well-being, providing structured support while maintaining emergency readiness across the community. The combination of pay increases, pension contributions, staffing minimums, and revised schedules represents a comprehensive approach to modernizing Coral Springs’ fire department while ensuring it remains a competitive employer in the region.
If the commission ratifies the contract, Coral Springs firefighters will enter a new era of improved compensation, enhanced workplace support, and updated scheduling practices that are designed to reduce fatigue and enhance long-term health. The proposed measures reflect the city’s commitment to supporting first responders who face demanding and often high-stakes work while serving the community.
The agreement is expected to be finalized and implemented by January 2026, marking the beginning of a new three-year period focused on fair compensation, better staffing standards, and healthier work-life balance for Coral Springs’ fire department personnel.
