The Marion County Board of County Commissioners has approved a landmark collective bargaining agreement with IAFF Local 3169, representing an investment of approximately $60 million over the life of the contract. This historic deal positions Marion County Fire Rescue as one of the most competitive fire departments in Central Florida.

Major Pay Increases for First Responders

The new contract establishes some of the highest entry-level public safety salaries in the region. Starting pay for dual-certified firefighter/paramedics will now be $75,022, while dual-certified firefighter/EMTs will start at $65,067. Single-certified paramedics will begin at $72,239 and EMTs at $61,815.

These increases place Marion County Fire Rescue squarely in the competitive band with the largest metro fire departments in Florida and well above the 2026 state median household income.

Enhanced Benefits and Quality of Life

Beyond competitive starting salaries, the agreement includes significant quality-of-life improvements:

• 3% annual 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 hourly rate

• Transport stipends for dual-certified personnel

• Transition to a 24-on, 72-off work schedule by October 2029

Why the 24/72 Schedule Matters

One of the most significant provisions is the transition to a 24/72 work schedule, which provides firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs with additional recovery time between shifts. This schedule supports physical health, mental wellness, family engagement, and overall job performance.

The 24/72 model is increasingly adopted by fire service agencies nationwide to reduce fatigue, improve employee retention, and enhance operational readiness. It matches the shift structure used by several of the largest fire departments in Florida.

Supporting Public Safety and Recruitment

County officials emphasized that the agreement is designed to strengthen recruitment, retention, employee wellness, and the long-term sustainability of emergency services throughout Marion County's 1,663 square miles.

"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."

Fire Chief James Banta added, "This contract changes the trajectory of Marion County Fire Rescue. 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."

What It Means for Residents

For a community where public safety is a regular topic of conversation, this deal arrives at a meaningful moment. Marion County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Florida, and call volumes for MCFR have risen accordingly.

Better-paid, better-rested, longer-tenured firefighter-paramedics are the practical face of this investment for the families, businesses, and communities these crews serve and protect every day.

Source: Only In Ocala and Marion County Government

Published: June 3, 2026

Category: Government, Public Safety

Tags: Marion County, Fire Rescue, First Responders, Public Safety, Community Investment