AFFF still used by some Florida fire departments: What firefighters need to know about the lack of state rules

This repeated exposure creates significant health concerns. PFAS chemicals found in AFFF have been tied to several cancers and diseases that appear more frequently in firefighter populations. Yet a 2018 survey of Florida firefighters revealed that most did not know whether the foam they used contained these toxic chemicals.

Researchers from the Firefighter Cancer Initiative conducted a survey at the 2018 Florida Fire Chiefs' Association Health and Safety Conference in Orlando. The study included 131 firefighters representing 67 departments across the state. The findings showed a troubling gap between AFFF use and awareness of its risks.

More than 80% of the departments in the study said they used AFFF foam when fighting fires. Nonetheless, most firefighters had only basic knowledge about the particular foam they were working with:

• Only 24.5% knew the brand of foam their department used
• Only 17.6% knew whether it was a newer formulation
• Only 4.6% knew whether it contained PFOS or PFOA, two PFAS chemicals with documented health risks

These numbers indicate that many Florida firefighters handled AFFF and absorbed PFAS chemicals without understanding the risks or having adequate protective measures in place. This lack of awareness becomes important when firefighters develop health problems years down the line.

Florida's failed attempt to ban PFAS foam in 2022

Florida lawmakers recognized the danger and attempted to address it through legislation. In 2022, the Florida Senate considered SB 1666, which would have prohibited the use of Class B firefighting foam containing intentionally added PFAS starting January 1, 2023. The bill allowed exceptions only for emergency responses and fire prevention activities.

Early committees approved SB 1666, but it died when it reached the Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee in March 2022. Because legislators didn't move it forward, the bill never became law. Without this action, PFAS-containing AFFF remained available to Florida fire departments with no statewide regulations. Firefighters kept being exposed even though the state had recognized the danger.

New legislation proposed for 2026, but exposure continues

Florida now has new proposed legislation aimed at restricting PFAS foam. SB 1058, introduced in 2026, would phase out PFAS-containing AFFF over the next few years through a series of deadlines:

• July 1, 2026: AFFF with intentionally added PFAS can no longer be used for training or testing
• July 1, 2027: The sale, purchase, or distribution of AFFF would be banned, and the remaining inventory must be disposed of under DEP rules
• July 1, 2028: Possession and use of AFFF would be banned, with limited exceptions for certain federal and military uses and emergency situations where no alternatives exist

SB 1058 remains stuck in committee as of early 2026. If the bill does pass, firefighters won't be protected right away since it takes time for the various provisions to go into effect. Many departments could continue using PFAS foam in emergency situations and maybe for training or testing until the law forces them to quit.

Why the lack of state rules matters for firefighter health

Without a statewide ban, fire departments get to decide for themselves whether to use AFFF. Some may have already moved to fluorine-free alternatives, while others are still using their old PFAS foam supplies. This inconsistent approach means exposure levels differ greatly based on where a firefighter is employed.

Research shows that firefighters experience elevated PFAS levels in their bodies from multiple sources. AFFF use at fires and training drills represents just one exposure pathway. PFAS also appears in protective gear, fire station dust, and contaminated air at firehouses. These combined exposures accumulate over a firefighter's career because PFAS chemicals do not break down in the human body.

Studies have connected occupational PFAS exposure to several serious health conditions:

• Thyroid disease & cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Ulcerative colitis
• Kidney cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Liver cancer

The 2018 survey findings show that many firefighters were exposed to these chemicals without adequate warnings or training about the risks. This lack of disclosure becomes relevant when firefighters develop PFAS-related illnesses years after their initial exposure.

Legal implications for Florida firefighters harmed by PFAS

Failed legislative attempts and postponed regulations demonstrate that state officials have recognized PFAS risks for years now. Despite knowing this, Florida hasn't adopted protective measures to limit how firefighters are exposed. This convergence of verified health risks, inadequate warnings, and continued legal PFAS foam use could support legal claims.

Across the country, firefighters have sued AFFF manufacturers for health issues tied to PFAS exposure. The lawsuits often involve accusations of failing to warn users, negligent practices, and defective products. Florida firefighters who used AFFF throughout their careers and subsequently developed qualifying conditions may be able to make similar claims.

You may file an AFFF claim as a Florida firefighter

For over 35 years, ELG Law has represented victims of toxic exposure who developed serious medical conditions. If you served as a firefighter in Florida and handled AFFF at any point during your career, whether at training facilities or emergency scenes, and you received a diagnosis for any of the conditions listed above, you may qualify for compensation. Reach out to ELG Law for a free case evaluation. We'll review your career details and medical files to figure out whether you qualify for filing an AFFF claim.