Orange County commissioners have voted unanimously to approve a new contract for more than 1,300 unionized firefighters, which includes higher pay and step increases to prevent future stalemates.The contract will last through October 2027, and commissioners also agreed to create a healthcare trust, which will be solidified in 60 days and take effect in January 2027.This decision comes as the department reports that 175 firefighters have left in the last 19 months, with many taking higher pay elsewhere. Union leaders warn that this turnover could impact public safety. Commissioners spent hours hearing presentations from both county leaders and union representatives.Outside the county administration building, firefighters set up tents and grilled as they waited for an outcome. The county has proposed a 35% pay increase over three years, which officials describe as a historic investment. The plan would raise starting pay from about $47,245 to roughly $59,072, with the potential to exceed $62,000 after initial training.Union leaders argue the proposal still leaves Orange County firefighters 10% to 15% behind comparable departments across Florida, and say it does not adequately address long-term health care costs.“We don’t have a hiring problem. We have a retention problem,” said Chris Ritchie, president of the Orange County Firefighters Association.According to the department, 175 union firefighters have left over the past 19 months. Union leaders say many are leaving for better-paying jobs, raising concerns about staffing levels and experience on emergency calls.“You may have a fire truck show up where the most experienced person has six years on — that’s a safety problem,” Ritchie said.Firefighters say the outcome of the contract could impact not only their paychecks, but also their ability to stay in the community they serve.“With this raise, we would be able to save up money and come back to Orange County and be where our families are,” firefighter Nicholas Gonzalez said.County Mayor Jerry Demings has defended the proposal as fair, saying it represents one of the largest raises firefighters have seen in years.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. —

Orange County commissioners have voted unanimously to approve a new contract for more than 1,300 unionized firefighters, which includes higher pay and step increases to prevent future stalemates.

The contract will last through October 2027, and commissioners also agreed to create a healthcare trust, which will be solidified in 60 days and take effect in January 2027.

This decision comes as the department reports that 175 firefighters have left in the last 19 months, with many taking higher pay elsewhere. Union leaders warn that this turnover could impact public safety.

Commissioners spent hours hearing presentations from both county leaders and union representatives.

Outside the county administration building, firefighters set up tents and grilled as they waited for an outcome.

The county has proposed a 35% pay increase over three years, which officials describe as a historic investment. The plan would raise starting pay from about $47,245 to roughly $59,072, with the potential to exceed $62,000 after initial training.

Union leaders argue the proposal still leaves Orange County firefighters 10% to 15% behind comparable departments across Florida, and say it does not adequately address long-term health care costs.

“We don’t have a hiring problem. We have a retention problem,” said Chris Ritchie, president of the Orange County Firefighters Association.

According to the department, 175 union firefighters have left over the past 19 months. Union leaders say many are leaving for better-paying jobs, raising concerns about staffing levels and experience on emergency calls.

“You may have a fire truck show up where the most experienced person has six years on — that’s a safety problem,” Ritchie said.

Firefighters say the outcome of the contract could impact not only their paychecks, but also their ability to stay in the community they serve.

“With this raise, we would be able to save up money and come back to Orange County and be where our families are,” firefighter Nicholas Gonzalez said.

County Mayor Jerry Demings has defended the proposal as fair, saying it represents one of the largest raises firefighters have seen in years.