Jacksonville councilman files legislation to bring baby boxes to all JFRD fire stations

The temperature-controlled boxes would allow a parent to safely surrender an infant anonymously and legally.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville could soon install ‘Safe Haven Baby Boxes’ across the city, giving parents in crisis a safe, legal way to surrender a newborn.

City Councilman Rory Diamond has filed a bill that would fund the boxes as early as this summer.

Baby boxes would serve as a drop-off tool for parents, allowing them to safely surrender their newborn by placing the baby in the safe box that would then alert first responders.

The boxes, which are temperature-controlled, would be installed at fire stations across the city. The additions would prove vital, as there are currently no Safe Haven Baby Boxes on the First Coast. The closest one to Jacksonville is in Flagler County.

First Coast News asked Diamond how long has this bill introduction been in the works during a press conference he held on the steps of City Hall Wednesday morning.

“Since one of my colleagues told me that we don’t have them in Jacksonville,” Diamond said. “I just assumed we had them. Fortunately, JFRD jumped right on board, started working with district council people to find the right place to do it. Everybody that we talked to along the way has been incredibly positive.”

Diamond said his bill will be up for discussion in committees during the first week of April, with a final council vote happening on April 14.

Safe Haven laws in Florida allow people to relinquish infants 30 days old or younger at emergency medical services or fire stations. For a list of locations that have Safe Haven Baby Boxes, click here.