MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — Martin County Fire Rescue says there is “no version” in which the department stays whole if voters approve a proposed expansion of Florida’s homestead exemption this November.
An official presentation scheduled to be delivered to the Martin County Board of County Commissioners next Tuesday warns the department could ultimately lose 116 firefighter positions over two years — roughly one-third of its workforce — or be forced to close three fire stations and eliminate specialty services to offset projected funding losses.
According to the presentation, Fire Rescue projects a $16.5 million reduction over fiscal years 2028 and 2029 if the amendment is approved. Because most of the department’s budget is personnel, officials say cuts of that size cannot be absorbed without reducing staffing or services.
If approved by voters, the amendment would increase Florida’s homestead exemption in phases beginning in 2027. Fire Rescue estimates the first year would reduce department funding by $9.5 million, followed by another $7 million in fiscal year 2029. Combined, the reductions total about $16.5 million over two years.
The department says it would have two options.
Read the presentation that will be shown to commissioners below
Martin County Fire Rescue says there is “no version” in which the department stays whole if voters approve a proposed expansion of Florida’s homestead exemption
Click here to view the PDF file
One option would preserve staffing but reduce services by closing Fire Stations 18, 23 and 33, eliminating specialty teams including Hazmat, dive and technical rescue, grounding the county’s LifeStar helicopter and delaying equipment replacement.
The other option would keep stations and specialty services operating but reduce personnel instead. Under that scenario, Fire Rescue projects the loss of 64 firefighter positions in fiscal year 2028 and another 52 positions in fiscal year 2029, totaling 116 firefighters — roughly one-third of the department’s workforce.
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The presentation also warns that fewer stations, reduced staffing and deferred equipment replacement could negatively affect the county’s ISO fire protection rating, potentially leading to higher homeowners insurance premiums.
Commissioners are not expected to vote on layoffs or station closures next week. Instead, they will hear Fire Rescue’s presentation outlining the projected impacts. Any future budget decisions would ultimately be made by the Board of County Commissioners.
CBS12 News has reached out to Martin County Fire Rescue, county administration and multiple county commissioners for interviews and will update this story as additional information becomes available.