TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: Approve Renewal of Florida Firefighter Cancer and Death Benefits Insurance With United Badges Insurance Services, LLC and the City of North Port - North Port Fire Rescue District for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 in the Amount of $28,479.00.
Recommended Action
Option 1: Approve renewal of Florida Firefighter Cancer and Death Benefits Insurance with United Badges Insurance Services, LLC and the City of North Port - North Port Fire Rescue District for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 in the amount of $28,479.00.
City Commission Options
Option 1: Approve renewal of Florida Firefighter Cancer and Death Benefits Insurance with United Badges Insurance Services, LLC and the City of North Port - North Port Fire Rescue District for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 in the amount of $28,479.00.
• Pros: Approving the expanded cancer coverage would provide North Port Fire Rescue District Firefighters with benefits for additional cancer conditions that are not currently covered under Florida Statutes, providing enhanced financial protection for employees and their families. The expanded coverage would also strengthen the City’s overall employee benefits package and may serve as a recruitment and retention tool by providing a benefit that recognizes the unique occupational risks associated with firefighting. Offering enhanced cancer coverage demonstrates the City’s commitment to the health, well-being, and financial security of its Firefighters and may improve North Port Fire Rescue District’s ability to remain competitive in attracting and retaining qualified personnel.
• Cons: The primary disadvantage of approving the expanded coverage is the additional cost associated with providing benefits beyond the minimum coverage required by Florida Statutes. The increased premium represents an ongoing expenditure that will need to be considered during future budget cycles. Additionally, insurance premiums are subject to annual renewal and may change based on market conditions, claims experience, and other factors. While the expanded coverage provides additional protection, the City would incur the cost of the enhanced benefit regardless of whether the additional coverage is utilized.
Option 2: Approve renewal of Florida Firefighter Cancer and Death Benefits Insurance with United Badges Insurance Services, LLC and the City of North Port - North Port Fire Rescue District for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 in the budgeted amount $27,369.75.
• Pros: Renewing the policy maintains continuity of coverage by preserving the current coverage limits and ensuring ongoing compliance with Florida Statutes, Section 112.1816. The renewal also provides consistent protection and financial security for eligible Fire Rescue personnel.
• Cons: This renewal option would not include expanded coverage for additional cancer conditions that are not currently covered under Florida Statutes. Failure to renew the Florida Firefighter Cancer and Death Benefits Insurance policy would require the City to self-insure this statutory benefit. As a result, the City would assume full financial responsibility for eligible claims, potentially creating a significantly greater financial burden and increased fiscal risk than the cost of maintaining the insurance coverage.
Background Information
Florida Statutes (F.S.S.) Section 112.1816, effective July 1, 2019, provides certain disability and death benefits to eligible Firefighters diagnosed with specified cancers.
To obtain coverage for Fiscal Year 2023-2024, the Human Resources Department solicited informal quotes for Firefighter cancer insurance. United Badges Insurance Services, LLC, was the sole respondent. Following a review of the submitted proposal, it was determined that the Firefighter Cancer Insurance Policy offered by United Badges Insurance Services, LLC provides adequate coverage to satisfy the requirements of F.S.S. Section 112.1816.
The broker term is for a period of three (3) years, commencing October 1, 2023, through November 30, 2026, with an option to extend or renew for three (3) additional one-year terms by mutual agreement. The policy coverage and premium, however, must be negotiated and renewed annually.
For Fiscal Year 2026-2027, the annual premium increased by 24.1645% from the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 premium. The increase is primarily attributed to an increase in the number of claims filed statewide, which has contributed to higher insurance costs. In addition, the expanded cancer coverage and benefits available to certain Firefighters have also contributed to the increase in costs. Effective July 1, 2026, legislation amended Section 112.1816 to provide additional protections related to death benefits for certain Firefighters and their beneficiaries, further expanding the coverage and benefits available under the statute.
The Firefighter Cancer Insurance Policy between United Badges Insurance Services, LLC and the City of North Port - North Port Fire Rescue District for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 has been reviewed by the City Attorney and is legally correct as to form.
Strategic Plan Pillar
Good Governance
Financial Impact
The total cost for the Firefighter Cancer Insurance Policy with United Badges Insurance Services and the City of North Port - North Port Fire Rescue District for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 is $28,479.00. The total cost will be split equally, fifty (50) percent by the City of North Port and fifty (50) percent by the North Port Fire Rescue District. The following provides a breakdown of the funding allocations for the Firefighter Cancer Insurance Policy:
Fiscal Year 2026-2027 - General Fund, Emergency Medical Services Funds
Account No. 001-2222-526.45-05, Insurance for $14,239.50
Fiscal Year 2026-2027 - North Port Fire Rescue District
Account No. 110-2222-522.45-05, Insurance for $14,239.50
Procurement
The Firefighter Cancer Insurance Policy was procured in accordance with the City of North Port’s Administrative Policies and Procedures governing procurements under $35,000. The Human Resources Department obtained informal quotes in Fiscal Year 2023-2024.
Attachments:
1. United Badges - Florida Firefighter Cancer and Death Coverage
2. RFQ #2023-01
Prepared by: Sandy Knowles, Assistant Director Human Resources and Risk Management
Department Director: Christine McDade, Director Human Resources