House Bill 463 – Lights Displayed on Fire Department Vehicles became law recently, according to floridapolitics.com.
The new law, a bill sponsored by Rep. Robin Bartleman (D-Weston), Rep. Lauren Melo (R-Naples) and Sen. Jennifer Bradley (R-Fleming Island), allows the use of blue warning lights on government-owned fire trucks that weigh over 24,000 pounds. The law authorizes the use of these lights on the rear of vehicles. National studies show blue lights are more effective at night and red lights are more effective during the day.
“Every first responder deserves to come home to their families at the end of their shift and this legislation is another safeguard to protect our first responders,” Bartleman said. “Studies show a combination of blue and red lights are more effective at night and will protect those who arrive at the scene to help and save us.”
The Florida Sheriffs Association, International Union of Police Association Local 6020, and the Florida Fire Chiefs Association were also in support of this legislation.
“The nearly 2,000 members of the Florida Fire Chief’s Association would like to thank all of our elected officials for passing this common-sense legislation which will save the lives of our firefighters across this great state,” said Harold Theus, President of the Florida Fire Chief’s Association.
