KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The Kissimmee Fire Department will implement a 24/72 shift schedule, giving firefighters an extra day off without reducing pay, a move city officials say will boost morale and help retain personnel.
To fund the shift change and hire 49 new firefighters, Kissimmee city commissioners approved a new fire assessment. Starting on Oct. 1, property owners will pay a base fee of $105 per property, plus 56 cents per $1,000 of structural improvements, FOX 35 Orlando reported.
City leaders say the change is a public safety investment aimed at expanding staffing and improving working conditions for firefighters.
The city says the new assessment will fund the hiring of 49 additional firefighters to enhance public safety and transition to a 24/72 shift schedule. By moving from the current 24-on/48-off model to 24-on/72-off, officials hope to improve morale, strengthen recruitment and support long-term retention.
Funding for the new firefighters will cost the city $6 million through a newly approved fire services assessment.
The city plans to hire the firefighters in two phases, with a goal of having them fully deployed by April 1, 2026, according to the fire chief. Property owners will begin seeing the new assessment in the upcoming fiscal year.
