FL S0976

Authorizes the City of Tampa to enter supplemental pension contracts with firefighters and police officers who are active members on or after October 1, 2012, allowing them to accept all changes as a package or reject them entirely.

Increases survivor benefits for widows/widowers from 50% to 65% of the member's final year earnings if the member dies in the line of duty, with a minimum monthly benefit of $1,500 (Base plus PRAA) for those killed before October 1, 1969.

Increases child survivor benefits from 7.5% to 15% of final year earnings per child (up to 95% total for all family members combined), and extends eligibility to age 23 for full-time students instead of age 18.

Makes joint annuitants who are lawfully wedded spouses eligible for the 13th check supplemental pension distribution if they received Section 7 benefits for at least one year.

Increases the child allowance from 7.5% to 15% upon widow/widower death, further increasing to 30% per child with a 60% total limit on final earnings.

Takes effect October 1, 2012.