FL S1286

Renames the Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Payment Program to include firefighters, making newly employed firefighters hired on or after July 1, 2026, eligible for one-time bonus payments of up to $5,000

Requires bonus recipients (law enforcement officers and firefighters) to maintain full-time employment for at least 2 years after certification, with reimbursement required if they fail to meet this requirement unless discharged for reasons other than misconduct

Extends the program's expiration date from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2028

Authorizes the Chief Financial Officer to appoint five-member review panels to evaluate and score grant applications for fire service equipment, training, fire station construction, arson prevention, and firefighter health and wellness initiatives

Creates the Institute for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder within the Department of Financial Services to coordinate research, training, and outreach on first responder behavioral health, including suicide prevention and resilience-building programs