Broward County Commissioners voted on September 22, 2026 to terminate the long‑standing fire‑rescue agreement with the Broward Sheriff's Office and to transfer oversight of the department to the county itself. The decision will allow the existing contract, which has been in effect since 2003, to run its course until it expires in September 2028. At that point, roughly 900 fire‑rescue employees currently employed under the sheriff’s office will become county employees.
The board’s action marks a shift in how fire‑rescue services are administered in the county. Since the early 2000s, the sheriff’s office has provided fire‑rescue operations under a formal contract with the county. By moving the department under direct county control, officials intend to consolidate public safety functions and streamline management of the workforce.
The commissioners’ vote does not immediately change day‑to‑day operations. Fire‑rescue personnel will continue their duties while the transition plan is developed, ensuring that emergency response capabilities remain uninterrupted. The agreement’s expiration date of September 2028 provides a timeline for the county to assume full responsibility and for employees to be formally integrated into the county payroll system.
County leaders highlighted that the change reflects an evolution of public‑service arrangements that have been in place for more than two decades. The move follows a review of the existing contract and consideration of the benefits of direct county oversight. No additional staffing numbers or budget adjustments were disclosed beyond the transfer of the existing approximately 900 fire‑rescue staff.
The decision concludes a period during which the sheriff’s office has been the primary provider of fire‑rescue services in Broward County, a role that began with the 2003 contract. As the September 2028 deadline approaches, both the county and the sheriff’s office will work to finalize the administrative steps required for the handover.