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Our Florida firefighting foam lawyers represent firefighters and military personnel diagnosed with cancers linked to Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF). Florida AFFF lawsuits claim these perfluoroalkyl (PFAS) chemicals cause a variety of diseases:
- Kidney Cancer
- Testicular Cancer
- Liver Cancer
- Thyroid Cancer / Thyroid Disease
- Ulcerative Colitis
As such, Florida firefighters harmed by PFAS exposure may be eligible to claim a cash settlement.
Florida AFFF Lawyers Advocate for Firefighters with Cancer
Our team of Florida AFFF / PFAS lawyers has represented thousands of victims of toxic chemicals. In doing so, we have recovered millions of dollars in settlement funds on their behalf.
However, we only pursue compensation from AFFF / PFAS manufacturers and their affiliates, and do not file claims against our clients’ employers or doctors.
No Legal Fee Unless You Obtain a Settlement
While compensation may be available to qualified AFFF handlers, victims are urged to act promptly. The #1 claim Florida firefighters can make for cancer compensation is one filed within the Statute of Limitations. Click here to view the latest information on the pending Multi-District Litigation.
Our AFFF / PFAS lawyers are available to review claims now. We offer a free case evaluation to confirm exposure to AFFF fire foam and diagnosis of a related illness. Further, we never charge a legal fee unless a financial recovery is obtained for our client.
Contact our Florida firefighting foam lawyers today.
Florida Firefighting Foam Lawyers File Cancer Lawsuits Statewide
11th Circuit AFFF Claims in Florida
Florida is part of the Eleventh Circuit of the federal court system, and firefighting foam lawsuits can be filed at its local U.S. District Court. Cancer and illness appeals are heard by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals.
However, federal AFFF lawsuits filed in Florida may be transferred to a centralized jurisdiction pursuant to a cancer and illness Multi-District Litigation (MDL) Transfer Order. (Follow this link for our additional information on 11th Circuit AFFF compensation.)
Florida State AFFF Claims
Florida AFFF lawyers can also file firefighting foam lawsuits in the State’s county courts (FL Courts Website). The Florida Rules of Civil Procedure set forth the State’s procedural law for cancer and illness claims.
The State of Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Accordingly, a Florida AFFF lawyer can recover damages for wrongful conduct by firefighting foam manufacturers provided the plaintiff is less than 51% at fault. However, the firefighter’s recovery is reduced by their own degree of fault (if any).
Follow this link for AFFF exposure documentation published by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
Pertinent claim filing information is provided below.
Panhandle Courts for Northern Florida AFFF Lawsuits
Pensacola, Tallahassee, Gainesville and Panama City area AFFF lawyers file 11th Circuit firefighting foam lawsuits at these four (4) divisional locations of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida (FLND website). Seven (7) active judges and five (5) magistrates preside over the FLND’s resolution of firefighter PFAS claims. However, the Panama City location is currently closed for Hurricane Michael repairs.
In addition, the 6 million residents of North Florida can file state court AFFF lawsuits at their nearby county courthouses.
Western Panhandle
The Western Panhandle is heavily populated by military servicemembers, especially near Pensacola. The region hosts the Eglin AFB and NAS Pensacola. In addition, the economy is based on agriculture (timber, peanuts, cotton), fishing, and ports along the Gulf of America.
Western Panhandle firefighting foam lawyers can file cancer lawsuits in the County of Escambia in Pensacola, Santa Rosa in Milton, and Okaloosa in Crestview, FL.
Central and Eastern Panhandle
Central and Eastern Panhandle residents live among government and higher education. The region is home to the University of Florida and Florida State University, which support an emerging technology economy. The economy is also based on farming and forestry.
Central and Eastern Panhandle cancer claims are being filed by firefighting foam attorneys in the County of Bay in Panama City and Leon in Tallahassee, as well as for Big Bend AFFF victims from Alachua in Gainesville, FL.
Jacksonville & Central Florida Courts for Middle District AFFF Lawsuits
Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Fort Myers, and Ocala area AFFF lawyers file 11th Circuit firefighting foam lawsuits at these five (5) divisional locations of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida (FLMD website). Twelve (12) active judges, seventeen (17) senior (semi-retired) judges, and twenty-three (23) magistrates preside over the FLMD’s resolution of firefighter PFAS claims.
In addition, the 11 million residents of mid-Florida can file state court AFFF lawsuits at their nearby county courthouses.
Jacksonville
The Jacksonville area relies on its port and shipping industry (JAXPORT), as well as military bases. In addition, the region hosts logistics, insurance, banking, and healthcare companies. Jacksonville firefighting foam lawyers can file cancer lawsuits in the County of Duval, Clay in Green Cove Springs, St. Johns in St. Augustine, and Nassau in Fernandina Beach.
Central Florida
Central Florida is a hub for aero-defense and tourism. The region is home to Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld theme parks, as well as the Kennedy Space Center.
Central Florida firefighting foam lawyers can file cancer lawsuits in the County of Lake in Tavares, Marion in Ocala, and Hernando in Brooksville, FL. Orlando area firefighting foam lawsuits can be filed in the County of Orange, as well as Brevard in Titusville, Osceola in Kissimmee, Seminole in Sanford, and Volusia in DeLand, FL.
St. Petersburg and Tampa
St. Petersburg is a center of arts, culture, tourism, and marine science. Firefighting foam lawyers can file cancer claims in the County of Hillsborough in Tampa, Pinellas in Clearwater, Pasco in Dade City, and Manatee in Bradenton, FL. Suncoast AFFF lawyers can file cancer cases in the County of Sarasota, as well as Charlotte in Punta Gorda, FL.
Everglades
The Everglades is a popular destination for environmental tourism. Firefighting foam lawyers can file cancer claims in the County of Lee in Fort Myers and Collier in Naples, FL.
Miami Area Courts for Southern Florida AFFF Lawsuits
Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Fort Pierce, and Key West area AFFF lawyers file 11th Circuit firefighting foam lawsuits at these five (5) divisional locations of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida (FLSD website). Seventeen (17) active judges, twelve (12) senior (semi-retired) judges, and eighteen (18) magistrates preside over the FLSD’s resolution of firefighter PFAS claims.
In addition, the 6.3 million residents of South Florida can file state court AFFF lawsuits at their nearby county courthouses.
The Miami area is a leader in finance, trade, and tourism. Gold Coast firefighting foam lawyers can file cancer lawsuits in the County of Miami-Dade, as well as Broward in Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach in West Palm Beach, and Monroe in Key West, FL.
Florida Firefighting Foam Lawyers Take a Closer Look
Florida firefighters have used aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) for decades. This foam controls flammable liquid fires at airports, military bases, and fuel storage sites. It works fast, but it contains dangerous chemicals that now threaten firefighter health.
PFAS in Florida’s AFFF Foam
AFFF contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals resist heat, oil, and water. PFAS do not break down in the environment or in the human body. They build up over time and stay in blood, organs, and tissues. Florida AFFF lawsuits link PFAS to cancer, thyroid problems, immune dysfunction, and liver damage.
Florida Firefighters Face High Exposure Risks
Firefighters in Florida often used AFFF during training and emergency calls. Many applied the foam without full chemical protection. Some wore turnout gear treated with PFAS. Over time, these exposures added up. Skin contact, smoke inhalation, and contaminated surfaces increased the health risks. Florida firefighting foam lawyers continue to push for regulations to improve gear safety.
Cancer and AFFF Exposure
Studies link PFAS to kidney, testicular, prostate, and bladder cancer. Florida firefighters now report higher cancer rates. Some departments have tracked clusters of cancer diagnoses. Many fire service leaders call for mandatory screenings, exposure documentation, and early intervention programs.
Contamination at Florida Bases and Airports
Military installations and airports in Florida used AFFF extensively. Sites like Naval Air Station Jacksonville and MacDill Air Force Base face PFAS contamination issues. Groundwater around these locations has tested positive for toxic chemicals. Firefighters stationed at these sites face long-term exposure risks.
Florida’s Regulatory Response
The state has taken steps to limit PFAS use. Florida prohibits AFFF in firefighter training unless required by law. Agencies support PFAS collection and safe disposal efforts. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection now monitors PFAS levels in soil and water.
Departments Shift to Safer Solutions
Many fire departments in Florida have begun phasing out AFFF. They now train with fluorine-free foam (F3) that does not contain PFAS. Departments also upgrade decontamination procedures and invest in cleaner turnout gear. Firefighter unions support these changes and demand stronger health protections.
State Support and Legal Protections
Florida provides strong legal protections for firefighter health. The Florida Firefighters Occupational Safety and Health Act sets safety standards. The state also offers workers’ compensation for job-related illness. Firefighters with qualifying cancer diagnoses receive a one-time payment, disability benefits, and full medical coverage under Florida law.
Mental Health Challenges
Florida firefighters also face emotional and psychological strain. They witness accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Repeated trauma can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. Suicide continues to affect the firefighting community. Florida created the Firefighters Cancer Decontamination Grant and offers mental health support through peer teams and critical incident stress management.
Florida AFFF Lawyers Leading the Path to Safer Service
Florida must continue to invest in firefighter health. Departments need funding for clean gear, cancer screening, and mental health care.
Firefighters in Florida protect lives and property every day, and our AFFF lawyers are advocating for them in return.
Call or E-mail our Florida AFFF lawyers today.