Senator Moody announces $44M in federal fire grants for Florida departments

Senator Ashley Moody announced more than $44 million in federal grant funding for fire departments across Florida on Tuesday during National Fire Prevention Week, with the Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District receiving $4.2 million to hire 21 new firefighters.

The funding comes through the federal Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program, which helps departments hire personnel and acquire equipment. The announcement was made in Lehigh Acres as Florida enters its historically active dry season for wildfires.

According to Moody's office, Florida has faced significant wildfire activity in recent years. So far in 2026, the state has recorded approximately 2,975 wildfires burning more than 280,000 acres. Last year, Florida experienced 2,913 wildfires that burned more than 228,000 acres, including a major wildfire outside Miami earlier in the summer.

Since Moody took office, Florida fire departments have received more than $89 million in total firefighter grant awards across three separate FEMA programs. With Florida serving as the nation's lightning capital and nearly half the state covered in fire-prone forests, state officials continue emphasizing fire prevention measures including regular smoke alarm testing, yard maintenance, and emergency preparedness planning.