More than 5.7 million Floridians are vulnerable to extreme heat, according to a report from the Florida Policy Institute, which called upon state lawmakers to repeal a new law that prohibits local governments from enacting heat protections for outdoor workers.
Over the past four years, Florida has also had the highest rate of emergency room visits because of heat-related problems, with almost 5,000 hospitalizations between 2018 and 2022, according to the report. Health problems stemming from heat can range from rashes to fatal heat strokes.
“As FPI’s latest report shows, vulnerability to extreme heat intersects with other quality-of-life determinants, including access to health care coverage,” Sadaf Knight, CEO of the nonprofit organization, said in a press release Tuesday. “When state lawmakers prioritize the safety and the health of working Floridians, everyone thrives. But without common-sense workplace protections, heat-related illness, coupled with Florida’s high uninsured rate, will spell trouble for a growing number of residents.”
FPI gathered the data from federal agencies such as the U.S. Census Bureau and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Nearly half a million Floridians who work outdoors in areas including construction and landscaping face record-breaking temperatures. So far this month, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has reported 14 broken records, with temperatures reaching 101 in degrees Fahrenheit in Plant City on July 8.
“Florida experienced its hottest summer on record last year and is poised to surpass that record this year. And it leads the nation in heat-related illness, wrote Alexis Tsoukalas, lead author of the report, in the press release. “Now more than ever, requiring employers to offer basic protections, like shade and water breaks, is critical.”
The report raises the warnings dozens of groups opposing the bill (HB 433) voiced to Gov. Ron DeSantis before he signed it in April.
Despite the backlash against the bill, Republicans sponsoring the legislation insisted that the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration holds jurisdiction over heat protections for outdoor workers.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Labor announced a proposed rule requiring employers to evaluate heat risks and implement requirements for drinking water, rest breaks, and control of indoor heat.
–Jackie Llanos, Florida Phoenix
Celia Pugliese says
In red Florida with the highest related heat deaths our ill intended triad school board closes the use to 1078 Palmcoasters paying members of one of the only two public accessed pools in this city with long hot summers, the one scheduled at the Belle Terre Swim Club (former Racket and Swim Club). The affected members include our residents with special needs, elderly and children of families with limited income. None county or city officials intervene to prevent the closure to residents using this facility since the 1980’s started by ITT as one more amenity attraction to sell us homes in Palm Coast, the county is spending millions in a Tourism Center and Library (what I call castles to themselves in our pockets) and the City more millions on expansion out West on Rayonier and others owned vacant lands. They close the use to these Palmcoasters over a meager $50,000/year shortfall , “if true”. This tells us is that we need change!. Vote Carney, Richardson and Melendez for County Commission and in Palm Coast ;Ray Stevens 20 years and retired in Palm Coast City District 3 and Jeffery Seib 29 years also retired in Palm Coast City District 1. ( has his special needs daughter affected by closure)..I am wondering how many of those that made this bad decision or did nothing to stop it afford to enjoy an in home pool. On top the city is pushing to give up our public land use for a YMCA and “without a pool”. May God and our proper laws, protect our workers and residents in this heat index and lets exercise caution.