The Florida Senate

175.201  Death prior to retirement; refunds of contributions; death benefits.--If a firefighter dies before being eligible to retire under the provisions of this act, the heirs, legatees, beneficiaries, or personal representatives of such deceased firefighter shall be entitled to a refund of 100 percent, without interest, of the contributions made to the firefighters' pension trust fund by such deceased firefighter or, in the event an annuity or life insurance contract has been purchased by the board of trustees on such firefighter, then to the death benefits available under such life insurance or annuity contract subject to the limitations on such death benefits set forth in s. 175.081, whichever amount is greater. If a firefighter dies prior to retirement but has at least 10 years of contributing service, his or her beneficiary is entitled to the benefits otherwise payable to the firefighter at early or normal retirement age. In the event that the death benefit paid by a life insurance company exceeds the limit set forth in s. 175.081, the excess of the death benefit over the limit shall be paid to the firefighters' pension trust fund. However, the benefits as provided in s. 112.191 shall not be included as death or retirement benefits under the provisions of chapter 86-41, Laws of Florida.

History.--s. 1, ch. 63-249; s. 13, ch. 81-168; s. 14, ch. 86-41; s. 5, ch. 90-138; s. 28, ch. 93-193; s. 926, ch. 95-147.