Published: July 8, 2025
Bartow, Fla. – Polk County Board of County Commissioners approved a new three-year collective bargaining agreement with the Polk County Professional Firefighters I.A.F.F., Local 3531. The agreement, which covers bargaining units for entry level firefighters up to Battalion Chiefs, will be in effect Oct. 1, 2025 through Sept. 30, 2028.
The new agreement includes significant improvements to employee compensation and scheduling, including the introduction of a 24-hour “Kelly Day” every seventh shift as part of a 21-day cycle. The Kelly Day-schedule is expected to be implemented by Oct. 12, 2026.
“Other agencies have successfully implemented Kelly Days into their staffing plans,” said Deputy County Manager Joe Halman. “The introduction of Kelly Days will help reduce fatigue, support mental health and improve work-life balance while maintaining full pay. Combined with competitive compensation, these improvements ensure Polk County remains a strong and reliable provider of emergency services.”
For Polk County Fire Rescue, a Kelly Day will be a paid 24-hour shift off every three weeks for bargaining unit members. Kelly Days will not affect a bargaining unit member’s annual salary.
The contract also includes a 2% cost-of-living adjustment plus a 4.1% pay raise for the first and third years of the contract and bargaining unit members will receive a 4.1% pay raise in the second year.
The 2025-2028 collective bargaining agreement is the result of successful negotiations between Polk County Government administrators and the I.A.F.F. bargaining units. It reflects the county’s continued commitment to strengthening public safety services and supporting the personnel who provide them.
