Palm Coast City Council Approves Ordinance Strengthening Protections for Fire Department

At the October 20, 2026, City Council Business Meeting, the Palm Coast City Council approved an ordinance strengthening protections for the Palm Coast Fire Department and giving residents a direct voice in any future proposal to transfer the department out of City control.

Under the newly adopted ordinance, any proposal to sell, transfer, or place the Palm Coast Fire Department under a long-term lease with another government agency or private company would require both a supermajority vote of the City Council and approval from a majority of voters in a citywide referendum.

The ordinance does not affect the Fire Department’s ability to work with neighboring agencies through mutual-aid agreements, shared emergency response, specialized training, or shared dispatch services. It also allows the city to continue replacing or disposing of outdated vehicles, equipment, and tools.

City Council first discussed the ordinance during its September 8 Workshop Meeting before approving its first reading on September 15. The ordinance returned to Council for its second and final reading on October 20, where it received final approval and took effect immediately.

“I want to thank the City Council for continuing to make public safety and the well-being of our residents a top priority,” said Palm Coast City Manager Mike McGlothlin. “The Palm Coast Fire Department is an essential part of our community, and this ordinance helps protect its future while ensuring residents have a say in any major decisions that could impact the department.”

Residents can learn more about the Palm Coast Fire Department by visiting https://www.palmcoast.gov/fire 

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