Fire Department Callback Pay & Compensation Rules
Article 8: Callback Pay
Sec. 1: Callback for Shift and Non-Shift Employees
(a) Shift Employees:
- Minimum of three (3) hours pay at the overtime rate for callbacks while off duty or attending authorized fire department functions.
- Overtime rate for all additional time beyond three hours.
- If callback is three hours or less and contiguous with the start of a regular work schedule, the employee receives the minimum three hours callback pay before reverting to regular pay.
(b) Non-Shift Employees:
- Minimum of three (3) hours pay at the overtime rate for callbacks while off duty or attending authorized fire department functions, unless contiguous with the start of the employee’s shift.
- Overtime rate for all additional time beyond three hours.
- If callback is three hours or less and contiguous with the start of a regular work schedule, the employee receives the following minimum hours at the overtime rate before reverting to the straight time rate:
- Reporting 90 to 180 minutes prior to their regular work schedule — three (3) hours.
- Reporting 30 to 89 minutes prior to their regular work schedule — two (2) hours.
- Reporting 1 to 29 minutes prior to their regular work schedule — one (1) hour.
This graduated schedule of call back pay does not apply to fire prevention officers during pre-scheduled early inspections.
Sec. 2: Witness Pay for Subpoenaed Off-Duty Employees
Off-duty employees subpoenaed as witnesses in Federal Courts, Circuit Court, Civil Courts, or by the City in Administrative Hearings, due to on-duty observations, shall be paid a minimum of three (3) hours at the overtime rate.
Sec. 3: Pay for City-Requested Appearances
Off-duty employees requested to appear by the City or its departments for inquiries, investigations, or meetings due to on-duty observations, shall be paid a minimum of three (3) hours at the overtime rate, provided the Chief’s Office is notified prior to the appearance.
Sec. 4: Witness/Subpoena Fees
Witness or subpoena fees received by a member for off-duty or on-duty appearances become property of the City, less travel fee.
Sec. 5: On-Duty Subpoenaed Witnesses
Members subpoenaed during duty hours receive only their normal pay. Personnel must respond to subpoenas as needed to minimize waiting time and avoid disrupting department operations.
Sec. 6: Call Back Geographic Restrictions
Only personnel residing within Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties are considered for immediate call back. Contacted personnel must report within one and one-half hours.
Sec. 7: On-Call Fire Inspector Holiday Compensation
The primary “on-call” fire inspector receives “on-call” compensation for each contractually recognized holiday. If a holiday’s legal recognition date differs from its calendar date, compensation is paid on both dates. On-call compensation is three (3) hours pay at the overtime rate, in addition to any callback pay from Section 1(b). Callback pay for on-call inspectors starts when they are initially dispatched. If the inspector’s “on scene” response time exceeds sixty (60) minutes, then on call pay commences with the inspector’s on scene arrival.