Cooperation among fire departments has emerged as an effective way to deal with an environment of increasing needs, rising costs, and decentralized service delivery. Such cooperation, whether through coordinating functions or formal merger of organizations, can improve service levels, often at a reduced cost to taxpayers.
However, there are challenges in determining the most appropriate forms and levels of cooperation in Florida. As illustrated by the breakdown of the cooperative relationship between the Cedar Hammock and Southern Manatee fire districts, the inability to deal with these challenges can have negative effects on local communities.
To facilitate successful fire department cooperation, guidelines should be developed to help local communities plan for and implement cooperative agreements and mergers. The Department of Community Affairs and the State Fire Marshal should establish a task force of relevant stakeholders to develop these guidelines.

Pinellas County Should Track Fire and EMS Costs to Set Benchmarks, Control Costs, and Evaluate Alternative Service Delivery Models
Report 10-25 February 2010
Fire Marshal Program Performs Well; Boiler Safety Function, Measures Need Improvement
Report 01-31 June 2001

Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.