Florida Workplace Safety & AED Compliance

Your quick guide to AED, workplace safety, and emergency preparedness laws in Florida.

Florida has one of the clearest and most straightforward AED laws in the country. AEDs are not universally required across all workplaces, but the state has strong Good Samaritan protections, detailed AED program requirements, and specific mandates for schools and certain public facilities. Florida workplaces fall under Federal OSHA, not a state OSHA plan.

AED Required?

Yes, Industry Specific

Emergency Plan?

Yes, for AED programs

State OSHA Plan?

Federal OSHA (no separate state plan)

Good Samaritan?

Yes — Florida Statutes § 768.13 & § 768.1325

Regulated Industries

Last Updated

July 2023

*This summary is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. State laws change regularly, and requirements may vary by industry or circumstance. Always consult official state statutes or a qualified attorney before making compliance decisions.This summary is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. State laws change regularly, and requirements may vary by industry or circumstance. Always consult official state statutes or a qualified attorney before making compliance decisions.

Schools: Place AEDs near gyms, cafeterias, main corridors, and athletic fields. Maintain a written Cardiac Emergency Response Plan with staff CPR/AED training and documented maintenance.
AED Program Operators: Implement physician oversight, EMS registration, scheduled maintenance, and CPR/AED training.
General Workplaces: Adopt voluntary AED programs with CPR/AED training and simple emergency plans to complement OSHA’s safety expectations.
Public Venues: Consider AED placement due to high foot traffic and strong Good Samaritan protections.

Key Takeaways for Florida

Understanding Florida's specific safety mandates is the first step toward total workplace readiness. Here is a high-level summary of the critical requirements for employers in the state.

Florida requires AEDs at school-sponsored athletic events and strongly encourages AED placement in all public schools.
Any AED acquirer must follow program rules: training, maintenance, EMS activation, and reporting.
Florida’s Good Samaritan protections are broad and cover AED users, owners, trainers, and physicians.
General workplaces follow Federal OSHA, with AEDs treated as voluntary safety enhancements.