Jupiter's New Fire Department Is One Month Away — Here's What You Need to Know

JUPITER, FL — A major change to emergency services in Jupiter is now just one month away.

On October 1, 2026, the new Jupiter Fire Rescue Department (JFRD) will officially begin providing fire rescue and emergency medical services within the Town of Jupiter.

The launch marks the culmination of roughly three years of planning since the Jupiter Town Council voted in August 2023 to create its own municipal fire department.

What changes on October 1?

Currently, fire and emergency medical services in Jupiter are provided by Palm Beach County Fire Rescue.

That arrangement continues through September 30. Beginning the following day, Jupiter Fire Rescue becomes the Town's primary fire and EMS provider.

For residents, the most important part remains the same: in an emergency, call 911.

The Town says there will be no interruption in fire or EMS coverage during the transition.

Why did Jupiter create its own department?

The decision dates back to 2023, following negotiations between the Town and Palm Beach County over the future cost of fire rescue services.

Town officials ultimately decided to establish a municipal department, arguing that doing so would give Jupiter greater control over staffing, equipment, operations and future costs.

JFRD is being led by Fire Chief Darrel Donatto, who was appointed Jupiter's first fire chief in January 2024 and has more than four decades of experience in the fire service.

What will it cost?

According to current Town projections, Jupiter Fire Rescue will have a first-year operating budget of approximately $25 million.

Jupiter residents currently pay approximately $32 million for Palm Beach County Fire Rescue service. The Town estimates that cost would rise to approximately $35 million in the next fiscal year if the current arrangement continued.

That would put the projected first-year difference at nearly $10 million, according to the Town.

Those figures are Town estimates and have been a significant part of the debate surrounding the creation of the department.

A new chapter for Jupiter

Jupiter has spent the past several years hiring personnel, purchasing fire engines and ambulances, developing its EMS operation and preparing facilities for the transition.

The department is being designed to serve Jupiter's population of more than 61,000 residents across approximately 23 square miles.

The Town also expects JFRD to work with neighboring fire departments through mutual-aid agreements when additional resources are needed.

After years of planning, October 1 will be the real test.

For the first time, Jupiter will have its own municipal department responsible for responding when residents call for fire rescue or emergency medical help.

Jupiter Fire Rescue goes live October 1, 2026.

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Image by: Town of Jupiter