§ 19. Protection of benefits from legal process.

(a)

Notwithstanding any other provision of the Firefighters' Relief and Pension Fund to the contrary, Plan assets will not be used for, or diverted to, a purpose other than the exclusive benefit of firefighters or their beneficiaries. No amendment may authorize or permit any portion of the Firefighters' Relief and Pension Fund assets to be used for or diverted to a purpose other than the exclusive benefit of firefighters or their beneficiaries, except to the extent such assets are used to pay administrative expenses of the Firefighters' Relief and Pension Fund. In addition, an amendment to the Firefighters' Relief and Pension Fund may not cause or permit any portion of the assets held under the Firefighters' Relief and Pension Fund to revert to or become property of the city, except as otherwise permitted under the Plan or otherwise permitted by law.

(b)

The right of any firefighter or any beneficiary to any benefits under the Firefighters' Relief and Pension Fund or any other right accrued or accruing to any persons under this Plan shall not be subject to execution, garnishment, attachment, the operation of any bankruptcy or insolvency law, or any other process of law whatever and shall not be subject to assignment, pledge, or hypothecation unless expressly authorized in the Firefighters' Relief and Pension Fund.

(Laws of Fla. 1941, Ch. 21483, § 15; Laws of Fla., Ch. 00-468, § 17; Ord. No. 02-11, § 4, 1-27-11; Ord. No. 28-13, § 2, 9-26-13; Laws of Fla., 2015-206)