Former St. Johns County Fire Chief Scott Bullard. | News4Jax
Published on October 24, 2025 at 11:27 am
Free local news and info, in your inbox at 6 a.m. M-F. Sign up for the Jacksonville Today newsletter.
Former St. Johns County Fire Chief Scott Bullard has been awarded $500,000 after a jury found the county breached his contract rights by refusing to reinstate him.
Bullard resigned from his position in October 2023 after the county administration advised him to do so. The following month, he filed a civil lawsuit against the county.
Jacksonville Today thanks our sponsors. Become one.
The county accused Bullard of preventing employees from using vacation days when they had exhausted sick leave and of allowing uniforms that did not meet safety standards. Bullard denied the claims and challenged the county’s actions in court.
The chief’s trial
The case went to trial this week. Jurors determined that the county violated the union contract by not allowing Bullard to return to his former job, which caused him financial losses.
Reached for comment after the verdict, Bullard said: “It was a great milestone. We’re not done with this yet, but today was very vindicating.”
Jacksonville Today thanks our sponsors. Become one.
A St. Johns County spokesman said, “County staff is proceeding through the post-trial motions and will advise the Board of County Commissioners of their options.”
The story was produced by News4Jax, a Jacksonville Today news partner.
