Alex Rizo reignites fight to provide compensation to injured deputy

A lawmaker has refiled a bill to compensate a former Broward County Sheriff’s Deputy after he suffered catastrophic injuries in the line of duty.

Hialeah Republican Rep. Alex Rizo filed the measure (HB 6511) to provide $5 million to compensate former Deputy Maury Hernandez. The bill details that Hernandez suffered injuries and damages after the Department of Corrections (DOC) failed to enforce probation laws.

On Aug. 6, 2007, 28-year-old Hernandez observed David Maldonado failing to stop at three traffic signals. Upon asking for identification, Maldonado dropped his motorcycle and fled on foot.

After an on-foot pursuit, Maldonado fired two rounds at Hernandez from a .45 caliber handgun, striking Hernandez in the head and critically wounding him. 

Hollywood police later apprehended Maldonado in a nearby condo complex where he had attempted to carry out a carjacking. He was charged and convicted of attempted first-degree murder, as well as numerous probation violations. Maldonado is currently serving a life sentence in prison.

Hernandez survived the shooting but suffered permanent brain damage, cognitive impairment and other physical disabilities like paralysis on his left side. Hernandez also needed skull reconstruction and still has fragments of the bullet left behind.

The injuries left the former deputy permanently disabled, unable to work and unable to afford continued care.

Prior to the incident, Maldonado was on probation for felony traffic charges and had a history of drug and weapons offenses. 

Maldonado had further admitted to possessing firearms and using illegal drugs multiple times while on probation, which probation officers failed to report to the court or State Attorney — a violation of multiple Florida laws, as well as the DOC’s zero-tolerance policy.

Legislative claims bills are a means for an injured party to recover damages even if the agency involved has immunity from a lawsuit. The bill acknowledges that Florida’s judicial system failed to provide Hernandez with a legal remedy. 

It has been estimated that since Hernandez sustained his injuries, he has lost approximately $3.35 million wages and potential earnings, incurred a $1.13 million worker’s compensation lien, and had an estimated $2.24 million in future medical and care costs for a total economic impact of $6.73 million.

Rizo filed an identical measure (HB 6527) during the 2025 Legislative Session, but the bill died in the Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee. The bill received support from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, the Police Benevolent Association and the International Union of Police Associations.

The bill would appropriate $5 million from the General Revenue Fund to compensate Hernandez, and it further waives any state liens related to his care. Florida’s Chief Financial Officer would be directed to issue the payment, and attorneys fees would be capped at 25% of the awarded amount.

If passed, the bill would take effect upon becoming law.