Death prior to retirement; refunds of contributions; death benefits.

For any municipality, special fire control district, chapter plan, local law municipality, local law special fire control district, or local law plan under this chapter:

(1) If a firefighter dies before being eligible to retire, the heirs, legatees, beneficiaries, or personal representatives of such deceased firefighter shall be entitled to a refund of 100 percent, without interest, of the contributions made to the firefighters’ pension trust fund by such deceased firefighter or, in the event an annuity or life insurance contract has been purchased by the board of trustees on such firefighter, then to the death benefits available under such life insurance or annuity contract subject to the limitations on such death benefits set forth in s. 175.081, whichever amount is greater.

(2) If a firefighter having at least 10 years of credited service dies prior to retirement, his or her beneficiary is entitled to the benefits otherwise payable to the firefighter at early or normal retirement age.

In the event that the death benefit paid by a life insurance company exceeds the limit set forth in s. 175.081, the excess of the death benefit over the limit shall be paid to the firefighters’ pension trust fund. However, death benefits provided pursuant to s. 112.191 or any other state or federal law shall not be included in the calculation of death or retirement benefits provided under this chapter.