HEALTH CARE

Veterans who were discharged or released from active service on or after Jan. 28, 2003 are eligible to enroll in the VA health care system for five years from the date of discharge or release. The enrollment period begins on the discharge or separation date of the service member from active-duty service, or in the case of multiple call-ups, the most recent discharge date. Veterans, including activated Reservists and National Guard members, are eligible if they served on active duty in a theater of combat operations after Nov. 11, 1998 and have been discharged under other than dishonorable conditions.

To the extent resources and facilities are available, the VA provides hospital care covering the full range of medical services to veterans. Eligible veterans may receive medical treatment at any VA Medical Center or Outpatient Clinic/Community Based Clinic in Florida.

EDUCATION

V Florida waives out-of-state tuition fees for all honorably discharged veterans who reside in the state and who are enrolled in Florida public, post-secondary institutions, through the “Congressman C.W. Bill Young Tuition Waiver Program.” The out-of-state tuition and fee waiver is extended to spouses and dependent children who reside in Florida and who are using GI Bill® benefits for enrollment in Florida public, postsecondary institutions (see FS 1009.26(13)).

In 2016, House Bill 799 was signed into law, granting an out-of-state tuition fee waiver to Active Duty members residing or stationed outside of the State of Florida.

Florida waives undergraduate-level tuition at state universities, community colleges, and career and technical training facilities for Florida recipients of the Purple Heart and other combat-related decorations superior in precedence to the Purple Heart. In 2016, legislation was passed expanding the eligibility for this earned benefit.

Visit https://www.fldoe.org/schools/higher-ed/fl-college-system/veterans.stml for more information on veteran benefits available at Florida College System institutions . (FS 1009.26(8))

Florida also provides scholarship opportunities for dependent children and spouses of veterans who died from a service-connected disability or who are 100 percent service-connected permanent and total disabled veterans through the Scholarships for Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans program. (FS 295.01) Visit www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org or call toll free (888) 827-2004 for more information. Dependent children of service members Missing in Action or Prisoners of War may also be eligible for tuition benefits.

Florida State Colleges and Universities offering priority course registration for students provide priority course registration to veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces who are receiving GI Bill® educational benefits (FS 1004.075). The benefit also applies to spouses and dependent children receiving GI Bill® benefits.

Florida State Colleges and Universities also allow current members of the U.S. Armed Forces and honorably discharged veterans to earn academic college credit for college-level training and education acquired in the military. Consult your local college campus for details. For more details about Florida State Universities visit https://www.flbog.edu/universities/key-university-info/military-veteran-affairs/.

Honorably discharged veterans who were inducted into the U.S. Armed Forces prior to completing their high school education can be awarded a State of Florida High School Diploma. Visit https://fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/veterans-diplomas.stml or call (850) 245-0446 for more information.

Post-9/11 GI Bill®

Provides financial assistance for after leaving service to individuals who served on active duty a minimum of 90 days after Sept. 10, 2001. The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship amends the Post-9/11 GI Bill® to include the children of service members who died in the line of duty after Sept. 10, 2001 and Section 701 of The Choice Act expands it to include surviving spouses. For more information, call toll free (888) 442-4551 or visit the VA website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Governor Ron DeSantis, Congressman Matt Gaetz, Commissioner Corcoran, Executive Director Burgess & College Presidents Applaud POTUS Expanding GI Benefits for Vets Impacted by COVID-19, click here to read more.

Montgomery GI Bill®

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Employment Opportunities: The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services offers a wide variety of employment opportunities from consumer and environmental protection to promoting Florida’s vast agriculture and aquaculture industries. For more information, visit www.FDACS.gov/About-Us/Employment or contact the Recruitment Section at [email protected].

Department of Business and Professional Regulation: Department of Business and Professional Regulations primary focus is helping people get to work. This includes military on active duty, military spouses and veterans of our armed services. The Agency offers employment opportunities promoting Florida’s business and professional industries. To apply today visit Job Opportunities. For more information, contact the Recruitment Section at [email protected]

Employ Florida Vets: Employ Florida Vets is the state’s online jobs portal to provide employment services to Florida veterans. The initiative helps match service members to the jobs and training opportunities that suit the skills and experience gained in the military. Visit Employ Florida Vets for more information or call toll free (866) 352-2345.

Health License Fee Waivers for Veterans & their Spouses: The Florida Department of Health has programs in place to aid veterans in finding employment in health-related fields after they return home. The department offers expedited health care practitioner licensure through the Veterans Application for Licensure Online Response (VALOR) system. The department also offers expanded licensure fee waivers for military veterans and their spouses applying for health care licensure in Florida. The department continues to assist county health departments in recruiting military veterans and their spouses to work in health-related fields. If you are a member of the U.S. Armed Services, are planning to leave the military within the next 60 months or were honorably discharged within the past 60 months, the Florida Department of Health may be able to help you find employment. For job opportunities, visit peoplefirst.myflorida.com. For more information, call (850) 488-0595 or visit www.floridahealth.gov/licensing-and-regulation/armed-forces/index.html.

Troops to Teachers: Troops to Teachers is a Department of Defense program that provides career transitions assistance services to current and former military members who desire a second career in public school teaching. You can register online at the national website www.proudtoserveagain.com. There is no obligation for registering. To obtain information concerning the certification requirements and process for Florida, you may send your request to [email protected].

Employment Training Resources

Job Placement and Training: Qualified staff at CareerSource Florida centers throughout the state provide services to veterans, military members and their families. These services include interview preparation, resume writing assistance, job and training referrals, and assistance to homeless veterans at Stand Down events. For more information on the services offered, visit https://careersourceflorida.com/career-services/.

Outreach Assistance: A network of professional Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists and Local Veterans Employment Representatives (LVER) provide priority workforce services to veterans, transitioning service members and eligible spouses. Spouses of active duty members can also receive additional services through the Military Family Employment Program. A directory of state DVOP and LVER staff is located online at www.floridajobs.org/workforce-board-resources/program-resources/program-resources or call (850) 245-7424 for more information.

VA for Vets: VA for Vets was created to provide our Nation’s Veterans with the tools necessary to translate their military skills to civilian skills, take career assessments, build their resumes, consult with coaches and conduct job searches. They are also able to tap into a wealth of information on reintegrating into the civilian workforce. All of these tools and support services are provided at no cost to our heroes. Please visit vaforvets.va.gov/ for more information.

Veterans Employment Center: The Veterans Employment Center connects Veterans and their families with meaningful employment and career development opportunities at www.vets.gov/employment.

Veterans Florida: Our Veterans Florida Career Services Team will personally assist you with resume preparation. Our team can help you determine employment goals and match you with career opportunities at veteran-friendly employers in Florida. Visit https://www.veteransflorida.org/careers/ for more information.

Other

Unemployment Compensation: To be eligible for unemployment compensation, veterans must have completed their first term of obligated service under honorable conditions or be released at the convenience of the government. Visit www.floridajobs.org for more information.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE

The state and all political subdivisions of the state shall give preference in employment, promotions after being deployed and retention. (FS 295.07, 295.11) Individuals who qualify for this preference are as follows:

A disabled veteran who has served on active duty in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, has received an honorable discharge, and has established the present existence of a service-connected disability that is compensable under public laws administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; or who is receiving compensation, disability retirement benefits, or pension by reason of public laws administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and U.S. Department of Defense.

The spouse of a person who has a total disability, permanent in nature, resulting from a service-connected disability and who, because of this disability, cannot qualify for employment, and the spouse of a person missing in action, captured in line of duty by a hostile force, or forcibly detained or interned in line of duty by a foreign government or power.

A wartime veteran as defined in s. 1.01(14), who has served at least one day during a wartime period. Active duty for training may not be allowed for eligibility under this paragraph.

The unremarried widow or widower of a veteran who died of a service-connected disability.

The mother, father, legal guardian, or unremarried widow or widower of a member of the U.S. Armed Forces who died in the line of duty under combat-related conditions, as verified by the U.S. Department of Defense.

A veteran as defined in s. 1.01(14), F.S. Active duty for training may not be allowed for eligibility under this paragraph.

A current member of any reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces or the Florida National Guard.

Effective July 1, 2021 – To promote veteran employment, new state legislation authorizes state and political subdivisions ‎to waive certain postsecondary educational requirements for employment for certain ‎service members and veterans. In addition to requiring each political subdivision to develop ‎and implement a veterans’ recruitment plan, it modifies point preferences given to veterans ‎and their family members when a numerically based selection process is used for hiring.‎ Click here for details.

Veterans must have been honorably discharged as indicated on their DD214 to be eligible for preference. Eligible applicants who meet the requirements for the position are guaranteed preference at every step through-out the hiring process.

Public entity employers who advertise for qualifying positions must make the applicant aware that preference is available. The employer must also provide the applicant with information as to what can be done if the veteran believes he/she was denied preference for employment, promotion, or retention.

An applicant who believes he or she was not afforded employment, promotion or retention preference may file a complaint with the FDVA. The complaint must be made within 60 days from the date a non-select notice was received. The FDVA can investigate and decide as to whether a violation has occurred.

FLORIDA HOMETOWN HEROES HOUSING PROGRAM

The Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program helps Floridians in over 50 critical professions purchase their first home and is available to Floridians including law enforcement officers, firefighters, educators, healthcare professionals, childcare employees, and active military or veterans.

The program is administered by the Florida Housing and Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) and has the highest and most inclusive eligibility of all Florida Housing down payment assistance programs. The program is geared to expanding on Florida’s existing housing programs to reach critical workers and those who have served our country. Find more about the program here.

This program aids essential community workers in 50 different eligible professions with down payment and closing cost assistance to help first-time, income-qualified homebuyers purchase a primary residence in the communities they serve.

To qualify for this program, homebuyers must connect with a participating loan officer, have a minimum credit score of 640, provide certification for one of the eligible occupations, and meet the income threshold for their county. Eligible borrowers will receive up to 5% of the first mortgage loan amount (up to a maximum of $25,000) in down payment and closing cost assistance in the form of a 0%, non-amortizing, 30-year deferred second mortgage.

PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION

Any real estate owned and used as a homestead by a veteran who was honorably discharged and has been certified as having a service-connected, permanent and total disability, is exempt from taxation of the veteran is a permanent resident of Florida and has legal title to the property on January 1 of the tax year for which exemption is being claimed. (FS 196.081(1))

Any real estate owned and used as a homestead by the surviving spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who died from service-connected causes while on active duty is exempt from taxation if the member was a permanent resident of this state on January 1 of the year in which the member died. (FS 196.081(4)(a))

If, upon the death of the veteran, the spouse holds the legal or beneficial title to the homestead and permanently resides there, the exemption from taxation carries over to the benefit of the veteran’s spouse until such time as he or she remarries, sells, or otherwise disposes of the property. If the spouse sells the property, an exemption not to exceed the amount granted from the most recent ad valorem tax roll may be transferred to the new residence if it is used the primary residence and the spouse does not remarry. (FS 196.081(3))

Any real estate used and owned as a homestead by any quadriplegic is exempt from taxation. Veterans who are paraplegic, hemiplegic, or permanently and totally disabled who must use a wheelchair for mobility, or are legally blind, may be exempt from real estate taxation. Check with your local property appraiser to determine if gross annual household income qualifies. The veteran must be a resident of Florida. (FS 196.101)

Eligible resident veterans with a VA certified service-connected disability of 10 percent or greater shall be entitled to a $5,000 property tax exemption. The veteran must establish this exemption with the county tax official in the county in which he or she resides by providing documentation of this disability.

The unmarried surviving spouse of a disabled ex-servicemember, who on the date of the disabled ex-servicemember’s death had been married to the ex-servicemember, is also entitled to this exemption. (FS 196.24)

Any partially disabled veteran who is age 65 or older, any portion of whose disability was combat-related, and who was honorably discharged, may be eligible for a discount from the amount of ad valorem tax on the homestead commensurate with the percentage of the veteran’s permanent service-connected disability. Eligible veterans should apply for this benefit at the county property appraiser’s office. (FS 196.082) Amendment 6, which helps spouses of older combat veterans with service-connected disabilities retain their earned property tax discount upon the passing of the veteran, has passed with nearly 90 percent of the vote. More than nine million voters approved the state constitutional amendment in November 2020, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2021.

Service members entitled to the homestead exemption in this state, and who are unable to file in person by reason of such service, may file through next of kin or a duly authorized representative. (FS 196.071)

HOME LOANS

G.I. Home Loan Guarantee – The VA may guarantee part of your loan for the purchase of a home, manufactured home, or condominium. In addition, veterans with conventional home loans now have options for refinancing to a VA guaranteed home loan because of the Veterans’ Benefits Improvement Act of 2008

NATIONAL CEMETERY BENEFITS

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides honorably discharged veterans, spouses, and dependents with burial in a National Cemetery at no cost. Cremated remains are also accepted. Eligible spouses and dependents may be buried if they predecease the veteran. The VA does not make funeral arrangements.

PRE-NEED DETERMINATION OF ELIGIBILITY PROGRAM

The VA also provides eligibility determinations for interment in a National Cemetery prior to the time of need. Through the Pre-Need Determination of Eligibility Program, upon request, individuals can learn if they are eligible for burial or memorialization in a VA national cemetery.

PRIVATE CEMETERY BENEFITS

Burial benefits available for veterans buried in a private cemetery may include a government headstone, marker or medallion, a burial flag and a Presidential Memorial Certificate, at no cost to the family. Some veterans may also be eligible for Burial Allowances. There are not any VA benefits available to spouses and dependents buried in a private cemetery. The VA does not make funeral arrangements.