Florida offers a comprehensive array of benefits for veterans, covering housing, education, employment, financial assistance, and recreational privileges.
Housing and Financial Benefits
- Veterans Homes: Florida has six Veterans’ nursing homes and one assisted living facility across the state. Eligibility includes an honorable discharge, Florida residency for one year before admission, and a need for nursing home care certified by a VA physician.
- Property Tax Exemptions: Various property tax exemptions are available, including for disabled veterans, homestead exemption for 100% permanently and totally disabled veterans, and exemptions for surviving spouses of service members who died from service-connected causes.
- No State Income Tax: Veterans in Florida benefit from the state’s lack of a personal income tax, applying to veterans and non-veterans alike.
Education Benefits
- Tuition Waivers and Scholarships: Florida waives out-of-state tuition fees for veterans and offers scholarships for dependents of deceased or disabled veterans. Priority registration is provided to students using the GI Bill at state colleges and universities.
- College Credit for Military Training: Veterans can earn academic credit for military training and education.
Employment Benefits
- Occupational License and Business Fee Waivers: Florida offers waivers for various fees, including occupational licenses for veterans, spouses, and in some cases, fee waivers for veteran-owned businesses.
- Veterans’ Employment Preference: Veterans receive hiring preference for state jobs, with additional points added to civil service exams for veterans, disabled veterans, and certain family members.
Recreational Benefits
- State Park Admission: Discounts on annual passes to state parks for all honorably discharged veterans and free passes for those with service-connected disabilities. Reduced fees or free hunting and fishing licenses are also available for certain veterans.
Additional Benefits
- Driver’s License and ID Cards: Special veteran designations on driver licenses and state ID cards, along with no-fee licenses for 100% disabled veterans.
- Legal and Burial Benefits: Florida has established veterans courts to address specific issues, and while the state itself doesn’t extend burial benefits, national cemeteries within Florida are available for veterans.