Florida Veteran Benefits

There are no individual income taxes in Florida. Distributions received from the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) are not taxed.

The surviving spouse of a resident service member who died from service-connected causes while serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces is exempt from taxes on their homestead. Florida Statutes 196.081

Florida offers an exemption from local business taxes and fees imposed under Florida Business Tax Statutes, Chapter 205 for eligible Veterans, their spouse or surviving spouse, and spouses of service members who are stationed in Florida.

FCS institutions authorize current service members and honorably discharged Veterans to earn college credit for training and education they received while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Florida will provide a waiver of tuition, matriculation, and registration fees for a total of 120 credit hours to the surviving spouse and children of a service member who is killed in the line of duty.

EDD is a state tuition assistance program for Florida National Guard Service members for postsecondary education. Tuition that will be paid is equal to 100% of the charged resident rate for Florida colleges and public universities, and at the highest current resident rate for accredited private inst

The Florida HDGAP is a supplemental need-based financial benefit for eligible resident Veterans and service members to be used to assist in paying unmet living expenses during holiday and semester breaks. Students can receive up to $50 per day for a maximum of 20 days per academic year.

The Florida Department of Education will award a standard high school diploma to honorably discharged Veterans who did not complete high school graduation requirements due to entering the U.S. Armed Forces.

With funding from the U.S. Department of Labor Veterans Employment and Training Service , the Florida Department of Commerce administers the Jobs for Veterans' State Grant Program to promote the employment of Florida Veterans and their spouses.

Florida offers an exemption from basic recruit law enforcement training for an applicant who has served in the USSOCOM for at least five years. Former service members must apply within four years of their last USSOCOM duty assignment.

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity administers the Florida Reemployment Assistance Benefits (formerly known as Unemployment Compensation) and employment programs.

Currently serving Florida National Guard Service members are eligible for one tax-free license plate registration or renewal each year. Any plate fees for license plates other than the Florida National Guard or standard Florida plates will apply.

Florida will pay a $75,000 death benefit to the beneficiaries of an active duty service member who is killed in the line of duty. This benefit is in addition to benefits provided under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance program or any other federal program.

Florida resident service members who are stationed outside of Florida and are home on leave for 30 days or less are exempt from general licensing requirements. Service members must carry their leave papers and military ID when hunting or fishing.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission offers a Military/Disabled Veteran Event License Exemption Permit for organizations that hold recreational hunting or fishing events for Disabled Veterans, service members, and their immediate family members.

Certain disabled Veterans are exempt from paying Florida notary public commission fee. Who is eligible for Florida Exemption of Notary Commission Fees for Disabled Veterans? Wartime Veterans who have a 50% or greater service-connected disability rating from the VA are eligible for an exemption of th

Florida resident disabled Veterans may be eligible for an exemption from county and municipality building license or permit fees when making improvements to their residence to make their home habitable or safe.

The Florida Disabled Hunting and Fishing License is a free five year license offered to eligible resident disabled Veterans that authorizes:

Florida offers the annual Florida Military Gold Sportsman's License to eligible service members and retired service members for a reduced price of $20.

Florida Operation Outdoor Freedom provides free recreational and rehabilitative opportunities for eligible Veterans on state forest, agricultural and private land throughout Florida.

Florida public service employees who are service members serving in the National Guard, or the U.S. Armed Forces Reserves are authorized a leave of absence for required training and active military service. The first 30 days of their leave of absence is with full pay.

Florida state agencies, when considering two or more equal bids for proposals, replies for the procurement of commodities or contractual services, will give preference to a Certified Veteran Business Enterprise , over a non-Veteran owned business.

Florida state employers are authorized to waive postsecondary education requirements for a position of employment if the applicant is otherwise qualified. This education waiver is offered to service members serving in the Florida National Guard, the U.S.

Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of spouses, surviving spouses, or mothers of Veterans. Both a mother and a spouse (including surviving spouse) may be entitled to preference based on the same Veteran's service if they both meet the requirements.

Health and pension plan coverage for service members is provided for by USERRA. Individuals performing military duty of more than 30 days may elect to continue employer sponsored health care for up to 24 months; however, they may be required to pay up to 102% of the full premium.

The Employ Veterans website is a gateway to information and resource links that will assist Veterans, and their families meet their employment goals. The website has information about the Employ Florida website that will match job seekers with employers and other employment-related services.

Florida has numerous professional licensing benefits for service members, Military spouses, surviving spouses and Veterans. Benefits vary for each professional licensing agency.

MFEAP is a state program designed to deliver priority workforce services for an active duty service member's family and activated reserve component service members through Military Family Employment Advocates located at local CareerSource Centers.

The Florida Hilton Honors Military Program helps make the career transition from service in the U.S. Armed Forces to civilian employment easier for current and former service members. The Hilton Honors Military Program provides hotel accommodation for required employment related travel.

The Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program offers resources and education to Veterans, active and reserve component service members, and their spouses to help them to succeed in business.

Homeless Veterans, their spouse and children are eligible for a free Florida ID card. Applicants must visit a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Service Center location to apply.

The VA provides valuable life insurance benefits to Veterans, active and reserve component service members, and their families to provide financial security given the extraordinary risks involved in military service. The VA provides the following life insurance benefit programs:

TRICARE Reserve Select is a premium-based plan, available worldwide for Selected Reserve, (U.S. Armed Forces Reserve and National Guard service members) and their families who meet the following qualifications:

Florida Veterans Courts handle criminal cases involving defendants who are service members and Veterans, to help them successfully integrate back into the community and avoid further legal issues.

Florida SOS honors Gold Star Families by providing SOS Support Coordinators who can connect survivors to supportive services. SOS Support Coordinators can provide long term assistance with:

The VA National Cemetery Administration maintains 10 national cemeteries in Florida. Please see the local location listing for the nearest cemetery.

Florida offers a free Veteran Designation on Florida driver licenses and ID cards for honorably discharged Veterans. Who is eligible for the Veteran Designation on Florida Driver Licenses and ID Cards? Veterans must provide a copy of their DD214, VA Health ID, Veteran ID issued by the VA, or other a

There is no fee charged for driver licenses or ID cards for 100% disabled Veterans. Who is eligible for No Fee Florida Driver License or ID Card for 100% Disabled Veterans? Honorably discharged Veterans who have an ID card issued by the VA indicating they have a 100% total and permanent service-conn

Disabled drivers who are driving a specially adapted vehicle and are certified by a licensed physician, or by the VA as having a severe permanent disability that does not allow them to place coins in a toll basket are allowed to pass free through tollgates.

Florida National Guard Service members are exempt from paying tolls on Florida highways while on official military business.

Family Members of a U.S. Armed Forces service member who was killed in the line of duty while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible for the Florida Gold Star license plate. Applicants must provide proof from the U.S.

Service members stationed outside Florida and members of their immediate family living with them, (spouse and children), can receive an extension of their Florida Class E driver license.

Florida offers a CDL skills test waiver to service members and former service members based on their military training and experience.

The Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs will issue a disabled Veteran ID card to resident Veterans who have a 100% service-connected, total and permanent disability rating from the VA.

Florida National Guard Service members who are at least 62 years old and served 30 good years in the Florida National Guard are eligible to receive pay from the state that is in addition to their federal military retired pay.

Florida offers several concealed weapons or firearm license benefits to service members and Veterans. These benefits include:

MVAP was created to help educate service members and Veterans regarding the types of scams that target their communities, what they can do to protect themselves, and how to protect others by reporting scams and deceptive business practices.

The Florida GI LAW program provides referrals to free legal services for U.S. Armed Forces service members. This legal counsel can assist service members in a variety of civil matters, including actions in local courts.

Through collaborations with private businesses, faith-based organizations, nonprofits, and government agencies, the Hope Florida Program offers Veterans personalized pathways to prosperity and economic self-sufficiency.

The VA has numerous resources and locations throughout the state available to assist Veterans and family members. To find a VA location in Florida enter Florida in the location field and choose the facility type you are searching for from the drop down menu at the "Learn more…" link below.