Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has enacted three new laws designed to enhance support for veterans and their families in the state. With nearly 1.5 million veterans residing in Florida, these legislative measures aim to reinforce the state’s reputation as a leading supporter of military personnel.
Governor DeSantis stated, “On D-Day and every day, Florida honors those who served our country in uniform. I was proud to support three bills today to further our commitment to veterans. Florida remains the most veteran-friendly state in the nation.”
The newly signed House Bill 797 aims to simplify access to long-term care for veterans and their spouses by eliminating bureaucratic hurdles such as Certificate of Needs processes. It also allows skilled nursing facilities across Florida to allocate specific beds for veterans and their spouses, with the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) overseeing these designations under strict standards.
Senate Bill 116 focuses on improving mental health support for veterans by expanding suicide prevention programs beyond emergency intervention to include early recognition of mental health conditions. Additionally, it mandates the development of a statewide plan for adult health care centers dedicated specifically to veterans.
Senate Bill 910 seeks to shield veterans from exploitative practices during the benefits process. This legislation introduces stringent protections against unaccredited benefits advisors, limits payment based on actual benefit increases for veterans, caps payouts, bans referral kickbacks, prohibits misleading guarantees, and requires high-level background checks for paid advisors. Violators will face tougher penalties under the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.
Governor DeSantis also emphasized the success of Hope Florida’s “A Pathway for Patriots” initiative led by First Lady Casey DeSantis. This program connects veterans with trained navigators through the FDVA, helping them overcome challenges and achieve economic independence. Since its inception in late 2023, over 1,000 veterans have utilized this service.
For additional information about available benefits and services for Florida’s veterans or assistance from a State Veterans’ Service Officer, individuals can visit FloridaVets.org or call (727) 319-7440. Immediate help is accessible via the National Veteran Crisis Hotline at 988 (press 1), or through the Florida Veterans Support Line at 1-844-MyFL Vet (1-844-693-5838).
