Today, Governor Ron DeSantis highlighted Florida’s commitment to serving the state’s 1.5 million veterans through state programs and initiatives that provide resources and opportunities that help build the future success of Florida’s veterans.
As the nation’s most veteran-friendly state, Florida’s state agencies and partners offer an abundance of resources and opportunities to help veterans find meaningful employment, support their families, and contribute to their communities.
As a part of this commitment, Governor DeSantis also awarded $1.5 million to provide transitional housing for Floridians and veterans recovering from substance abuse through the Recovery Housing Program (RHP).
Assistance available through this funding includes relocation payments, rental assistance, new construction, acquisition, and/or rehabilitation of housing facilities.
“Florida’s veterans have made countless sacrifices to protect our freedoms, and in return we are working hard to ensure they have the resources and support they need to be successful and take care of their families,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “My administration will continue to invest in our veterans in the same way that they made sacrifices to invest in the freedom of our nation.”
The Florida Department of Veterans Affairs (FDVA) is a nearly 1,500-member constitutionally chartered State Veterans’ Affairs department with a $171 million annual budget responsible for serving the nation’s third-largest veteran population.
Operating as the premier point of entry for Florida’s 1.5 million veterans, FDVA operates a network of nine state veterans’ homes and provides statewide outreach to connect veterans with their earned services, benefits, and support.
The agency’s veterans’ claims examiners play a major role in the direct infusion of more than $23.9 billion annually for veterans into Florida’s economy through federal compensation, education and pension benefits, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs medical services, and military retired pay.
“On this Veterans Day, we’re very appreciative of Governor DeSantis’ unwavering support of Florida’s 1.5 million veterans, their families, and survivors,” said retired Marine Corps Major General James S. “Hammer” Hartsell, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs. “Florida offers unique benefits such as in-state tuition rates for veterans and their families using the Post-9/11 GI Bill, several layers of property tax exemptions, expanded veterans’ preference, and extensive benefits, licensure and fee waivers for many activities and occupations. Working together toward a positive future for Florida veterans and their families, we’ll ensure the Sunshine State continues to be the most veteran sought after state in the nation. We are honored to serve you.”
“Under Governor Ron DeSantis’ leadership, Florida leads the nation in creating opportunities for veterans and separating or retiring servicemembers, and their personal success stories prove it,” said Veterans Florida Executive Director Joe Marino. “The Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program is the state’s largest creator of veteran-owned businesses, and our first-in-the-nation statewide SkillBridge initiative is a model for other states.”
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