On a day dedicated to honoring service, Governor Ron DeSantis reinforced Florida’s commitment to its nearly 1.5 million veterans and their families, signing three pivotal pieces of legislation aimed at enhancing support systems and protecting those who have served. The Governor’s actions today, on the anniversary of D-Day, underscore the state’s ongoing dedication to its military community, reaffirming its standing as the nation’s most military- and veteran-friendly state.
“On D-Day and every day, Florida honors those who served our country in uniform,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I was proud to support three bills today to further our commitment to veterans. Florida remains the most veteran-friendly state in the nation.”
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The newly signed legislation includes House Bill 797, Senate Bill 116, and Senate Bill 910, each designed to address critical areas of veteran well-being and protection.
House Bill 797 will significantly streamline access to long-term care for veterans and their spouses by removing bureaucratic hurdles. It allows skilled nursing facilities to designate specific beds for veterans, with approval from the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) contingent on rigorous care standards.
Senate Bill 116 marks a comprehensive overhaul of veteran mental health support. Beyond emergency intervention, it expands suicide prevention programs to include early recognition of mental health conditions and mandates the creation of a statewide plan for adult health care centers dedicated to veterans.
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Finally, Senate Bill 910 champions veteran protection by cracking down on predatory practices. This critical legislation imposes strict limits on unaccredited benefits advisors, ensuring payment is contingent on a real increase in benefits, capping payouts, and banning referral kickbacks. It also prohibits misleading guarantees and requires high-level background checks for anyone offering paid benefits advice, with stricter penalties for violators under the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.
Governor DeSantis also highlighted the successful “Hope Florida ‘A Pathway for Patriots'” initiative, spearheaded by First Lady Casey DeSantis. This program connects veterans with trained navigators through the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, offering guidance and fostering economic self-sufficiency. Since late 2023, over 1,000 veterans have benefited from this unique approach. Veterans in need of support can connect with Hope Florida by calling the Hope Line at 833-GET-HOPE.
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