Florida Veterans Benefits Guide Benefits Guide 09-10 : Page 2
Executive Director’s Message F lorida has earned a reputation as one of the most veteran-friendly states in the nation. Watching over and advocating for Florida’s veteran population are the men and women of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs. FDVA is a state agency responsible for assisting, without charge, Florida’s veterans, their families and survivors in improving their health and economic well-being through quality benefit information, advocacy and education. Gov. Charlie Crist signed two bills into law following the 2009 legislative session that benefit Florida’s veterans. New legislation includes Senate Bill 316, sponsored by Sen. Lee Constantine, which authorizes the Commissioner of Education to award Vietnam veterans who were honorably discharged with a Florida high school diploma. The bill is similar to existing legislation that awards diplomas to veterans of World War II and the Korean War. In addition, House Bill 509, sponsored by Rep. Juan Zapata and Sen. Mike Fasano, waives building and permitting fees for safety and accessibility on residential renovations for Florida’s 20,000 veterans permanently and totally disabled as a result of their military service. It also removes the cap on certain military and veteran license tag fees to help fund Florida’s Veterans’ Home Trust Funds and incorporates Title 33 of the U.S. Code into Florida law, allowing the implementation of the Post 9/11 GI Bill, which took effect on Aug. 1, 2009. This booklet provides information about federal and state veterans’ benefits and how to obtain them. It also provides contact information for federal benefits application assistance. A consolidated list of benefits available to veterans and their families can be found on the department’s Web site at www.FloridaVets.org LeRoy Collins Jr. Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy Reserve (Ret.) Executive Director, Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs 2
Executive Director's Message
Florida has earned a reputation as one of the most veteran-friendly states in the nation. Watching over and advocating for Florida’s veteran population are the men and women of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
FDVA is a state agency responsible for assisting, without charge, Florida’s veterans, their families and survivors in improving their health and economic well-being through quality benefit information, advocacy and education.
Gov. Charlie Crist signed two bills into law following the 2009 legislative session that benefit Florida’s veterans. New legislation includes Senate Bill 316, sponsored by Sen. Lee Constantine, which authorizes the Commissioner of Education to award Vietnam veterans who were honorably discharged with a Florida high school diploma.
The bill is similar to existing legislation that awards diplomas to veterans of World War II and the Korean War. In addition, House Bill 509, sponsored by Rep. Juan Zapata and Sen. Mike Fasano, waives building and permitting fees for safety and accessibility on residential renovations for Florida’s 20,000 veterans permanently and totally disabled as a result of their military service. It also removes the cap on certain military and veteran license tag fees to help fund Florida’s Veterans’ Home Trust Funds and incorporates Title 33 of the U.S. Code into Florida law, allowing the implementation of the Post 9/11 GI Bill, which took effect on Aug. 1, 2009.
This booklet provides information about federal and state veterans’ benefits and how to obtain them. It also provides contact information for federal benefits application assistance. A consolidated list of benefits available to veterans and their families can be found on the department’s Web site at www.FloridaVets.org
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