🧠 Florida Veteran Factoid
Florida has the third-largest veteran population in the U.S., with over 12% of the state’s population either active duty, Guard/Reserve, or veteran-affiliated—making veteran-specific legislation and outreach a core focus statewide.

⚠️ Disclaimer
This is NOT an official handout from DoD, VA, DOL, or FFSC. It was created by Dr. Tony Astro as part of his capstone counseling and veteran education outreach. 🔗 For corrections and updates: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tonyastro
 

🎓 Education & Tuition Assistance• Tuition Waivers for Purple Heart Recipients:Full tuition waived at all Florida state colleges and universities for eligible recipients.🔗 https://floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org | ☎ (888) 827-2004• In-State Tuition for All Veterans:Honorably discharged veterans using federal VA benefits are eligible for in-state tuition regardless of residency. 🔗 https://www.fldoe.org | ☎ (850) 245-0505• Scholarships for Children/Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Vets:Covers tuition and fees at public institutions for dependents of veterans who died or are 100% SC disabled.🔗 https://floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org | ☎ (888) 827-2004
💰 Property Tax & Financial Relief
• Homestead Tax Exemption (100% SC Disabled):
Full exemption from property taxes on a homesteaded property for veterans with a 100% permanent and total SC disability. 🔗 https://floridarevenue.com/property | ☎ (850) 488-6800
• $5,000 Disability Exemption (10%+ SC Disabled):
Partial exemption for veterans with 10% or more SC disability. 🔗 https://floridarevenue.com/property | ☎ (850) 488-6800
• Business License Fee Waiver for Vets:
Veterans opening a new business may qualify for initial state license fee waivers.
🔗 https://www.myfloridalicense.com | ☎ (850) 487-1395

🧰 Employment & Workforce Support
• Veterans’ Preference in Public Employment:
Veterans, spouses, and surviving spouses receive 5–10 point preference on public hiring and promotion.
🔗 https://www.dms.myflorida.com | ☎ (850) 488-2786
• Employ Florida Vets Program:
Provides resume support, job placement, and vocational training through CareerSource Florida.
🔗 https://www.employflorida.com | ☎ (866) 352-2345
• State Credentialing for Military Experience:
Military service may be applied toward state occupational licensure in select fields.
🔗 https://www.floridavets.org | ☎ (850) 487-1533

🌲 Parks, Recreation & License Benefits
• Military Gold Sportsman License:
Significantly discounted license for active and retired military (includes hunting, salt/freshwater fishing, archery). 🔗 https://myfwc.com/license | ☎ (888) 347-4356
• Lifetime License for Disabled Veterans:
Available for 100% SC disabled veterans at a reduced rate.
🔗 https://myfwc.com/license/recreational | ☎ (888) 347-4356
• Free State Park Admission (Disabled Vets):
100% SC disabled veterans receive a free entrance pass to Florida state parks.
🔗 https://www.floridastateparks.org | ☎ (850) 245-2157
• Specialty Plates for Veterans:
Florida offers over 30 veteran plate designs including Women Veteran, Bronze Star, and Combat Action.
🔗 https://www.flhsmv.gov | ☎ (850) 617-2000

🏠 Housing, Care & Local Support
• Florida Veterans’ Homes:
State-run skilled nursing and assisted living facilities in six locations, including Port Charlotte and Daytona Beach. 🔗 https://www.floridavets.org/veteranshomes | ☎ (850) 487-1533
• Veterans Cemeteries:
Three state veterans’ cemeteries provide no-cost burial for eligible veterans and low-cost for spouses.
🔗 https://www.floridavets.org/locations | ☎ (850) 487-1533
• County Veteran Service Offices (CVSOs):
Every Florida county has a CVSO to assist with VA claims and benefits. 🔗 https://www.floridavets.org | ☎ (850) 487-1533