The bill amends several sections of Florida law to enhance support for members of the Florida State Guard. It provides that these members are entitled to specified leaves of absence without loss of pay or benefits while engaged in training. Additionally, it introduces a 15-percent discount on annual state park entrance passes for current members and establishes a new annual Florida State Guard gold sportsman's license, available for $34.48, which allows the same activities as the standard gold sportsman's license.
Furthermore, the bill creates the Florida State Guard Scholarship Program, administered by the Department of Education, to provide scholarships to eligible members who have completed at least four years of service and meet other criteria. The program will cover tuition and fees for members attending Florida College System institutions or state universities, with specific funding provisions and eligibility requirements for continued support. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.