The bill amends section 435.02 of the Florida Statutes to include the Department of Veterans Affairs in the definition of "specified agency." It also creates a new section, 501.9741, which establishes regulations for individuals and entities providing assistance with veterans benefits matters. Key provisions include prohibiting compensation for referrals, requiring written agreements for services, and mandating disclosures about the nature of the services provided. Providers are restricted from charging certain fees, including initial or nonrefundable fees, and must ensure that individuals assisting veterans complete background screenings.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific requirements for documentation and penalties for violations, categorizing them as deceptive and unfair trade practices. It emphasizes that providers cannot guarantee outcomes or use certain solicitation methods, and it mandates that they provide copies of all executed documents to veterans. The legislation aims to protect veterans from potential exploitation while seeking benefits and ensures that they are informed about their options for assistance.

Statutes affected:
S 910 c2: 435.02
S 910 er: 435.02