The bill amends Florida Statutes to enhance retirement credit for military service by revising the initial date of employment for members with military service eligible for creditable service. Specifically, it changes the initial date from January 1, 1987, to March 1, 2024, for members who have military service defined in section 121.021(20)(b). Additionally, the bill mandates that the Department of Management Services adopt rules to implement these changes by December 31, 2025. It also updates the definition of "veteran" in section 1.01 to include more recent periods of wartime service, specifically adding new operations such as Operation New Dawn, Operation Inherent Resolve, Operation Freedom's Sentinel, and Operation Enduring Sentinel.

Furthermore, the bill reenacts the definition of "military service" in section 121.021(20) to align with the updated definition of "veteran." The changes aim to provide clearer guidelines for members seeking credit for military service and ensure that those who served in recent conflicts are recognized appropriately in the retirement system. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 965 Filed: 121.111