This bill aims to enhance employment and business opportunities for veterans and military spouses in Florida. It amends existing statutes to require state and local governments to give hiring preference to the spouses of wartime veterans, veterans, members of the reserve components of the U.S. Armed Forces, and active duty servicemembers. Additionally, it establishes definitions for veteran-owned and military spouse-owned businesses and provides contracting preferences for these entities. The bill also allows private employers to adopt hiring policies that favor veterans and their spouses, while prohibiting active duty training members from being eligible for such preferences.

Furthermore, the bill introduces the Florida Veterans and Military Spouse Business Development Act, which includes provisions for fee waivers for new and relocating veteran-owned or military spouse-owned businesses, as well as tax exemptions for these businesses. It establishes the Veteran and Military Spouse Entrepreneurship Program to provide mentorship, funding assistance, and educational resources to support business development. The bill mandates expedited processing for certifications of veteran-owned and military spouse-owned businesses and requires annual reporting on the impact of these initiatives.

Statutes affected:
S 1172 c1: 295.188