This bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes to enhance support for veterans and their families. Key changes include redesignating the official state flagship to the S.S. American Victory, updating references to the Department of Veterans Affairs as the state approving agency for veterans' education and training, and revising the board membership of Florida Is for Veterans, Inc. The Veterans Employment and Training Services Program is renamed to the Veterans Florida Opportunity Program, with new grant reimbursement limits established and educational stipends introduced for eligible trainees at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Additionally, the bill prohibits the Department of State from charging fees to veterans for filing specific documents and mandates the issuance of free disabled veteran motor vehicle license plates for certain veterans, while also providing an exemption from driver license fees for members of the Florida National Guard and their spouses.

To further support veterans, the bill appropriates $2.5 million in recurring funds from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Veterans Affairs for various programs, including access to benefits, employment services, and educational resources. It introduces a new section exempting veterans from certain filing fees related to business registrations, allowing for a one-time application for this exemption. The bill also clarifies provisions related to disabled veterans and expands fee exemptions to include members of the Florida National Guard and their spouses. The chief judge of each judicial circuit is granted exclusive authority to determine the participation of dishonorably discharged veterans in veterans treatment court programs. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1280 Filed: 295.124, 295.22, 322.21, 394.47891
S 1280 c1: 15.0465, 295.124, 295.22, 322.21, 394.47891