The bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes to enhance support for veterans, particularly focusing on education, employment, and training. It updates the reference to federal law regarding the Department of Veterans Affairs as the state approving agency for veterans' education and training. The membership of the board of directors for Florida Is For Veterans, Inc. is increased from 11 to 12 members, ensuring representation from active or retired military personnel. The Veterans Employment and Training Services Program is renamed to the Veterans Florida Opportunity Program, with new guidelines established for grant reimbursements limited to $5,000 per eligible trainee per fiscal year, and educational stipends for training at the University of Florida are also introduced.

Additionally, the bill provides various fee exemptions for veterans, including document filing fees and driver license fees for members of the Florida National Guard and their spouses, as well as reduced fees for lifetime hunting and sportsman licenses for active or retired military members. The chief judge of each judicial circuit is granted exclusive authority to determine veterans' participation in veterans treatment courts, specifically regarding the eligibility of dishonorably discharged veterans. The bill appropriates $2.5 million in recurring funds from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Veterans Affairs for the implementation of these programs and is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

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