House Bill 1241 seeks to enhance support for veterans in Florida by appropriating $2.5 million in recurring funds from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Veterans' Affairs for various veteran programs. The bill introduces a new section, 295.25, which exempts veterans from certain filing fees related to business registrations and designations, allowing them to apply for this exemption only once. Additionally, it expands fee exemptions for driver licenses to include members of the Florida National Guard and their spouses, alongside existing exemptions for honorably discharged veterans with specific disability ratings.

The bill also modifies existing statutes related to recreational licenses, establishing reduced fees for lifetime hunting and sportsman's licenses for active or retired military members and their families. Furthermore, it amends the veterans treatment court program's authorization, granting the chief judge exclusive authority to determine the eligibility of dishonorably discharged veterans for participation in the program. Overall, the bill aims to improve economic opportunities and support systems for veterans and their families in Florida, with provisions set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 1241 Filed: 295.124, 295.22, 394.47891