Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis recently signed three pieces of legislation aimed at strengthening Florida’s support systems for veterans and their families.
The legislation will focus on expanding mental health support, protecting veterans from fraud, and streamlining long-term care access for the 1.5 million veterans who reside in Florida.
“On D-Day and every day, Florida honors those who served our country in uniform,” said DeSantis. “I was proud to support three bills today to further our commitment to veterans. Florida remains the most veteran-friendly state in the nation.”
DeSantis signed House Bill 797, Senate Bill 116 and Senate Bill 910 into law on Friday, which was the 81st anniversary of D-Day.
House Bill 797 streamlines access to long-term care for veterans and their spouses by removing bureaucratic obstacles like Certificate of Needs processes, which is a process that require certain health care providers to obtain state approval before offering certain new or expanded services.
It also facilitates better utilization of skilled nursing facilities across the state by allowing them to designate specific beds for veterans and their spouses. The bill empowers the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs to approve these designations as long as facilities meet rigorous standards for care and admission.
Senate Bill 116 provides a comprehensive overhaul of how Florida supports its veterans by expanding suicide prevention programs to include early recognition of mental health conditions and not just emergency intervention.
The bill also directs the creation of a statewide plan for adult health care centers dedicated to veterans.
Senate Bill 910 prohibits a person from receiving compensation for referring an individual to a provider for advising, assisting, or consulting on any veterans’ benefits matter.
This legislation creates strong new protections for veterans by placing clear limits on unaccredited benefits advisors, qualifying payment contingent upon securing a real increase on benefits for the veteran, and capping payouts.
It also bans referral kickbacks, prohibits misleading guarantees, and mandates that anyone offering paid benefits must pass a high-level background check. Violators will face stricter penalties under the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.
During the news conference, DeSantis also highlighted the success of the Hope Florida "A Pathway for Patriots" initiative, which was spearheaded by Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis.
This program, within the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, connects veterans with trained navigators who offer guidance and advice for eliminating obstacles and fostering economic self-sufficiency.
Since late 2023, more than 1,000 veterans have benefited from this approach to offering help. Veterans who are in need of support can connect with Hope Florida by calling the Hope Line (833-GET-HOPE).
For more information regarding benefits and services available to veterans in the state of Florida, please visit FloridaVets.org. To contact a State Veterans’ Service Officer, call (727) 319-7440. They are also able to be reached via email at FDVA.vso@FDVA.fl.gov.