Governor Ron DeSantis Highlights Florida’s Commitment to Being the Most Veteran and Military Friendly State in the Nation
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis highlights Florida’s commitment to serving Florida’s 1.5 million veterans through state programs and initiatives that provide resources and opportunities for veterans and their families. Governor DeSantis set a goal for Florida to be the most military and veteran friendly state in the nation and Florida continues to set the standard for the rest of the nation in supporting those who have sacrificed to preserve our freedom.
“We thank our veterans for their countless sacrifices in order to serve their country and preserve our freedom,” Governor Ron DeSantis. “We will continue to deliver on our promise to be the most military and veteran-friendly state in the nation by investing in support and resources that translates to success for them and their families.”
In addition to services offered by Florida state agencies year-round, FloridaCommerce and CareerSource have partnered to host Paychecks for Patriots career fair events across the state during November, connecting veterans and military families with hundreds of employers across the state. In October, FloridaCommerce and CareerSource also hosted the Third Annual Veterans Workforce Summit, where more than 230 attendees received training for the Jobs for Veterans State Grant Program.
Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA)
The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs operates as the premier point of entry for Florida’s 1.5 million veterans. FDVA operates a network of nine State veterans’ Homes and provides statewide outreach to connect veterans with their earned services, benefits and support. The agency’s Veterans’ Claims Examiners play a major role in the direct infusion of more than $20.7 billion annually for veterans into Florida’s economy through federal compensation, education and pension benefits, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ medical services and military retired pay.
“Florida is the State of choice for our Nation’s veterans and their families, thanks to the powerful advocacy and heartfelt support of Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis,” said retired Marine Corps Major General James S. “Hammer” Hartsell, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs. “As a Navy veteran, Governor DeSantis leads our effort to ensure Florida is a national leader in honoring and supporting our veterans. Florida offers unique benefits such as no-cost benefits and disability claims counseling, in-state tuition rates for those using the Post-9/11 GI Bill, a range of property tax exemptions, expanded veterans’ preference for employment, and extensive licensure and fee waivers for many activities and occupations. Working together toward a positive future for Florida veterans and their families, Florida continues to be the most veteran friendly and sought after state in the Nation.”
Veterans Florida
Veterans Florida is a non-profit created by the State of Florida to promote Florida’s status as the nation’s most veteran-ready state and help military veterans and their families transition to civilian life with career and entrepreneurship opportunities through Florida’s Veterans Employment and Training Services (VETS) Program. Their mission can be summed up in the theme – Your Pursuit. Our Power. – because they recognize military veterans are incredibly focused and will succeed in achieving their personal and professional goals when they take advantage of powerful tools and resources.
