Veteran Benefits & Resources in Florida

Introduction

Florida is home to more than 1.4 million military veterans, making it one of the largest veteran populations in the United States. With a strong military presence and veteran-friendly policies, the state offers a wide range of support through state benefits, VA healthcare systems, county Veteran Service Officers, and nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping veterans and their families.

This guide highlights key benefits, healthcare services, and organizations available in Florida so veterans can easily access assistance with education, housing, employment, healthcare, and community support.

Key Veteran Benefits in Florida

Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption

Florida provides a full property tax exemption for veterans with a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability. Additional exemptions may be available for partially disabled veterans.

Source:
https://floridarevenue.com/property/Pages/Veterans.aspx 

Florida Tuition Assistance & Education Benefits

Florida offers several education programs for veterans and their families, including tuition assistance and support through the Florida College System and State University System.

Source:
https://floridavets.org/benefits-services/education/

Florida Veteran Employment Preference

Veterans receive preference in hiring for Florida state and local government jobs, helping improve access to public sector employment.

Source:
https://www.dms.myflorida.com/workforce_operations/human_resource_management/for_job_applicants/veterans_preference 

Veteran Designation on Florida Driver License

Florida veterans can add a “Veteran” designation to their driver license or ID card, making it easier to verify veteran status when accessing services and discounts.

Source:
https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/veteran-designation/ 

Florida Veterans Homes

Florida operates one of the largest state veterans home systems in the country, providing long-term care and skilled nursing services for eligible veterans.

Source:
https://floridavets.org/locations/state-veterans-nursing-homes/

VA Disability Benefits by Rating in Florida

Understanding how your VA disability rating impacts your benefits is especially important in Florida, where both state and federal programs can provide significant support depending on your rating.

100% Disabled Veterans

Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating receive the highest level of benefits.

In Florida, this includes:

• Full Property Tax Exemption on your primary residence
• Full federal VA compensation at the highest rate
• Comprehensive VA healthcare at no cost
• Eligibility for CHAMPVA (dependents) and commissary/exchange privileges
• Additional benefits such as free driver license and discounted vehicle registration

Florida is one of the most tax-friendly states for 100% disabled veterans, especially for homeowners.

70% Disabled Veterans

Veterans rated at 70% disability receive strong federal benefits and access to expanded programs.

Key benefits include:

• Higher monthly VA compensation
• Priority access to VA healthcare and specialty services
• Eligibility for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU)
• Expanded access to mental health and long-term care programs

State-level benefits are more limited at this level, but federal support becomes increasingly important.

50% Disabled Veterans

At the 50% disability rating, healthcare benefits expand significantly.

This includes:

• No-cost VA healthcare for all conditions, not just service-connected issues
• Increased monthly compensation
• Access to a broader range of VA medical services and prescriptions

This is a key threshold for full healthcare coverage through the VA system.

Lower Ratings (10%–40%)

Veterans with disability ratings between 10% and 40% still receive meaningful benefits, including:

• Monthly tax-free VA compensation
• Access to VA healthcare for service-connected conditions
• Eligibility for Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) programs
• Access to local and state veteran support programs

While Florida’s largest financial benefits are tied to higher ratings, these levels still provide important foundational support.

No matter your rating, working with a County Veteran Service Officer (VSO) or the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs can help ensure you’re receiving every benefit you’ve earned—and assist with increasing your rating if your condition has worsened.

VA & Healthcare Resources

Florida veterans have access to one of the largest VA healthcare networks in the country.

VA Medical Centers

• James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital
• Orlando VA Medical Center
• Miami VA Healthcare System
• Malcom Randall VA Medical Center

These facilities provide comprehensive care including primary care, specialty services, mental health treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care.

Community Clinics

VA outpatient clinics are located throughout Florida in communities such as Pensacola, Fort Myers, West Palm Beach, and Daytona Beach.

Vet Centers

Vet Centers provide confidential counseling and transition assistance for combat veterans and their families.

VA Facility Locator
https://www.va.gov/find-locations/

County / Local Veteran Service Offices

Florida veterans can receive assistance from County Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs) who help veterans:

• File VA disability claims
• Access federal and state benefits
• Obtain military service records
• Connect with local veteran services

Directory of Florida County Veteran Service Offices:

https://floridavets.org/locations/county-veterans-service-offices/ 

Veteran Housing & Long-Term Care

Florida State Veterans’ Homes

Florida operates multiple veterans’ nursing homes across the state, providing skilled nursing care and long-term support.

Examples include:

• Baldomero Lopez State Veterans’ Nursing Home
• Clifford C. Sims State Veterans’ Nursing Home
• Douglas T. Jacobson State Veterans’ Nursing Home
• Emory L. Bennett State Veterans’ Nursing Home

Source:
https://floridavets.org/locations/state-veterans-nursing-homes/

Housing Assistance for Veterans

Florida veterans experiencing housing instability can access assistance through VA housing programs such as HUD-VASH, as well as nonprofit housing organizations operating throughout the state.

Source:
https://www.va.gov/homeless/

Veteran Charities & Nonprofit Support

Florida Veterans Foundation

The official direct-support organization of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, providing emergency financial assistance and support programs.

https://www.helpflvets.org

K9s For Warriors

Based in Florida, this nonprofit provides service dogs to veterans suffering from PTSD and other service-related conditions.

https://k9sforwarriors.org

Wounded Warrior Project

Headquartered in Jacksonville, this national nonprofit provides a wide range of programs supporting injured veterans and their families.

https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org

Veteran-Owned Businesses & Entrepreneurship

Florida offers several resources supporting veteran entrepreneurs.

Florida Small Business Development Center Network

Provides counseling, training, and resources for veteran-owned businesses.

https://floridasbdc.org 

Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program

Offers training, mentorship, and support specifically for veterans launching or growing businesses in Florida.

https://www.veteransflorida.org/entrepreneurship/ 

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Certification

Veterans can pursue federal certification programs that allow veteran-owned businesses to compete for government contracts.

https://www.va.gov/osdbu/entrepreneurs/ 

Community Events & Veteran Engagement

Florida hosts numerous veteran-focused events throughout the year that connect veterans with resources and community support.

Common events include:

• Veteran job fairs and hiring events
• Homeless Veteran Stand Down programs
• Community veteran resource fairs
• Networking events and veteran support groups

These programs help veterans connect with employers, service providers, and fellow veterans across the state.

How to Get Help

Veterans in Florida can take the following steps to access assistance:

1. Contact your County Veteran Service Officer for help filing VA claims and accessing benefits.

2. Visit your nearest VA medical center or outpatient clinic for healthcare services.

3. Explore programs offered by the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

4. Connect with nonprofit organizations that provide housing, employment, and community support.

Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs
https://floridavets.org

Support Veteran-Owned Businesses

Know a Florida veteran-owned business or nonprofit that should be featured?

Submit a nomination or tag them on the Veterans Intel Report Facebook page.

We highlight veteran-owned businesses every month as part of our Salute & Support Sunday series. 🇺🇸