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In this Ultimate Guide to Florida Veteran Benefits, we’ll take a closer look at a number of veteran benefits in Florida, including:
- Property tax exemptions
- No income tax
- Tuition waivers
- Free and discounted recreational programs
- Employment assistance programs
- Veterans homes
- Motor vehicle benefits and much more!
Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Florida Veteran Benefits
Florida is ranked #3 in the country for veteran population by state, with over 1.4 million veteran residents! With such a large veteran population, it’s no wonder that Florida veteran benefits (including Florida Disabled Veteran benefits) are so plentiful.
There are many Florida Veteran benefits and exemptions provided by the state to current and former members of the U.S. military.
An excellent resource for veterans is the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, which administers many Florida veteran benefits. Make sure to compare the different types of exemptions you may qualify for as a veteran, especially regarding property tax exemptions, scholarships, and tuition waiver opportunities.
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Property Tax Exemptions
Florida Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemptions
There are three types of Florida property tax exemption for disabled veterans:
- Disabled veterans with a 10 percent or greater VA disability rating
- Permanent and Total (P&T) disabled veterans or veterans confined to a wheelchair
- Disabled veterans aged 65 and older
Disabled wartime veterans with a combat-related VA disability of 10 percent or more are eligible for an exemption of up to $5,000 on their homestead property.
Veterans with a P&T disability rating or those confined to a wheelchair are eligible for a full property tax exemption.
Disabled veterans aged 65 or older are also eligible to receive a property tax exemption discount equal to the percentage of their disability rating.
Unremarried surviving spouses of disabled veterans are also eligible for these exemptions.
To apply for an exemption, complete the application with your local County Assessor by March 1. You only have to file for this exemption once unless you move to a new residence.
Deployed Military Property Tax Exemption
If you’re a military member who resides in Florida and you deploy, you’re eligible for a property tax exemption based on the amount of time you were deployed. You’ll receive an exemption for the percentage of time you deployed during the previous year. If you deployed for six months, you’d receive a 50 percent exemption.
To qualify, you must deploy outside the U.S. on an active or reserve component of the Armed Forces.
You can apply for this exemption by completing the application by March 1 with your local County Assessor.
Property Tax Exemption for Surviving Spouses of Service Members Killed on Active Duty
Surviving spouses of service members who died from service-connected causes are exempt from paying property tax on their homestead.
Apply for this exemption by March 1 with your local County Assessor.
If you believe you overpaid property taxes due to any exemptions, you can also apply for a refund by completing an Application for Refund of Ad Valorem Taxes.
Income Tax
Great news for all veterans—Florida does not impose a personal income tax. Veterans and non-veterans alike pay zero state income tax in the state of Florida.
Education
Florida’s veteran educational benefits are excellent for veterans and their families, augmenting the federal education support available to all U.S. veterans.
There are also many military-friendly colleges in Florida. According to the VA, in 2017, 596 Florida schools received Post 9/11 GI bill funds for over 54,000 students, totaling over $378 million.
Resident College Tuition Rates
The C.W Bill Young Veteran Waiver Program waives all out-of-state tuition and fees for veterans with an honorable discharge! All eligible veterans receive in-state tuition in Florida colleges and universities. To qualify, you must reside in Florida throughout your course of study.
In addition, service members stationed in Florida and their dependents are eligible for in-state tuition at a public college or university if they reside in Florida or attend college within 50 miles of a military installation.
To apply, contact your admissions office.
College Credit in Florida for Military Training
All universities and local community colleges in Florida use the recommendations made by the American Council on Education to award academic credit toward a degree for education and training received in the military.
To claim college credit for military training, request a transcript from your military service branch. Army, Navy, Marines, Space Force, and Coast Guard members can request a Joint Services Transcript. Air Force members should request a Community College of the Air Force transcript. Both methods let service members order online copies of their transcripts. Each service branch will provide official copies to schools at no charge.
Tuition Waivers for Purple Heart Recipients
If you’re a veteran awarded the Purple Heart or combat decoration superior in precedence, you may be eligible for a full tuition waiver toward your college degree. Decorations considered superior include:
- Medal of Honor
- Distinguished Cross of Service
- Distinguished Service Medal with Combat “V Device”
- Silver Star
- Legion of Merit with Combat “V Device”
- Distinguished Flying Cross
- Bronze Star with Combat “V Device”
The waiver covers tuition for up to 110 percent of the hours required for your degree or certification. You must reside in Florida and be enrolled and attending school at least part-time to qualify.
You must live in Florida and be enrolled and attending school at least part-time to qualify.
Contact your institution’s financial aid department to apply.
Scholarships for Veteran Dependents in Florida (Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans and Service Members)
Florida’s scholarship program for dependents of disabled veterans, POW/MIA, or members who die due to service-connected causes is an excellent benefit to utilize towards your children’s or spouse’s education. The CSDDV program provides a scholarship worth up to 110 percent of the required credit hours toward a bachelor’s degree.
To qualify, the veteran must have been a Florida resident for at least one year before the time of death and received a 100 percent VA disability rating (or POW/MIA status).
Dependents must be Florida residents to use this scholarship benefit. They must also not hold a bachelor’s degree and take a minimum of six credit hours per semester. Eligible children must be younger than 23 to enroll.
For spouses to be eligible, they must:
- Not be remarried
- Have been married for at least one year before the service member’s death or disability
- Must apply within five years of the service member’s death
Complete a Florida Financial Aid Application by April 1 before the fall term to apply for scholarship benefits.
Tuition Assistance for Florida National Guard Members – Educational Dollars for Duty (EDD)
Members of the Florida National Guard could receive up to $6,900 per year to cover the cost of tuition and fees to pay for a college degree, vocational or technical school, or professional license. This benefit provides tuition and fees up to the highest Florida public college in-state tuition rate, currently based on the New College of Florida.
The EDD program offers tuition assistance for a master’s degree. Florida National Guard members can even use tuition assistance for approved private institutions in Florida.
You must be at least 17 years old and in good standing with the Florida National Guard to qualify.
You can find a list of approved colleges and institutions here.
To apply for tuition assistance, sign up for an account through Florida’s Virtual Education Center.
Financial Assistance
Florida Active Duty Service Member Death Benefit
The state of Florida honors the sacrifice of active duty service members killed in the line of duty by paying a $75,000 death benefit to their families. If a service member dies from a non-line of duty cause, their families receive $25,000.
Service members must have been Florida residents or stationed in Florida at the time of death. Unfortunately, veterans who commit suicide do not qualify. This benefit is paid to the designated beneficiary. If no beneficiary is designated, the benefit is split equally between children and the surviving spouse.
For more information, contact the Florida Department of Military Affairs Military Department at 904-823-0364.
Hiring and Employment Benefits
Several Florida veteran benefits offer support with employment, and many resources are available to help veterans and their families find jobs and advance their careers.
Veterans’ Employment Preference for Florida Veterans
Florida recognizes those who have served by offering employment preference to veterans and their family members when they apply for federal, state, county, and local government jobs in Florida.
Veterans with an honorable discharge receive ten points added to their civil service exam as long as they’re qualified for the position.
Unremarried surviving spouses of service members who die due to service-connected disability and Gold Star parents also receive ten points.
Florida disabled veteran benefits are even better: 15 total points for disabled veterans with any disability rating. If the disabled veteran cannot work, the spouse is eligible to receive employment preference instead. Spouses of POW/MIA service members also receive 15 points.
Florida also rewards Reservists for their service, as Reservists receive five points added to their passing score.
Florida State Employment Veterans’ Promotion Preference
Service Members are also eligible for promotion preference in state jobs if they’re deployed under Title 10 orders, which cause a break in state employment. They must return to the same Florida state employer and are eligible for one promotion opportunity for each deployment.
Learn more about Florida veteran benefits for state employment preference here.
Florida Veterans Employment Program
The Florida Veterans Employment Program helps veterans and spouses seek employment throughout the state. Local CareerSource centers across the state are staffed with Veterans Employment Representatives to provide veterans with priority service to find jobs, acquire skills and education, plan a career, attend workshops, and take advantage of many other resources. Specialists can help you translate your military job skills to civilian terms and connect you with federal contractors and other employers committed to hiring veterans.
Job seekers can find a list of job openings and programs available for veterans with Employ Florida.
You can find a CareerSource Florida location near you here.
Business Tax Exemption
Many cities require a business tax to operate a business in Florida. Veterans, their spouses, and certain service members are eligible for a business tax exemption. You must have an honorable discharge to qualify. Contact your local tax authority to determine how to file the exemption.
Housing Benefits
Florida State Veterans Homes
Florida veteran benefits include eight veterans’ homes in the state. Seven of the locations are dedicated to skilled nursing, and one is an assisted living facility. Each home prides itself on the quality of care and services offered to veterans. The goal of each home is to increase veteran quality of life while preserving veteran dignity.
To be eligible, Florida veterans must:
- Have an honorable discharge
- Be Florida residents when they apply
- Have a medical requirement for assisted living or skilled nursing care
To learn more about each veterans’ home and how to apply, read the respective homes’ brochure:
- Alexander “Sandy” Nininger Veterans’ Nursing Home in Pembroke Pines
- Ardie R. Copas State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Port St. Lucie
- Baldomero Lopez State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Land O’ Lakes
- Clifford C. Sims State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Panama City
- Clyde E. Lassen State Veterans’ Nursing Home in St. Augustine
- Douglas T. Jacobson State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Port Charlotte
- Emory L. Bennett State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Daytona Beach
- Assisted Living Facility: Robert H. Jenkins Jr. Veterans’ Domiciliary in Lake City
Health Care
List of VA Healthcare and Vet Center Locations in Florida
Vehicle and Driver’s License Benefits
Florida Veteran Designation on Driver License or Identification (ID) Cards
Any honorably discharged veteran can request a Veteran designation on the front of a Florida driver’s license or ID card free of charge.
The word “Veteran” printed on the lower right corner of a license allows Florida veterans to validate their honorable service with a government-issued ID card.
100% Disabled Veteran Benefits Florida Veteran ID Card
If you’re a 100% disabled veteran, Florida makes it easy to prove eligibility for the many state benefits you qualify for by adding a 100 percent disabled veteran endorsement to your Florida driver’s license.
To apply for Florida veteran benefits through the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles, bring your DD214 to a local service center near you.
Disabled Veteran License Plate
Florida offers veterans 40 different license plates to honor their service and sacrifice to our nation, most of which are available at your local Motor Vehicle Service Center.
Free License Plates for Florida Disabled Veterans
Florida veterans with a 100 percent disability rating or those who have received assistance from the VA with purchasing or altering their vehicle are eligible for a free Florida license plate.
Veterans with a disabled veteran license plate receive free parking in metered or timed parking on public streets.
To qualify, you must have been a resident for the previous five years when you apply. You can only apply for one license plate.
You can apply at your local Tax Collector office or license plate agency with Form HSMV 83007 and Form HSMV 83039.
Toll Permits and Exclusions for Veterans and Service Members
Florida offers a free toll permit to all disabled veterans driving a specially adapted vehicle who cannot place coins in a toll basket.
Veterans must be certified by the VA or a doctor that they can’t use toll baskets due to their disability.
Florida veteran benefits also include a toll exclusion on Florida highways for service members while traveling on official military business.
You can apply for a disabled veteran toll permit here.
Recreation
Free Hunting and Fishing for Disabled Veterans
This is one of the most popular Florida disabled veteran benefits for recreation. Florida honors veterans who have sacrificed their health for our nation by offering them free hunting and fishing licenses. The Disabled Hunting and Fishing License is a no-cost five-year license that allows 100 percent P&T disabled veterans to fish both saltwater and freshwater fish with snook and lobster permits, along with many hunting licenses. These include:
- Deer
- Wildlife Management Area
- Archery season
- Muzzleloading gun season
- Crossbow season
- Turkey
- Florida waterfowl
Non-resident Hunters: See our guide, Non-Resident Disabled Veteran Hunting License by State.
Military Gold Sportsman’s License
The Military Gold Sportsman’s License also provides the same licenses as the Disabled Hunting and Fishing License for a $20 fee. If you’re on active duty stationed in Florida, in the Florida National Guard, the Reserves, or retired and claim Florida as your primary residence, you’re eligible for this license.
Florida residents stationed outside the state don’t need a general license to hunt and fish when they’re home on leave. Just be sure to carry your leave papers with you while hunting and fishing.
If you’re stationed in Florida as a non-resident, you and your family are all eligible for resident hunting and fishing licensing prices. Bring your military orders showing a Florida duty assignment with you when applying.
You can apply for a no-cost, discounted license or resident license at your local County Tax Collector’s office or online using the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission License Portal.
State Park Discounts
Florida wants to help you spend more time enjoying the outdoors! If you have a service-connected VA disability rating, you’re eligible for a free lifetime military entrance pass into Florida State Parks. Surviving spouses of service members killed in combat and Gold Star parents are also eligible for free lifetime entrance passes.
The state also offers a 25 percent discount on annual passes to Florida State Parks for all honorably discharged veterans and service members.
Operation Outdoor Freedom
This program provides recreational and rehabilitative opportunities to wounded veterans on state forests, agricultural lands, and private lands throughout Florida at no cost.
Designated lands throughout Florida give qualified veterans unique opportunities for recreation and rehabilitation. The Florida Forest Service, within the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, provides hundreds of veterans with the Operation Outdoor Freedom experience. You can call (863) 578- 1894 or visit the Florida state website for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are there special property tax exemptions for Florida Veterans?
Yes! Disabled veterans with a combat-related disability of 10 percent or more are eligible for a $5,000 homestead exemption. P&T disabled veterans receive a full property tax exemption in Florida. If you’re a disabled veteran age 65 or older, you can also claim a percentage exemption equal to the percentage of your VA disability rating. Unremarried surviving spouses of disabled veterans may also apply for these benefits. Military members who deploy receive an exemption for the percentage of time deployed during the previous year.
What Florida VA benefits exist for income tax?
Florida does not levy a state income tax.
Does Florida award college credit for military training?
Yes! Florida colleges and universities translate military training and experience into college credit.
Does Florida offer any tuition assistance to veterans?
Yes. Florida offers several tuition assistance programs to veterans. Florida veteran benefits include a full tuition waiver to Purple Heart recipients and any combat decoration superior in precedence. Florida disabled veteran benefits also include full tuition for spouses and children of veterans with a 100 percent disability rating, as well as for spouses and children of POW/MIA veterans and those who died in the service of our country. National Guard members may be eligible for tuition assistance in Florida worth up to $6,900 per year for undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Do Florida Veterans receive preferential treatment when seeking employment?
Yes! Florida veterans with an honorable discharge receive 10 points added to their passing Florida civil service exam score for Florida jobs. Surviving spouses and Gold Star parents also receive a 10-point addition. Disabled veterans receive a 15-point addition, while Reservists receive a 5-point addition.
Does Florida offer employment counseling and assistance to veterans seeking employment?
Yes. Florida operates local CareerSource centers across the state to help veterans find gainful employment as civilians.
Are there Florida veteran benefits offering reduced recreational fees?
Yes! Florida offers free five-year hunting and fishing licenses to 100 percent P&T disabled veterans. Active-duty military, National Guard members and Reservists, and military retirees who reside in Florida are also eligible for discounted annual licenses under the Military Gold Sportsman’s License. Disabled veterans receive a free lifetime military entrance pass into Florida State Parks, while all service members and veterans can purchase an annual pass at a 25 percent discount.
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About VA Claims Insider
VA Claims Insider is an education-based coaching/consulting company. We’re here for disabled veterans exploring eligibility for increased VA disability benefits and who wish to learn more about that process. We also connect veterans with independent medical professionals in our referral network for medical examinations, disability evaluations, and credible independent medical opinions and nexus statements (medical nexus letters) for a wide range of disability conditions.
