Florida Veteran Benefits

Florida provides a comprehensive range of benefits and services for Service members, Veterans, and their families, covering areas such as financial assistance, education, recreation, housing, employment, and burial and memorials. These benefits aim to support Veterans in various aspects of their lives, ensuring they receive the recognition and assistance they deserve for their service to the nation. These benefits may change over time. Please check with the individual state's veterans assistance office for the most current state benefit information.

  • Florida Income Taxes: No individual income taxes in Florida. Distributions from the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) are not taxed.

  • Property Tax Exemptions:

    • War Time Veteran Disabled 10% or More Property Tax Discount: Veterans with a VA combat-related disability rating of 10% or higher can receive up to a $5,000 reduction on their homestead property tax.

    • Veterans with Service-Connected, Total and Permanent Disability or Confined to a Wheelchair Property Tax Exemption: Veterans with a service-connected, total and permanent disability rating or those confined to a wheelchair are eligible for a full property tax exemption on their homesteads.

    • Disabled Veteran, Age 65 and Older Property Tax Discount: Veterans aged 65 or older with a VA service-connected, permanent, partial disability rating qualify for a reduction in the assessed value of their homesteads.

    • Deployed Military Property Tax Exemption: Service members deployed outside the U.S. in the preceding calendar year may qualify for a property tax exemption.

    • Surviving Spouse of Service Members Killed on Active Duty Property Tax Exemption:Surviving spouses of Service members who died from service-connected causes while on active duty are exempt from taxes on their homestead.

  • Florida Local Business Tax Exemption: Eligible Veterans, spouses, and service members stationed in Florida are exempt from business tax and fees under Florida Business Tax Statutes.

  • Sales Tax: Statewide sales tax is 6.0%, with municipalities able to levy up to an additional 2.00%. Current average sales tax (including local taxes) is 7.02%.

Florida Veteran Financial Benefits

Recreation Benefits

  • Florida Disabled Resident Hunting and Fishing License: Free license for eligible disabled Veterans covering various hunting and fishing activities.

  • Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Military Gold Sportsman’s License: Reduced-price license for eligible Service members and retired Service members.

  • Florida Hunting and Fishing Licenses at Resident Prices for Nonresident Service Members and their Families: Nonresident active duty Service members stationed in Florida can acquire hunting and fishing licenses at resident rates for themselves, spouses, and dependent children.

  • Florida License Exemption for Service Members on Leave: Florida resident Service members on leave for 30 days or less are exempt from general license requirements for hunting or fishing.

Education Programs

  • Florida College System (FCS) Education Benefits: Educational benefits for Veterans, Service members, and dependents seeking higher education.

  • Florida Congressman C.W. Bill Young, Veteran Tuition Waiver Program: Exemption from out-of-state fees for honorably discharged Veterans at FCS institutions.

  • Priority Course Registration: Veterans receive priority course registration at FCS institutions.

  • Residency for Tuition Purposes for Service Members and Their Dependents: In-state residency status for tuition purposes extended to active duty Service members and their dependents.

  • Academic Credit for Service Members and Veterans for Military Education and Training: Earn academic college credit for military training and education at FCS institutions.

  • Florida Educational Dollars for Duty Program (EDD): State tuition assistance program for Florida National Guard Service members.

Other Benefits

  • Florida Scholarships for Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans and Service Members (CSDDV): Scholarships for eligible children and spouses of Florida Veterans or Service members.

  • Florida Tuition Waiver for Recipients of the Purple Heart or Superior Combat Decoration: Tuition waivers for Veterans with Purple Heart or higher combat decorations.

  • Florida High School Diplomas for Wartime Veterans: Standard high school diploma for honorably discharged Veterans who did not complete high school due to entering the U.S. Armed Forces.

  • Florida Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children: Removes barriers to educational success for children of military Families.

  • Florida Purple Star Schools of Distinction Program: Recognizes schools committed to supporting students and Families connected to the U.S. Armed Forces.

  • Florida State Veterans Homes: Several locations offering assisted living and skilled nursing care for eligible Veterans.

Housing

Employment and Job Training

  • Veterans’ Preference: Various programs including leave for military service, employment preference, reemployment rights, and education waivers for Service members and Veterans.

Burials and Memorials

  • National Cemetery Administration: Burial benefits for eligible Veterans and family members, including gravesite, opening/closing of the grave, headstone or marker, burial flag, and Presidential Memorial Certificate.

VA Benefit Resources in Florida

  • Regional Benefits Office in St. Petersburg and VA Medical Centers in Gainesville, Lake City, Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and West Palm Beach.

  • For disabled Veterans seeking VA compensation or additional benefits, consultation with us at ForTheVeteran can offer expert guidance.

How can we help?

We are deeply understand VA Disability Benefits and work closely with you to get you all the benefits you're owed. Our team includes veterans and their families who understand the sacrifices you've made. We know how military service can affect your health, and our goal is to make sure you get the benefits you deserve.