U.S. Veterans Affairs Benefits

Veterans of the United States armed forces may be eligible for a broad range of programs and services provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These benefits are legislated in Title 38 of the United States Code. Eligibility for most VA benefits is based upon discharge from active military service under other than dishonorable conditions. Services offered by the VA include:

Health Care Benefits
Education and Training
Home Loan Guaranty
Pensions/Compensation
Burial and Memorial Benefits
Transition Assistance
Dependents and Survivors Benefits and Health Care
Military Medals and Records

Visit www.va.gov for more information.

Hunting and Fishing License

Per Florida Statute 372.57(5)(b), a free permanent state hunting and fishing license shall be issued, upon request, to any person who is a resident of the state, and who is permanently and totally disabled and currently certified by a licensed physician of this state or the VA, or who holds a valid identification card issued by the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs. More...

Identification Card

Per Florida Statute 295.17, a discounted Identification Card will be issued upon request to a veteran who is a permanent resident of the state and who is determined by the VA to have a service-connected 100 percent disability rating. More...

"Florida Salutes Veterans" License Plates

Florida Statute 320.0895 authorizes the issuance of a distinctive license plate for Florida residents. The purpose of the new plate is to pay tribute to Florida veterans and provide funds for constructing, operating, and maintaining domiciliary and nursing homes for veterans in Florida. Questions concerning the issuance of the new license tag should be addressed to the licensing agency in your county. More...

Motor Vehicle License Plate (DV)

Per Florida Statute 320.084, a motor vehicle license plate will be issued for use on any motor vehicle owned by any disabled veteran who has been a continuous resident of Florida for the last five years upon application accompanied by proof that:

The vehicle was acquired through financial assistance from the VA, or
The veteran has been determined by the VA to have a service-connected 100 percent disability rating for compensation, or
The veteran has been determined to have a service-connected disability of 100 percent, and is in receipt of disability retirement pay from any branch of the uniformed armed forces.

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Motor Vehicle License Plate (POW)

A motor vehicle license plate will be issued for use on an automobile for private use, truck weighing not more than 5,000 pounds, or certain recreational vehicles for a resident of the State and an ex-prisoner of war, active member of the Florida National Guard of Armed Forces Reserve upon application accompanied by proof and payment of the license fee for the vehicle.

Driver’s License with Veteran Designation

Veterans who live in Florida can add a veteran designation to their driver’s license or identification card. House Bill 1165 recognizes and honors Florida veterans who honorably served their nation. To add the “V” to a license or ID card, visit any Florida driver license office and present a DD-214 form showing honorable discharge from active duty. There is a fee.

Veterans can make an online request through the National Archives to obtain a copy of their DD-214.

Deferment of Registration Fees

Per Florida Statute 240.052, eligible veterans who wish to pursue an approved program of education or training under the G.I. Bill at any institution within the State University System or Community College System shall be granted deferment for the payment of registration fees in each calendar year. No deferment shall be granted to any eligible persons who have received advanced or pre-paid education benefits. Veterans must make application for deferment of registration fees at the institution they intend to attend. Application will be made upon Department of Education forms which shall be notarized.

Preference for Veterans in Re-Instatement, Employment and Promotion in State Agencies and Political Subdivisions

Per Florida Statute 295.07, the state and its political subdivisions shall give preference in appointment and retention in positions of employment and except comparable positions in the political subdivisions of the state to: disabled veterans who have served on active duty in any branch of the Armed Forces of the U.S., separated under honorable conditions, and are service connected to a compensable rating under the laws administered by the Veterans Administration or who are receiving compensation, disability retirement benefits administered by the Veterans Administration and the Department of Defense and certain spouses and widows of veterans.

Occupational License Taxes

Per Florida Statute 205.171, a veteran disabled from performing manual labor shall be exempt from occupational license taxes at a sum not to exceed $50. This exemption is applicable to both men and women veterans and to the surviving non-remarried spouse of either.

Property Tax Exemptions

Veterans who are service connected 100 percent permanently and totally disabled, are exempt from paying property taxes, per Florida Statute 196.081
Veterans with service-connected permanent and total disability, who are confined to wheelchairs and received assistance from the VA for specially adapted housing are exempt, per Florida Statute 196.091
Veterans who qualify as quadriplegics are exempt, per Florida Statute 196.101
Veterans who qualify as paraplegics, hemiplegics, or permanently and totally disabled, who must use a wheelchair for mobility, or who are legally blind, are exempt from taxation if gross annual household income does not exceed $12,000, per Florida Statute 196.01
Veterans with a service-connected disability to a degree of 10 percent or more in war service, are entitled to a $500 property tax exemption, per Florida Statute 196.24
Widow or widower of a Veteran

The Veteran or the surviving spouse must have been a permanent resident of the State of Florida. More... Certificate of Discharge or Separation Per Florida Statute 28.222, the Clerk of the Circuit Court shall record, without cost to the veteran, certificates of discharge or separation from the Armed Forces of the U.S.