Your Veterans Services Officers

When you visit a veterans services office, there will be trained service officers to assist you. The service officers have compassionate understanding of the problems which confront the veterans, their spouses or children.

They know the extent, the meaning and the application of the laws that have been passed by the US Congress and State Legislature in the interests of veterans and their dependents. They also know the rules and regulations adopted by the Veterans Administration to clarify and implement those laws.

The service officers will apply their specialized knowledge in the best way suited to the needs of every individual veteran or other beneficiary who desires services.

Service Sampling

A "checklist" of some of the services offered by the Veterans Services Section:

Aid and Attendance

Hunting and Fishing License

A 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. FS372.57(5)(b)

Identification Card

A 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% disability rating. There is a $1 fee and four year renewal requirement. FS295.17

* Veteran must have been a permanent resident of the State for a period of not less than five years as of January 1 of the tax year for which exemption is claimed.

Certificate of Discharge or Separation

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. FS28.222

Motor Vehicle License Plate (DV)

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:

*Initial plate fee is $3.00 with annual renewal fee of $2.00.

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. $8.15.

Deferment of Registration Fees

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. FS240.052

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

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. FS295.07

Occupational License Taxes

A veteran disabled from performing manual labor shall be exempt from a sum not to exceed $50. This exemption is applicable to both men and women veterans and to the surviving unremarried spouse of either. FS205.171

Additional Advice and Assistance

Veterans services officers also assist and give advice regarding benefits from, and/or problems with, other county, state and federal agencies.

The offices provide an OUTREACH program to visit those persons who are housebound.

Upon invitation, service officers will address groups to advise members about VA and other benefits for which they might be eligible.

"Florida Salutes Veterans" License Plates

Florida Statute 320.0895 authorizes the issuance of a distinctive license plate or 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 license agency in your county.

There are three offices located throughout Broward County. Hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The locations and phone numbers of each office are:

2995 N. Dixie Highway, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33334
Phone: 954-537-2936

South Broward Satellite Courthouse:
3550 Hollywood Boulevard, Room 190 Hollywood, FL 33023
Phone: 831-0420

North Satellite Courthouse:
1600 West Hillsboro Boulevard, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442
Phone: 831-1243

If you require auxiliary aids for communication please call in advance of your visit.