For 24/7 counsel, call the National Veteran Crisis Hotline at 988, Press 1. You may also call the Florida Veterans Support Line at 1-844-MyFLVet (1-844-693-5838) or dial 211.

News

Governor DeSantis Signs Legislative Package to Support Florida Veterans and Families

May 30, 2023

TALLAHASSEE – Governor Ron DeSantis signed eight bills to support Florida’s military members and their families. Florida is the most military-friendly state in the nation and is home to nearly 1.5 million veterans, the third largest veteran population in the country. Bills signed by the Governor will support veteran education… READ MORE »


Starting Jan. 17, Veterans in Suicidal Crisis can go to any VA or Non-VA Health Care Facility for Free Emergency Health Care

January 13, 2023

WASHINGTON – Starting Jan. 17, Veterans in acute suicidal crisis will be able to go to any VA or non-VA health care facility for emergency health care at no cost – including inpatient or crisis residential care for up to 30 days and outpatient care for up to 90 days. Veterans… READ MORE »


Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Highlights ‎2022 Successes Impacting State’s Veterans

January 3, 2023

TALLAHASSEE – With the close of 2022, Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida ‎Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) are highlighting a number of policies and ‎initiatives providing critical support to our state’s veterans, their families and survivors. ‎FDVA is ‎a nearly 1,500-member ‎constitutionally chartered State Veterans’ Affairs department with ‎a… READ MORE »


Governor Proclaims Dec. 16 as Battle of the Bulge Day in Florida

December 13, 2022

TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Battle of the Bulge Day in Florida Proclamation. Dec. 16, 2022 marks the 78th anniversary of the last major German offensive on the western front during World War II. The battle, which lasted until Jan. 25, 1945, resulted in an Allied victory… READ MORE »


Florida Observes Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

December 5, 2022

TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Proclamation. Dec. 7, 2022 marks the 81st anniversary of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, which led to America’s entry into World War II. The flags of the United States and State of Florida will be flown at… READ MORE »


VA Hosts PACT Act Benefits Open Houses in Florida

December 1, 2022

Courtesy of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs A new law called the PACT Act just expanded VA health care and benefits for Florida’s Veterans and their survivors. The PACT Act was perhaps the largest expansion of Veteran eligibility in VA’s history. If you served during the Vietnam War, Gulf… READ MORE »


VA will Launch New Life Insurance Program in January, Making Life Insurance Available to More Veterans than Ever Before

November 30, 2022

WASHINGTON — On Jan. 1, 2023, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will open enrollment for Veterans Affairs Life Insurance — the first new VA life insurance program for Veterans in more than 50 years — extending VALife access to millions of Veterans. VALife will provide up to $40,000 of whole… READ MORE »


Attorney General Moody Highlights Resources for Service Members and Their Loved Ones in Recognition of Military Family Appreciation Month

November 15, 2022

TALLAHASSEE – Attorney General Ashley Moody is highlighting resources for service members and their loved ones in recognition of Military Family Appreciation Month. Due to service members’ unique lifestyle, such as relocating regularly, scammers may target those who risk their lives to keep the U.S. safe. Attorney General Ashley Moody said,… READ MORE »


Utility Power Restored at Douglas T. Jacobson State Veterans’ Nursing Home

October 5, 2022

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. – Officials at the Douglas T. Jacobson State Veterans’ Nursing Home report that Florida Power & Light has fully restored their utilities as of 11:11 a.m. today. The skilled-nursing facility was on full generator power for seven days following landfall of Hurricane Ian last week. # #… READ MORE »


First Lady Casey DeSantis Wishes Veteran a Happy 101st Birthday Following Hurricane Ian

October 4, 2022

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — First Lady Casey DeSantis visited the Douglas T. Jacobson State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Port Charlotte and met with residents who weathered out the storm at the nursing home. One of the residents, Anna Wojtalik, celebrated her 101st birthday on Thursday, September 29, following Hurricane Ian.… READ MORE »


First Lady Casey DeSantis Meets with Residents and Staff at the Douglas T. Jacobson State Veterans’ Nursing Home

October 3, 2022

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — Today, First Lady Casey DeSantis joined the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Executive Director James Hartsell to visit the Douglas T. Jacobson State Veterans’ Nursing Home. As the most veteran friendly state in the nation, Florida is committed to serving those who dedicated their lives to our… READ MORE »


Update: Douglas T. Jacobson State Veterans’ Nursing Home

October 2, 2022

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. – The Douglas T. Jacobson State Veterans’ Nursing Home is providing daily care for its 89 permanent residents following the landfall of Hurricane Ian late last week.  The skilled-nursing facility for Florida Veterans was hardened for hurricanes and both the structure and metal roof came through with no damage.… READ MORE »


First Lady Casey DeSantis Highlights Success of Continue the Mission Initiative to Recruit Veterans to Care for Florida’s Most Vulnerable Children

September 13, 2022

Continue the Mission recruits veterans, military spouses and former law enforcement officers to serve as CPIs, APIs, DCF case managers and mentors TALLAHASSEE — First Lady Casey DeSantis highlighted today the success of her Continue the Mission initiative, which launched in June 2022 to recruit veterans, military spouses and former… READ MORE »


Governor DeSantis’ Freedom First Budget Continues to make Florida the most Veteran Friendly State in the Nation

June 7, 2022

State Veterans’ Homes Receive Critical Funding to Recruit and Retain Key Health Care Professionals and Expand Access to Eligible Veteran Residents TALLAHASSEE – Thanks to a budget signed into law June 2 by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs continues to be the premier point of ‎entry for… READ MORE »


Fifteen Florida Veterans Inducted Into Hall of Fame

March 29, 2022

TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Cabinet voted unanimously today to ‎induct 15 veterans into the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame. The names for the ‎Class of 2021 were presented for a formal vote during the March 29 Cabinet ‎Meeting by FDVA Executive Director James S. “Hammer” Hartsell.‎ The… READ MORE »


Statement from Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs on the safe evacuation of residents and staff from the Clifford C. Sims State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Panama City.

March 6, 2022

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Governor Proclaims Dec. 16 as Battle of the Bulge Day in Florida

December 14, 2021

TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Battle of the Bulge Day in Florida Proclamation. Dec. 16, 2021 marks the 77th anniversary of the last major German offensive on the western front during World War II. The battle, which lasted until Jan. 25, 1945, resulted in an Allied victory… READ MORE »


Governor Ron DeSantis’ Freedom First Budget Strongly Supports Florida’s Veteran Community

December 9, 2021

TALLAHASSEE – Governor Ron DeSantis’ Freedom First Budget provides timely and vital support to the state’s 1.5 million Veterans, their families and survivors. ‎ Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Executive Director James S. “Hammer” Hartsell said: “I’m ‎thankful for Governor Ron DeSantis’ steadfast support of FDVA. As a Navy combat… READ MORE »


Governor Signs Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Proclamation

December 6, 2021

TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Proclamation. Dec. 7, 2021 marks the 80th anniversary of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, which led to America’s entry into World War II. The flags of the United States and State of Florida will be flown at… READ MORE »


VA Statement on GPO Printing and Mailing Delay

November 30, 2021

WASHINGTON — Due to supply chain and staffing shortages, the vendor contracted by the Government Publishing Office to provide printing services for the Department of Veterans Affairs is experiencing delays in printing and mailing notification letters to Veterans and claimants. The disruption may impact the ability of some claimants to meet… READ MORE »


Governor Signs Veterans Day in Florida Proclamation

November 3, 2021

TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Veterans Day in Florida Proclamation. The State of Florida is recognized as one of the most military and veteran-friendly states in the nation, with 1.5 million veterans living in the Sunshine State. Nov. 11, 2021 is Veterans Day.  … READ MORE »


Florida Honors Gold Star Family Members

September 22, 2021

TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a proclamation commemorating Sept. 26, 2021 as Gold Star Family Day in Florida. Gold Star Family Day grants Floridians the opportunity to show abiding gratitude and keep the memory of deceased service members alive. A Gold Star Family Monument Dedication Ceremony is scheduled… READ MORE »


Florida Observes Veteran Suicide Prevention Month

September 20, 2021

TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Florida Veteran Suicide Prevention Month Proclamation, reminding Floridians of the state’s pledge to offer support and resources for those who have ensured our nation remains free. Florida encourages Veterans in need to call the Florida Veterans Support Line at 1-844-MyFLVet (693-5838)… READ MORE »


Governor Signs Proclamation Observing POW/MIA Recognition Day in Florida

September 2, 2021

TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual POW/MIA Recognition Day in Florida Proclamation. The observance, commemorated annually on the third Friday in September, is an opportunity to honor and recognize our nation’s service members who are classified as Prisoners of War or Missing in Action. More than 1,100… READ MORE »


Afghanistan – Let’s Talk About It

August 17, 2021

You Are Not Alone Courtesy of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs If you have questions about your service or whether it was worth the sacrifices you made, you are not alone. You may feel frustrated, sad, and helpless, or filled with grief and distressed. If you have questions or… READ MORE »


Governor DeSantis Signs Veteran-Related Bills from 2021 Legislative Session

June 30, 2021

TALLAHASSEE – Governor Ron DeSantis signed three additional Veteran-related bills on June 29 ‎that were sent to him following the 2021 Florida Legislative Session.‎ House Bill 231 – Services for Veterans and Their Families As part of the state’s focus on mental health care and Veteran suicide prevention with the… READ MORE »


Governor Proclaims Women Veterans Day in Florida

June 8, 2021

TALLAHASSEE – Governor Ron DeSantis has proclaimed June 12, 2021, as Women Veterans Day in Florida. The Sunshine State has the second highest population of women Veterans in the nation. The proclamation salutes and honors Florida’s more than 162,000 women Veterans. In addition, the City of Jacksonville and the Northeast Florida Women… READ MORE »


Governor DeSantis Signs Three Bills to Strengthen Commitment to Supporting Florida Military Families & Veterans

June 4, 2021

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signed three military- and veteran-related bills into law to establish a “Purple Star Campus Program,” help transitioning servicemembers gain workforce ‎training, and enhance veterans’ preference in hiring. “Florida is the most military- and veteran-friendly state in the nation,” said Governor Ron… READ MORE »


Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Celebrates 2021 Legislative Accomplishments

June 2, 2021

Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Budget Highlighting Strong Support for Florida’s 1.5 Million Veterans, Their Families, and Survivors TALLAHASSEE – Thanks to a budget signed into law today by Governor Ron DeSantis, the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs continues to be the premier point of ‎entry for Florida veterans to access… READ MORE »


Governor Signs 2021 Memorial Day Proclamation

May 25, 2021

TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the 2021 Memorial Day Proclamation, honoring our nation’s fallen service members. The U.S. and Florida flags will be flown at half-staff from sunrise to noon on Memorial Day in their memory. The 153rd Anniversary of Memorial Day is also an opportunity to honor our… READ MORE »


Governor Signs 2021 Armed Forces Day Proclamation

May 12, 2021

TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Armed Forces Day in Florida Proclamation. The State of Florida is recognized as one of the most military and veteran friendly states in the nation, with 1.5 million veterans and more than 130,000 service members stationed in the Sunshine State. Armed… READ MORE »


VA Offering Walk-In COVID-19 Vaccinations Nationwide

May 10, 2021

Courtesy of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs WASHINGTON— All U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs facilities and clinics that administer COVID-19 vaccines are accepting walk-ins for eligible Veterans, spouses and caregivers. This walk-in service ensures all Veterans enrolled in VA health care and those authorized under the SAVE LIVES Act… READ MORE »


Korean Consul General Donates Protective Masks to State Veterans’ Homes

April 23, 2021

TALLAHASSEE – The Consul General of the Republic of Korea, Young-jun Kim, donated 10 boxes of protective masks to the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs during a televised ceremony at the Capitol, April 22. The masks will be used in Florida’s network of state veterans’ homes. During the visit, Consul… READ MORE »


CFO Jimmy Patronis: Encouraging Servicemembers to Eliminate Debt and Prepare for Retirement during Military Saves Month

April 16, 2021

TALLAHASSEE — In recognition of April as Military Saves Month, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis is encouraging Florida’s active military members and veterans to pay off debt and prepare for the future by creating an achievable savings plan. Military Saves Month is a month-long national effort to encourage the military… READ MORE »


Nominations Open for Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame Class of 2021

April 15, 2021

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame Council is accepting nominations for the next class of inductees into the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame. The nomination period for the Class of 2021 is open until May 30, 2021. Anyone is permitted to nominate a military veteran. The Florida Legislature… READ MORE »


Governor Ron DeSantis’ Florida Leads Budget Strongly Supports Florida’s Veteran Community

January 28, 2021

TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Florida Leads budget provides critical support to the state’s 1.5 million veterans, their families and survivors. ‎ Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Deputy Executive Director James S. “Hammer” Hartsell said: “I’m very ‎proud of Governor Ron DeSantis’ steadfast support of FDVA, ensuring Florida remains the most… READ MORE »


Veterans Florida Applauds Legislation Launching Statewide DOD SkillBridge Initiative

January 25, 2021

TALLAHASSEE – Veterans Florida, a non-profit created by the State of Florida to help military veterans transition to civilian life and to promote Florida’s status as the nation’s most veteran-friendly state, issued the following statements supporting Senate Bill 586 by Senator Tom Wright. SB 586 creates a statewide awareness and employment program… READ MORE »


Governor DeSantis and FDVA Deputy Executive Director Hartsell Highlight ‎2020 Successes Impacting Florida Veterans

December 23, 2020

TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis and officials from the Florida ‎Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) are pointing to a string of policies and ‎initiatives that were providing critical support to the state’s 1.5 million veterans in 2020. ‎ Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Deputy Executive Director James S. “Hammer” Hartsell said:… READ MORE »


VA Launches Single Access Point to All VA Contact Centers

December 21, 2020

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced Dec. 16, the formal launch of 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411), a single access point to all VA contact centers. The number is available 24 hours-a-day, 365 days-a-year to serve Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors. Responding to Veteran feedback on the challenges of… READ MORE »


Governor Proclaims Dec. 16 as Battle of the Bulge Day in Florida

December 16, 2020

TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Battle of the Bulge Day in Florida Proclamation. Dec. 16, 2020 marks the 76th anniversary of the last major German offensive on the western front during World War II. The battle, which lasted until Jan. 25, 1945, resulted in an Allied victory… READ MORE »


Governor Signs Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Proclamation

December 3, 2020

TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Proclamation. Dec. 7, 2020 marks the 79th anniversary of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, which led to America’s entry into World War II. The flags of the United States and State of Florida will be flown at… READ MORE »


Veterans Florida Wins $745,000 USDA Grant for Agriculture Fellowships

November 23, 2020

TALLAHASSEE – Veterans Florida, a non-profit created by the State of Florida to help military veterans transition to civilian life and to promote Florida’s status as the nation’s most veteran-friendly state, has received a three-year, $745,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to fund the Veterans Florida Agriculture Program in partnership with the University… READ MORE »


VA confirms authority for its health care professionals to practice across state lines

November 13, 2020

Courtesy of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today it published an interim final rule affirming VA’s current policy allowing VA health care professionals to practice across state lines in accordance with the scope and requirements of their VA employment,… READ MORE »


Governor Signs Veterans Day in Florida Proclamation

November 10, 2020

TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Veterans Day in Florida Proclamation. The State of Florida is recognized as one of the most military and veteran-friendly states in the nation, with 1.5 million veterans living in the Sunshine State. Nov. 11, 2020 is Veterans Day.  … READ MORE »


Florida Announces Statewide Paychecks for Patriots Virtual Hiring Fairs for Military Veterans and Families

November 9, 2020

TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an official proclamation to recognize the launch of Florida’s annual Paychecks for Patriots hiring fairs, taking place virtually and statewide through Nov. 21, 2020. Coordinated by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and the CareerSource Florida network, Paychecks for Patriots career fairs connect veterans and… READ MORE »


Bob Asztalos: ‘Yes’ vote on Amendment 6 will honor those who served our country

October 1, 2020

Opinion Amendment 6 helps fulfill the promise “to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan.” Florida is home to 1.5 million veterans, making it the most veteran-friendly state in the nation. We offer veterans access to important programs and seek out… READ MORE »


VA Schedules Benefits Tele-Town Hall Meeting for Florida Veterans

September 29, 2020

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is hosting a VA Benefits Tele-Town Hall Meeting on Oct. 5 beginning at 5 p.m. Eastern Time. This is the third VBA tele-town hall meeting for Florida veterans since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Paul Lawrence, VA Under Secretary for Benefits, will… READ MORE »


Florida Honors Gold Star Family Members

September 22, 2020

TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a proclamation commemorating Sept. 27, 2020 as Gold Star Family Day in Florida. Florida owes a lasting debt of gratitude to those who gave their lives in service to our nation. The Honor and Remember Flag is flown on Gold Star Family Day… READ MORE »


Twenty Florida Veterans Inducted Into Hall of Fame

September 22, 2020

TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Cabinet voted unanimously today to ‎induct 20 veterans into the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame. The names for the ‎Class of 2020 were presented for a formal vote during the Sept. 22 Cabinet ‎Meeting by FDVA Deputy Executive Director James S. “Hammer” Hartsell.‎… READ MORE »


Governor Signs POW/MIA Recognition Day in Florida Proclamation

September 17, 2020

TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual POW/MIA Recognition Day in Florida Proclamation. The annual observance, commemorated annually on the third Friday in September, is an opportunity to honor and recognize our brave service members who are classified as Prisoners of War or Missing in Action. The POW/MIA… READ MORE »


Governor Signs Florida Veteran Suicide Prevention Month Proclamation

September 10, 2020

Florida joins President’s Roadmap to Combat Veteran Suicides TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis has lent his signature to the Florida Veteran Suicide Prevention Month Proclamation, highlighting the state’s involvement with the nation’s comprehensive suicide prevention effort known as PREVENTS. On March 5, 2019, President Trump signed Executive Order 13861, The President’s… READ MORE »


New Veterans’ Home Seeks Administrator

September 8, 2020

ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. — The Ardie R. Copas State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Port St. Lucie is seeking a Nursing Home Administrator as its construction nears completion. The 120-bed skilled nursing facility is scheduled to open to its first residents in late 2020. When fully operational, the approximately 121,000 square… READ MORE »


World War II Veterans Celebrate 75th Anniversary of Formal Surrender

September 2, 2020

It was 75 years ago today that the formal instrument of surrender was signed on the deck of the battleship USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, ending the Second World War. We honor our World War II veterans on this day and thank the members of the Greatest Generation for keeping… READ MORE »


VA transitioning urgent care network managers

August 27, 2020

Twenty-three states including Florida affected Courtesy of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs VA’s goal is to give eligible Veterans who need same-day urgent care for minor illnesses or injuries as many avenues as possible at the right time, right place and right provider. VA is transitioning its urgent care… READ MORE »


Veterans receive assistance from VA, community partners through virtual outreach

August 19, 2020

More than 400 Florida Veterans helped through Virtual Veterans Experience Action Center VA launched the first Virtual Veterans Experience Action Center (V-VEAC) July 29-31, 2020. The program proactively assisted veterans throughout the state of Florida with VA benefits, health care and resources in partnership with the Northeast Florida Community Veterans… READ MORE »