Veteran Benefits in Florida

Veterans in Florida are eligible for the same federal VA disability benefits as veterans in any other state. However, each state offers some of its own unique benefits for veterans who are considered disabled by the VA. 

While some benefits are available only for 100% disabled veterans in Florida, most are available to veterans with lower disability ratings. We share some of these state benefits below.

Florida veteran home loan/mortgage benefits

Florida created the Salute Our Soldiers Military Loan Program to offer veterans a 30-year, fixed-rate first mortgage loan at a lower rate. The program also provides multiple down payment assistance options. Veterans must be borrowers purchasing a primary residence, and must meet income and purchase requirements to qualify for this loan. They must also complete a homebuyer course.

Veteran property tax benefits in Florida

In Florida, resident veterans with at least a 10% VA disability rating can receive a $5,000 deduction on their home assessment in order to pay less in property tax. 

Veterans who are residents of Florida with a permanent and total disability rating may receive a full property tax exemption. Veterans who are 65 years or older may also be entitled to other exemptions. 

Veteran income tax benefits in Florida

The state of Florida does not have income taxes. Additionally, VA disability compensation is already tax free.

Florida veteran vehicle registration benefits

Veterans with a 100% VA disability rating may qualify for an exemption to their drivers license fees, and receive a “veteran” designation on their license or ID card that can be used to prove their status for discounts.

100% disabled veterans may also be provided with a disabled license plate for free.

Veteran education benefits in Florida

Florida offers several benefits, programs, and scholarships for honorably discharged veterans, spouses, and their dependent children. Some of these benefits include:

• Florida state colleges and universities provide veterans with the opportunity to receive academic credit for military college-level training and education, as well as priority registration for those using the GI Bill.
• Florida postsecondary institutions waive the transcript fee for qualifying veterans, spouses, and dependents.
• Scholarship opportunities are available to children and spouses of veterans who are rated permanent and total, or of veterans who died from a service-connected disability. 
• Veterans who receive the Purple Heart or related combat decorations are eligible for an undergraduate-level certificate or diploma tuition fee waiver at state universities, colleges, and career or technical centers.

Veteran hunting and fishing licenses

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission offers resident veterans who retired from the military an annual license at a reduced fee of $20. The annual license includes salt and freshwater fishing licenses, as well as permits for deer, wildlife management area, archery, muzzle-loading guns, crossbows, turkey, Florida waterfowl, snook, and lobster.

Other VA disability benefits in Florida

Florida provides veterans, spouses, and dependents with a variety of benefits and resources. Among them are career opportunities and assistance for veterans, legal advice, and aid for female veterans. The full list of Florida veterans’ benefits can be found here.

VA facilities in Florida

Below we share information about where to find VA facilities in Florida including regional offices, medical facilities, vet centers, and VA cemeteries. 

VA regional offices in Florida

Each state has at least one VA regional office (VARO) that provides in-person services to help veterans with VA benefits and claims. Offices also offer information about veteran medical help, education and career counseling, memorial benefits, aid for homeless veterans, and more. Below is information of Florida’s VARO. 

VetSuccess offices in Florida

VetSuccess on campus (VSOC) offices are located on college campuses around Florida and the country. These partnerships between schools and the VA aid veterans in obtaining educational benefits and find their best path forward when seeking a degree.

VA medical facilities in Florida

VA medical facilities offer medical information and assistance for veterans. Vets may also receive their compensation and pension (C&P) exam at many of these facilities. The VA uses the information gathered at a C&P exam to determine how severe a veteran’s condition is and whether it is service connected. Below is a list of VA medical facilities in Florida.

Vet Centers in Florida

Vet Centers provide Veterans with counseling and referral services, many of which are community based. These centers also offer services for family members of veterans.

VA cemeteries in Florida

VA cemeteries can be found all over the U.S. and are dedicated resting places for those who honorably served their country. Veterans or families can make arrangements to be laid to rest in a VA cemetery. Qualifying spouses of veterans may also be eligible. You can find eligibility requirements for VA cemeteries here. Below is a list of all VA cemeteries in Florida.

Florida military bases with toxic exposure

Dangerous toxins have been found in the groundwater and soil at various military bases in Florida including Eglin Air Force Base, Whiting Field Naval Air Station, and others. Veterans who were subject to toxic exposure at a Florida military installation and later developed health complications may be eligible for VA disability benefits.

For more information about toxins at Florida military bases and how exposure may affect your health, check out our Military Bases Toxic Exposure Map.

Woods & Woods: Florida VA disability appeal lawyers

Woods & Woods is an accredited VA disability law firm that serves veterans nationwide. Our team of VA disability appeal lawyers serves Florida from Jacksonville to Miami and everywhere in between. We have helped tens of thousands of veterans across the U.S. fight the VA for the full benefits they deserve, including countless veterans and their families in Florida, like L.B., the wife of a Navy veteran:

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If you are looking for an experienced and professional VA disability lawyer in Florida, call us today for your free case evaluation.

Frequently asked questions