Lazaro Aleman
reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com
Three new bills that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently signed into law aim at strengthening the state’s support systems for Veterans and their families.
The governor called the three measures – House Bill 797, Senate Bill 116 and Senate Bill 910 – a reaffirmation of Florida’s status as “the most veteran-friendly state in the nation.”
HB-797, according to the governor’s office, streamlines access to long-term care for Veterans and their spouses by removing bureaucratic obstacles such as the Certificate of Needs processes.
It also facilitates better utilization of skilled nursing facilities across the state by allowing them to designate specific beds for Veterans and their spouses. The bill further empowers the Florida Division of Veteran Affairs to approve these stated designations, so long as facilities meet the established rigorous standards for care and admission.
SB-116 provides a comprehensive overhaul of how Florida supports its Veterans by expanding suicide prevention programs to include early recognition of mental health conditions and not solely emergency intervention. The bill also directs the creation of a statewide plan for adult health care centers dedicated to Veterans.
SB-910, meanwhile, protects veterans from predatory practices by cracking down on bad actors who seek to exploit Veterans who are navigating the benefits process. The legislation creates strong new protections for Veterans by placing clear limits on unaccredited benefits advisors, qualifying payment contingent upon securing a real increase on benefits for the Veteran, and capping payouts.
It further bans referral kickbacks, prohibits misleading guarantees, and mandates that anyone offering paid benefits must pass a high-level background check. Violators will face stricter penalties under the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.
Governor DeSantis also highlighted the success of “A Pathway for Patriots” initiative, a program within the FDVA that connects Veterans with trained navigators who offer guidance and advice for eliminating obstacles and fostering economic self-sufficiency. Since late 2023, more than 1,000 veterans have benefited from the program, according to the governor’s office. Veterans in need of support can connect with the program by calling (833) GET-HOPE (438-4673).
For more information regarding benefits and services available to veterans in the state, visit FloridaVets.org, or call a State Veterans’ Service Officer at (727) 319-7440. You may also contact them via email at FDVA.vso@FDVA.fl.gov.
For 24/7 counsel, call the National Veteran Crisis Hotline at 988, then press 1. Or call the Florida Veterans Support Line at 1 (844) MyFL Vet (693-5838) or dial 211.