The mission of the Department of Veterans' Affairs is to advocate with purpose and passion for Florida veterans and link them to superior services, benefits, and support. The agency assists Florida veterans, their families and survivors to improve their health and economic well-being through quality benefit information, advocacy, education, and long-term health care.

The department's main administrative office is located in Largo, with a capitol office in Tallahassee, and a division in Bay Pines. The department provides services through two organizational units: the Division of Benefits and Assistance and the State Veterans' Homes Program, which has locations throughout the state.

The Division of Veterans' Benefits and Assistance assists Florida veterans and their dependents in obtaining financial benefits and health care treatments from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

The State Veterans' Homes Program operates eight veterans' nursing homes and one veterans' assisted living facility that provides both long-term skilled care services and assisted living services to eligible Florida veterans.

The department assists Florida veterans, their families and survivors in improving their health and economic well-being through quality benefit information, advocacy, education, and long-term health care. The department assists veterans in many components such as receiving medical treatment, prescriptions, prosthetic devices, benefit checks, school program approval, veterans' preference investigations and determinations, voter registration and disseminating veteran data to the public. The department also employs Veterans' Claims Examiners who work with veterans to receive benefits. Additionally, the department provides counseling and assistance of claims and appeals for state and federal benefits, as well as, applications to correct military records. Lastly, the department provides long-term skilled nursing care and assisted living services.

As of Federal Fiscal Year 2022, Florida is home to 1,450,597 veterans, the third largest veteran population in the nation. Among those veterans are 14,823 World War II veterans, 87,015 Korean War-era veterans, 476,454 Vietnam-era veterans, 338,634 peacetime veterans, 195,521 Gulf War-era veterans, and 217,613 post-9/11 veterans.

Benefits, Training, and Employment for Veterans and Their Spouses. The 2023 Florida Legislature enacted Ch. 2023-161, Laws of Florida, expanding benefits, training, and employment opportunities for veterans and their spouses. The law establishes the Office of Veteran Licensure Services (OVLS) within the Department of Health and requires Florida Is For Veterans, Inc., to assist veterans or their spouses in accessing employment and licensure in health care professions.

Veterans' Services and Recognition. The 2023 Florida Legislature enacted Ch. 2023-162, Laws of Florida, establishing the Division of Long-term Care in the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and creating the Veterans’ Adult Day Health Care of Florida Act. The act establishes basic standards by which the State's veteran adult day health care programs operate.

Dental Services for Veterans. The 2023 Florida Legislature enacted Ch. 2023-164, Laws of Florida, establishing the Veterans Dental Care Grant Program within the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. The new program will provide veterans the opportunity to access routine dental care after they conclude their service.

Other Reports
Annual Reports, Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs
The Auditor General reports on department operations are available on its website

Websites of Interest
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Board of Veterans' Appeals
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Health Benefits
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration

Performance Information

For 24/7 counsel, call the National Veteran Crisis Hotline at 988 and press 1
You may also call the Florida Veterans Support Line at 1-844-MyFL Vet (1-844-693-5838) or dial 211
Website