Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Legislation to Support Florida Veterans

Florida Bolsters Veteran Support with New Legislation Signed by Governor DeSantis

June 6, 2025
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — Governor Ron DeSantis today enacted three significant bills to enhance support for Florida’s 1.5 million veterans and their families, reinforcing the state’s commitment to being the nation’s most military- and veteran-friendly state. Signed on the anniversary of D-Day, these laws strengthen care, protection, and opportunities for those who have served.

“Florida stands by our veterans every day, and these bills reflect our unwavering dedication to their well-being,” said Governor DeSantis. “We’re proud to lead the nation in supporting those who’ve served.”

The signed legislation includes House Bill 797, Senate Bill 116, and Senate Bill 910.

House Bill 797 simplifies access to long-term care for veterans and their spouses by eliminating bureaucratic hurdles, such as the Certificate of Needs process. It allows skilled nursing facilities to reserve beds specifically for veterans and their spouses, with the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) ensuring compliance with high care and admission standards.

Senate Bill 116 strengthens veteran support by expanding suicide prevention efforts to include early mental health intervention, beyond just crisis response. It also mandates the development of a statewide plan for adult health care centers tailored to veterans’ needs.

Senate Bill 910 safeguards veterans from exploitative practices by regulating unaccredited benefits advisors. The bill ties advisor payments to tangible benefit increases for veterans, caps payouts, bans referral kickbacks, prohibits misleading claims, and requires rigorous background checks for paid advisors. Violations will face tougher penalties under the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.

Governor DeSantis also praised the Hope Florida “A Pathway for Patriots” program, led by First Lady Casey DeSantis. This initiative, part of the FDVA, connects veterans with navigators to overcome barriers and achieve economic independence. Since its launch in late 2023, over 1,000 veterans have benefited. Veterans can access support by calling the Hope Line at (833-GET-HOPE).

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For details on veteran benefits and services, visit FloridaVets.org. To reach a State Veterans’ Service Officer, call (727) 319-7440 for a response within 24 hours or email FDVA.vso@FDVA.fl.gov (mailto:FDVA.vso@FDVA.fl.gov).

For immediate assistance, contact the National Veteran Crisis Hotline at 988, press 1, the Florida Veterans Support Line at 1-844-MyFLVet (1-844-693-5838), or dial 211.

Other Florida Business Press Releases:

Supporting veterans often includes helping those who qualify for federal disability benefits after service-related injuries. Readers navigating claims will benefit from this piece on South Florida Social Security disability attorneys Gonzalez & Goetz, detailing their experienced, client-focused approach.

Legislation supporting Florida residents also intersects with commercial and business law issues across the state. This article offers readers context on regional legal excellence through coverage of Miami business law firm McArdle Frankco’s Chambers 2025 recognition, with practice highlights.

Policy advocacy is a critical component of shaping favorable laws for veterans and businesses alike. Readers interested in government affairs can explore this profile of a Tampa Bay law firm for government affairs, with insight on lobbying and legislative strategy.

Land use, zoning, and development laws also affect veteran housing and community initiatives. This piece gives readers a look at specialized counsel through coverage of a Tampa land use law firm Nason Yeager, with expertise in zoning and planning.