June 6, 2025
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — On the historic occasion of D-Day, Governor Ron DeSantis signed three transformative bills to enhance the lives of Florida’s nearly 1.5 million veterans and their families. These measures solidify Florida’s position as the nation’s leader in veteran support, delivering critical resources and protections.
“Florida is committed to honoring our veterans’ sacrifices with action,” Governor DeSantis said. “These bills ensure our state remains the best place for veterans to live, thrive, and access the care they deserve.”
The legislation includes House Bill 797, Senate Bill 116, and Senate Bill 910.
House Bill 797 removes barriers to long-term care for veterans and their spouses by eliminating the Certificate of Needs process. It allows skilled nursing facilities to designate beds for veterans, with oversight from the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) to ensure top-tier care standards.
Senate Bill 116 expands veteran mental health support by enhancing suicide prevention programs to focus on early detection of mental health issues. It also directs the creation of a statewide network of veteran-focused adult health care centers.
Senate Bill 910 protects veterans from fraudulent benefits advisors by imposing strict regulations. It limits advisor payments to cases where veterans receive increased benefits, caps fees, bans referral kickbacks, prohibits false promises, and mandates thorough background checks. Violators face heightened penalties under the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.
The Governor also highlighted the Hope Florida “A Pathway for Patriots” initiative, championed by First Lady Casey DeSantis. Since late 2023, this FDVA program has assisted over 1,000 veterans with navigators who guide them toward economic self-sufficiency. Veterans can reach out via the Hope Line at (833-GET-HOPE).
Learn more about veteran services at FloridaVets.org. Contact a State Veterans’ Service Officer at (727) 319-7440 (calls returned within 24 hours) or email FDVA.vso@FDVA.fl.gov (mailto:FDVA.vso@FDVA.fl.gov).
For 24/7 support, call 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.
Governor DeSantis Signs Trio of Bills to Empower Florida’s Veterans
June 6, 2025
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — On the historic occasion of D-Day, Governor Ron DeSantis signed three transformative bills to enhance the lives of Florida’s nearly 1.5 million veterans and their families. These measures solidify Florida’s position as the nation’s leader in veteran support, delivering critical resources and protections.
“Florida is committed to honoring our veterans’ sacrifices with action,” Governor DeSantis said. “These bills ensure our state remains the best place for veterans to live, thrive, and access the care they deserve.”
The legislation includes House Bill 797, Senate Bill 116, and Senate Bill 910.
House Bill 797 removes barriers to long-term care for veterans and their spouses by eliminating the Certificate of Needs process. It allows skilled nursing facilities to designate beds for veterans, with oversight from the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) to ensure top-tier care standards.
Senate Bill 116 expands veteran mental health support by enhancing suicide prevention programs to focus on early detection of mental health issues. It also directs the creation of a statewide network of veteran-focused adult health care centers.
Senate Bill 910 protects veterans from fraudulent benefits advisors by imposing strict regulations. It limits advisor payments to cases where veterans receive increased benefits, caps fees, bans referral kickbacks, prohibits false promises, and mandates thorough background checks. Violators face heightened penalties under the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.
The Governor also highlighted the Hope Florida “A Pathway for Patriots” initiative, championed by First Lady Casey DeSantis. Since late 2023, this FDVA program has assisted over 1,000 veterans with navigators who guide them toward economic self-sufficiency. Veterans can reach out via the Hope Line at (833-GET-HOPE).
Learn more about veteran services at FloridaVets.org. Contact a State Veterans’ Service Officer at (727) 319-7440 (calls returned within 24 hours) or email FDVA.vso@FDVA.fl.gov (mailto:FDVA.vso@FDVA.fl.gov).
For 24/7 support, call 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.
