Florida Veteran Benefits: State Benefits Guide

• Florida public universities, Florida College System institutions and career centers must waive tuition for undergraduate college credit programs and career certificate programs for each recipient of a Purple Heart or another combat decoration superior in precedence. The student must be enrolled in a program that ends in an associate or baccalaureate degree, a college credit certificate or a career certificate, be a Florida resident now or when the decoration was earned, and give the school the DD-214 (or other documentation the DoD or VA recognizes). The waiver covers 110 percent of the required credit hours (Fla. Stat. 1009.26(8)).

  “A state university, a Florida College System institution, a career center operated by a school district under s. 1001.44, or a charter technical career center shall waive tuition for undergraduate college credit programs and career certificate programs for each recipient of a Purple Heart or another combat decoration superior in precedence who: (a) Is enrolled as a full-time, part-time, or summer-school student in a program that terminates in an associate or a baccalaureate degree, a college credit certificate, or a career certificate; (b) Is currently, or was at the time of the military action that resulted in the awarding of the Purple Heart or other combat decoration superior in precedence, a resident of this state; and (c) Submits to the university, institution, or center the DD-214 form issued at the time of separation from service as documentation that the student has received a Purple Heart or another combat decoration superior in precedence. If the DD-214 is not available, other documentation may be acceptable if recognized by the United States Department of Defense or the United States Department of Veterans Affairs as documenting the award. Such a waiver for a Purple Heart recipient or recipient of another combat decoration superior in precedence shall be applicable for 110 percent of the number of required credit hours of the degree or certificate program for which the student is enrolled.” (Fla. Stat. 1009.26(8))

• FDVA describes the same waiver for Florida recipients of the Purple Heart and other combat-related decorations superior in precedence to the Purple Heart.

  “Florida waives undergraduate-level tuition at state universities, community colleges, and career and technical training facilities for Florida recipients of the Purple Heart and other combat-related decorations superior in precedence to the Purple Heart.” (FDVA Education page)

• Congressman C.W. Bill Young Veteran Tuition Waiver Program (Fla. Stat. 1009.26(13)): institutions waive out-of-state fees for an honorably discharged veteran who physically lives in Florida while enrolled, or for a person who uses VA educational assistance for a term beginning after July 1, 2015 and lives in Florida while enrolled. This is a waiver of out-of-state fees, not of tuition.

  “A state university, Florida College System institution, career center operated by a school district under s. 1001.44, or charter technical career center shall waive out-of-state fees for a person who is: 1. An honorably discharged veteran of the United States Armed Forces, the United States Reserve Forces, or the National Guard who physically resides in this state while enrolled in the institution; or 2. Entitled to and uses educational assistance provided by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs for a quarter, semester, or term beginning after July 1, 2015, who physically resides in this state while enrolled in the institution.” (Fla. Stat. 1009.26(13)(a))

• Education for a veteran’s child (Fla. Stat. 295.01): it is state policy to provide educational opportunity at state expense for a dependent child of a servicemember who died of service-connected causes on active duty, or who has a service-connected 100-percent total and permanent rating for compensation, a 100 percent total and permanent rating with disability retirement pay, or an FDVA identification card. This is a benefit for the child, not the veteran.

  “It is the policy of the state to provide educational opportunity at state expense for a dependent child, as defined in s. 1009.21(1), of a servicemember who: 1. Died as a result of service-connected injuries, disease, or disability sustained while on active duty; or 2. Has been: a. Determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or its predecessor to have a service-connected 100-percent total and permanent disability rating for compensation; b. Determined to have a service-connected total and permanent disability rating of 100 percent and is in receipt of disability retirement pay from any branch of the United States Armed Forces; or c. Issued a valid identification card by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs in accordance with s. 295.17.” (Fla. Stat. 295.01(2)(a))

• For a disabled servicemember’s child, Florida must have been the servicemember’s home of record when the disability occurred, or the child must qualify as a Florida resident for tuition and the servicemember must be a Florida resident.

  “The dependent child of a disabled servicemember is eligible for educational benefits under this section if: 1. Immediately preceding the occurrence of the servicemember’s disability, Florida was listed as the servicemember’s official home of record in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) database; or 2. The child qualifies as a resident for tuition purposes under s. 1009.21 and the servicemember is a resident of this state.” (Fla. Stat. 295.01(2)(c))

• FDVA points families to the scholarship program for children and spouses of deceased or disabled veterans, which Fla. Stat. 295.01 sets up; its page names floridastudentfinancialaid.org.

  “Florida also provides scholarship opportunities for dependent children and spouses of veterans who died from a service-connected disability or who are 100 percent service-connected permanent and total disabled veterans through the Scholarships for Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans program.” (FDVA Education page)

• One free disabled veteran (DV) plate for a vehicle the veteran owns or leases. The veteran must have lived in Florida continuously for the preceding 5 years or have established domicile, have an honorable discharge, and prove one of three things: a vehicle was first acquired with VA financial assistance for buying an automobile; a service-connected 100-percent rating for compensation; or a 100 percent rating with disability retirement pay (Fla. Stat. 320.084(1)).

  “One free disabled veteran motor vehicle license number plate shall be issued by the department for use on any motor vehicle owned or leased by any disabled veteran who has been a resident of this state continuously for the preceding 5 years or has established a domicile in this state as provided by s. 222.17(1), (2), or (3), and who has been honorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces, upon application, accompanied by proof that: (a) A vehicle was initially acquired through financial assistance by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or its predecessor specifically for the purchase of an automobile; (b) The applicant has been determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or its predecessor to have a service-connected 100-percent disability rating for compensation; or (c) The applicant has been determined to have a service-connected disability rating of 100 percent and is in receipt of disability retirement pay from any branch of the United States Armed Services.” (Fla. Stat. 320.084(1))

• FLHSMV says the same: 100 percent disabled veterans are eligible for a “DV” plate at no charge to the applicant.

  “Under section 320.084, Florida Statutes, 100 percent disabled veterans are eligible for a “DV” license plate at no charge to the applicant.” (FLHSMV Military & Veterans Information page)

• Registration: the validation sticker for each new plate is issued without cost.

  “With the issuance of each new permanent disabled veteran motor vehicle license plate, the department shall initially issue, without cost to the applicant, a validation sticker reflecting the owner’s birth month and a serially numbered validation sticker reflecting the year of expiration.” (Fla. Stat. 320.084(4)(a))

• A service charge still applies to each initial application or renewal of registration.

  “There shall be a service charge in accordance with the provisions of s. 320.04 for each initial application or renewal of registration and an additional sum of 50 cents on each license plate and validation sticker as provided in s. 320.06(3)(b).” (Fla. Stat. 320.084(4)(b))

• The registration tax exemption covers one plate: FLHSMV’s procedure manual calls it a “tax-free” plate and says additional DV plates pay the regular registration tax and fees. (The manual’s revision date is March 7, 2022.)

  “Only one tax-free Disabled Veteran license plate or Disabled Veteran Wheelchair license plate can be issued to each disabled veteran with a 100 percent service-connected disability. Additional Disabled Veteran license plates may be issued by charging the regular registration tax and applicable fees.” (FLHSMV procedure RS-17, General Information)

• FLHSMV’s 2025 technical advisory repeats that the veteran may only receive one free plate.

  “The disabled veteran may only receive one free plate.” (FLHSMV technical advisory RSTL 25-014)

• Instead of the DV plate a veteran may choose a military plate or a specialty plate embossed with “DV”, but then pays the applicable fees for that plate, other than the fees that are waived.

  “A disabled veteran who meets the requirements of subsection (1) may be issued, in lieu of the disabled veteran license plate, a military license plate for which he or she is eligible or a specialty license plate embossed with the initials “DV” in the top left-hand corner. A disabled veteran electing a military license plate or specialty license plate under this subsection must pay all applicable fees related to such license plate, except for fees otherwise waived under subsections (1) and (4).” (Fla. Stat. 320.084(6)(a))

• Where to apply: a county tax collector office or a license plate agency can issue it.

  “Disabled Veteran and Disabled Veteran Wheelchair license plates may be issued in a county tax collector office or license plate agency.” (FLHSMV procedure RS-17, Application Requirements)

• Fla. Stat. 322.21(7) exempts a veteran from all fees for a driver license when the veteran was honorably discharged, can obtain a license, and has an FDVA identification card, a VA 100-percent total and permanent service-connected rating for compensation, or a 100 percent total and permanent rating with disability retirement pay.

  “Any veteran honorably discharged from the Armed Forces who has been issued a valid identification card by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs in accordance with s. 295.17, has been determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or its predecessor to have a 100-percent total and permanent service-connected disability rating for compensation, or has been determined to have a service-connected total and permanent disability rating of 100 percent, is in receipt of disability retirement pay from any branch of the United States Armed Services, and who is qualified to obtain a driver license under this chapter is exempt from all fees required by this section.” (Fla. Stat. 322.21(7))

• FLHSMV describes the benefit as a no-fee driver license, with endorsements, or identification card for veterans with a 100 percent service-connected disability.

  “Under section 322.21, Florida Statutes, veterans with a 100 percent service-connected disability are eligible for a no fee driver license, with endorsements, or an identification card.” (FLHSMV Military & Veterans Information page)

• Proof: FLHSMV asks for a valid identification card from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs showing the 100 percent, total and permanent service-connected rating.

  “Qualified veterans should provide a valid identification card from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, indicating the 100 percent, total and permanent service-connected disability rating.” (FLHSMV Military & Veterans Information page)

• The same veterans also get the Veteran designation at no fee.

  “The same veterans are also entitled to a no fee Veteran’s designation on their driver license or ID card.” (FLHSMV Military & Veterans Information page)

• Any veteran, whatever the rating, can have the word “Veteran” on a driver license by presenting a DD Form 214, a VA veteran health identification card, a VA veteran identification card, or another form FDVA accepts (Fla. Stat. 322.14(1)(d)).

  “The word “Veteran” must be exhibited on the driver license of a veteran upon the presentation of a copy of the person’s: a. DD Form 214, issued by the United States Department of Defense; b. Veteran health identification card, issued by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs; c. Veteran identification card, issued by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs pursuant to the Veterans Identification Card Act of 2015, Pub. L. No. 114-31; or d. Other acceptable form specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.” (Fla. Stat. 322.14(1)(d)1)

• A replacement license that only adds the designation is free.

  “Replacement driver licenses are free to veterans only adding the “Veteran” designation.” (FLHSMV Military & Veterans Information page)

• The commission issues hunting, freshwater fishing and saltwater fishing licenses and permits without fee to a resident who is a disabled veteran honorably discharged and certified by the VA or a service branch at a service-connected rating of 50 percent or greater. A license issued after July 1, 2024 lasts 5 years and is reissued on request (Fla. Stat. 379.353(1)(c)).

  “A disabled veteran of the United States Armed Forces who was honorably discharged upon separation from service and who is certified by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or its predecessor or by any branch of the United States Armed Forces as having a service-connected disability percentage rating of 50 percent or greater, upon proof of such certification or determination. Any license issued under this paragraph after July 1, 2024, expires after 5 years and must be reissued, upon request, every 5 years thereafter.” (Fla. Stat. 379.353(1)(c))

• A resident who is certified totally and permanently disabled by the VA or a service branch, or who holds an FDVA identification card, also qualifies, with a 5-year license, under Fla. Stat. 379.353(1)(a).

  “totally and permanently disabled by the Railroad Retirement Board, by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or its predecessor, or by any branch of the United States Armed Forces, or who holds a valid identification card issued under s. 295.17, upon proof of such certification or determination. Any license issued under this paragraph after January 1, 1997, expires after 5 years and must be reissued, upon request, every 5 years thereafter.” (Fla. Stat. 379.353(1)(a))

• FWC calls it a no-cost license, an economic benefit rather than a disability accommodation.

  “The Resident Persons with Disabilities Hunting and Fishing License is a no-cost license that is not a disability accommodation, but an economic benefit for the segment of Florida’s disabled community that may not be able to afford the license privileges that are offered in this license.” (FWC Persons with Disabilities Resident Hunting/Fishing License page)

• What it includes: saltwater fishing, freshwater fishing and hunting licenses, and several permits.

  “The Resident Persons with Disabilities License includes Saltwater Fishing, Freshwater Fishing, and Hunting licenses; and Deer, Wildlife Management Area, Archery, Muzzleloading Gun, Crossbow, Turkey, Florida Waterfowl, Snook, and Lobster permits.” (FWC Persons with Disabilities Resident Hunting/Fishing License page)

• The federal Duck Stamp is not included: FWC lists waterfowl hunting without a Federal Duck Stamp or Migratory Bird Permit among what the license does not cover.

  “Waterfowl hunting without a Federal Duck Stamp or Migratory Bird Permit.” (FWC Persons with Disabilities Resident Hunting/Fishing License page, “This license does not include”)

• The applicant must be a Florida resident and show a Florida driver license or ID to apply online.

  “Applicant must be a Florida resident and provide a valid Florida Driver License or ID to apply online.” (FWC Persons with Disabilities Resident Hunting/Fishing License page)

• Apply online or at a local tax collector’s office with proof of residency and qualifying disability documentation.

  “Applicants may apply for this license online or at a local tax collector's office. Proof of Florida residency and qualifying disability documentation is required.” (FWC Persons with Disabilities Resident Hunting/Fishing License page, How to Apply)

• Fla. Stat. 258.0145 has the Division of Recreation and Parks give honorably discharged veterans who have service-connected disabilities a lifetime family annual entrance pass at no charge. The statute sets no minimum rating, and the division can require written documentation it finds satisfactory.

  “Honorably discharged veterans who have service-connected disabilities shall receive lifetime family annual entrance passes at no charge.” (Fla. Stat. 258.0145(2))

• Florida State Parks describes it as a free Lifetime Military Entrance Pass with the same benefits as the Family Annual Entrance Pass.

  “Free Lifetime Military Entrance Passes for honorably discharged U.S. veterans who have service-connected disabilities. These passes provide the same benefits as the Family Annual Entrance Pass.” (Florida State Parks FAQ)

• Proof of identification, service-connected disability, honorable discharge and veteran status is required (from the parks discount sheet, document date 07/2017).

  “Proof of identification, service-connected disability, honorable discharge and veteran or retired military status are required.” (Florida State Parks annual pass discount sheet)

• The pass is issued in person at a state park with a ranger station, not by mail or online.

  “Discounted and free passes must be sold/issued in person at a state park with a ranger station; they cannot be acquired by mail or online.” (Florida State Parks FAQ)

• A veteran without a service-connected disability gets a 25 percent discount on annual entrance passes (active duty members and honorably discharged veterans of the armed forces, National Guard or reserve components).

  “Active duty members and honorably discharged veterans of the United States Armed Forces, National Guard, or reserve components thereof shall receive a 25-percent discount on annual entrance passes.” (Fla. Stat. 258.0145(1))

• The state and its political subdivisions must give preference in appointment and retention to disabled veterans who served on active duty, were honorably discharged and have a service-connected disability compensable under VA law, or who receive VA or DoD compensation, disability retirement benefits or pension (Fla. Stat. 295.07(1)(a)).

  “The state and its political subdivisions shall give preference in appointment and retention in positions of employment to: (a) Those disabled veterans: 1. Who have served on active duty in any branch of the United States Armed Forces, have received an honorable discharge, and have established the present existence of a service-connected disability that is compensable under public laws administered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs; or 2. Who are receiving compensation, disability retirement benefits, or pension pursuant to public laws administered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and the United States Department of Defense.” (Fla. Stat. 295.07(1)(a))

• The preference also covers the spouse of a person with a total, permanent service-connected disability who cannot qualify for employment because of it, and the spouse of a person missing in action, captured or detained.

  “The spouse of a person who has a total disability, permanent in nature, resulting from a service-connected disability and who, because of this disability, cannot qualify for employment, and the spouse of a person missing in action, captured in line of duty by a hostile force, or forcibly detained or interned in line of duty by a foreign government or power.” (Fla. Stat. 295.07(1)(b))

• Where an examination is used, a disabled veteran gets 20 points added to the earned rating; wartime veterans and some survivors get 15 and other veterans get 10, if the person has a qualifying score (Fla. Stat. 295.08).

  “For positions for which an examination is used to determine the qualifications for entrance into employment with the state or any of its political subdivisions, 20 points must be added to the earned ratings of a person included under s. 295.07(1)(a) or (b), 15 points must be added to the earned ratings of a person included under s. 295.07(1)(c), (d), or (e), and 10 points must be added to the earned rating of a person included under s. 295.07(1)(f) or (g), if the person has obtained a qualifying score on the examination for the position.” (Fla. Stat. 295.08)

• A veteran qualified for the 20-point preference whose service-connected disability is rated 30 percent or more by the VA or DoD goes to the top of the register or list, except for classes of positions with Federal Government designations of professional or technician.

  “However, except for classes of positions with Federal Government designations of professional or technician, the names of all persons who are qualified to receive a 20-point preference whose service-connected disabilities have been rated by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or its predecessor or the United States Department of Defense to be 30 percent or more must be placed at the top of the appropriate register or employment list, in accordance with their respective augmented ratings.” (Fla. Stat. 295.08)

• Some positions are exempt from the preference: certain positions exempt from the state Career Service System, and political subdivision positions filled by election or appointment to boards, temporary jobs without benefits and positions that require Florida Bar membership.

  “The following positions are exempt from this section: (a) Those positions that are exempt from the state Career Service System under s. 110.205(2); however, all positions under the University Support Personnel System of the State University System as well as all Career Service System positions under the Florida College System and the School for the Deaf and the Blind, or the equivalent of such positions at state universities, Florida College System institutions, or the School for the Deaf and the Blind, are not exempt. (b) Positions in political subdivisions which are filled by officers elected by popular vote or persons appointed to fill vacancies in such offices, members of boards and commissions, persons employed on a temporary basis without benefits, and positions that require that the employee be a member of The Florida Bar.” (Fla. Stat. 295.07(5))

Federal VA compensation is separate. For monthly VA pay by rating see the VA disability pay chart 2026.

• Florida disabled veteran property tax exemption calculator – exemption amount and estimated savings
• VA disability pay chart 2026 – federal monthly VA compensation by rating
• VA disability calculator – combined rating and monthly compensation
• VA benefits by disability rating – what each rating unlocks
• VA automobile allowance – federal vehicle payment for qualifying disabilities

• Texas veteran benefits – Hazlewood tuition, plates, hunting and state parks
• Texas disabled veteran property tax exemption calculator – $5,000 to $12,000 by rating, total homestead exemption