Florida Veteran benefits

34 benefits from Florida for Veterans and their families, on top of what VA gives. Many need no disability rating.

Each one says who qualifies, how to apply, the official link, and the date we last checked it. Rules change, so the official page has the final word.

Free help in Florida

Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs is the state Veterans agency. They can tell you what you qualify for and help you apply.

Call 844-693-5838 State agency website

A Veterans service officer (VSO) helps with VA claims and state benefits for free.

Find a service officer near you Florida's list of local offices

Your VA disability rating

Who is it for?

34 benefits

Property tax

10%+
$5,000 Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans
Florida resident veterans honorably discharged with a service-connected disability rating of 10% or more can get a $5,000 reduction in the assessed value of a property they own. Unremarried surviving spouses may also qualify.
Who qualifies
Rating: VA rating of 10% or higher. Florida resident, honorably discharged veteran with a VA-certified service-connected disability of 10% or greater; disability need not be combat-related.
How to apply
Establish the exemption with the county property appraiser's office using VA disability documentation.
Official page
Last checked October 26, 2026.
Any rating
Combat-Related Disability Homestead Discount for Veterans 65+
Florida homeowner-veterans age 65 or older with a permanent, combat-related service-connected disability receive a percentage discount on homestead property taxes equal to their disability rating. The discount can carry over to an unremarried surviving spouse.
Who qualifies
Rating: Any VA service-connected rating, even 0%. Age 65 or older, honorably discharged, partially or totally disabled with a permanent combat-related service-connected disability, and a Florida homestead owner.
How to apply
File Form DR-501DV with the county property appraiser with proof of age, VA rating letter, and combat-related evidence.
Official page
Last checked September 27, 2026.
No rating needed
Exemption for Deployed Servicemembers
Florida homestead owners who were deployed overseas during a designated military operation in the prior year get an added homestead tax exemption prorated to the number of days deployed. Applies to current members of the Armed Forces, Coast Guard, or Florida National Guard.
Who qualifies
Rating: No disability rating needed. Homestead owner deployed outside the continental U.S., Alaska, or Hawaii during the preceding calendar year on a legislatively designated qualifying operation.
How to apply
File the Deployed Military Exemption application (Form DR-501M) with the county property appraiser, generally by March 1 of the following year.
Official page
Last checked September 27, 2026.
100% P&T
Total Property Tax Exemption for Totally/Permanently Disabled Veterans
Florida resident veterans who are honorably discharged with a VA service-connected total and permanent disability pay no property tax on their home (homestead). Quadriplegic veterans get the same full exemption.
Who qualifies
Rating: 100% VA rating that is Permanent and Total (P&T). Florida resident, honorably discharged veteran with a VA-certified total and permanent service-connected disability, or wheelchair-confined veteran under s.196.091.
How to apply
File Form DR-501 with your county property appraiser along with your VA disability letter and DD-214.
Official page
Last checked September 27, 2026.
100% P&TFor family or survivors
Surviving Spouse Property Tax Exemption (100% Service-Connected)
The surviving spouse of a veteran with a total and permanent service-connected disability retains a full homestead property tax exemption if the spouse does not remarry and remains the primary resident.
Who qualifies
Rating: 100% VA rating that is Permanent and Total (P&T). Surviving spouse of an honorably discharged veteran certified as totally and permanently disabled who does not remarry; veteran must have been Florida resident on January 1 of the year of death
How to apply
Apply at county property appraiser with letter of total and permanent disability from VA or U.S. Government
Official page
Last checked October 26, 2026.
No rating neededFor family or survivors
Surviving Spouse Property Tax Exemption (Active Duty Death)
The surviving spouse of a veteran who died from service-connected causes while on active duty receives a full homestead property tax exemption if the spouse does not remarry.
Who qualifies
Rating: No disability rating needed. Surviving spouse of a veteran who died from service-connected causes while on active duty; veteran must have been Florida resident on January 1 of year of death; surviving spouse must not remarry
How to apply
Apply at county property appraiser with letter from U.S. Government certifying death from service-connected causes
Official page
Last checked October 3, 2026.

Income tax, retirement pay and other taxes

No rating needed
No State Income Tax on Military Retirement or VA Benefits
Florida imposes no individual income tax, so military retirement pay, VA disability compensation, and other VA benefits received by veterans are not taxed at the state level. This applies automatically to all residents regardless of income source.
Who qualifies
Rating: No disability rating needed. Any Florida resident receiving military retirement pay, VA disability compensation, or other retirement income; no filing or application needed.
How to apply
No application required; Florida does not collect individual income tax returns.
Official page
Last checked October 26, 2026.

Vehicles, driver's licenses and plates

100%+
Free "DV" License Plate for 100% Disabled Veterans
Florida issues one free "DV" motor vehicle license plate to honorably discharged veterans with a VA-determined service-connected 100% disability rating. A small service charge and 50-cent surcharge still apply on renewals.
Who qualifies
Rating: 100% VA rating. Disabled veteran with a service-connected 100% disability rating who has been a Florida resident continuously for the preceding 5 years or has established Florida domicile.
How to apply
Apply at your county tax collector's office with a VA letter confirming the 100% rating and DD-214.
Official page
Last checked October 26, 2026.
No rating needed
Free Florida ID Card for Homeless Veterans
Homeless veterans and their spouses and children can obtain a Florida identification card at no charge. This helps homeless veterans access services and benefits that require government ID.
Who qualifies
Rating: No disability rating needed. Veteran (or spouse/child) who is homeless, verified per FLHSMV requirements (e.g., HUD-VASH eligibility letter).
How to apply
Visit a driver license service center in person to apply for the fee-waived ID card.
Official page
Last checked September 27, 2026.
No rating needed
Military and Veteran Specialty License Plates
Florida offers more than 30 military-related specialty plates covering service branches, specific conflicts, and combat decorations, including a general "Veteran of the United States Armed Forces" plate for any honorably discharged veteran.
Who qualifies
Rating: No disability rating needed. Varies by plate; generally requires DD-214 and, for conflict/decoration plates, specific proof of the award or service period.
How to apply
Apply at your local county tax collector's office or license plate agent using form HSMV 83034; certain plates (e.g., Medal of Honor) must go to FLHSMV directly.
Official page
Last checked September 27, 2026.
100% P&T
No-Fee Driver License for 100% Disabled Veterans
Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating qualify for a no-fee driver license (with endorsements) or ID card, plus the no-fee veteran designation on that card.
Who qualifies
Rating: 100% VA rating that is Permanent and Total (P&T). Veteran certified by the VA as having a 100% total and permanent service-connected disability rating.
How to apply
Provide a valid VA identification card or letter showing the 100% rating at a driver license service center.
Official page
Last checked September 27, 2026.
Certain disabilities
Parking Fee Exemption for Disabled Veteran Plates
Vehicles displaying a Disabled Veteran, Disabled Veteran Wheelchair, or Paralyzed Veterans of America license plate are exempt from certain parking fees charged by government entities under Florida law.
Who qualifies
Rating: Certain serious disabilities (see who qualifies). Vehicle owner displaying a qualifying Disabled Veteran, Disabled Veteran Wheelchair, or Paralyzed Veterans of America plate.
Requires Disabled Veteran, Disabled Veteran Wheelchair, or Paralyzed Veterans of America license plate
How to apply
No separate application; exemption applies automatically to vehicles bearing the qualifying plate per Section 316.1964, F.S.
Official page
Last checked September 27, 2026.
No rating needed
Sales Tax Exemption on VA-Paid Portion of Vehicle Purchase
Florida exempts from sales and use tax any portion of a motor vehicle's purchase price paid directly by the VA to the selling dealer, such as through a VA automobile grant. The buyer-paid portion remains taxable.
Who qualifies
Rating: No disability rating needed. Veteran purchasing a vehicle where part of the price is paid directly by the VA to the dealer (e.g., VA automobile adaptive equipment grant).
How to apply
The dealer applies the exemption at time of sale and must retain exemption documentation.
Official page
Last checked October 26, 2026.
No rating needed
Veteran Designation on Driver License or ID Card
Florida veterans who were discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable can add a "V" veteran designation to their driver license or ID card, which can be used to prove veteran status for retailer discounts.
Who qualifies
Rating: No disability rating needed. Any U.S. veteran discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable or uncharacterized, residing in Florida.
How to apply
Visit any local FLHSMV service center with a copy of your DD-214 or other approved discharge document.
Official page
Last checked September 27, 2026.
No rating neededFor family or survivors
Gold Star Family License Plate
Florida offers Gold Star license plates to family members of a service member killed while serving. Surviving spouses and parents get the plate free for up to three vehicles per household, with free renewals. Other family members pay normal plate fees.
Who qualifies
Rating: No disability rating needed. Florida resident who is the spouse, parent, stepparent, adoptive or foster parent, grandparent, child, stepchild, or sibling (including half-sibling) of a service member killed while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Vehicle must be a private car, a truck of 7,999 lbs or less, or certain RVs, not used for hire.
How to apply
Apply at tax collector or license plate agent with proof of relationship to fallen servicemember and Department of Defense documentation
Official page
Last checked October 26, 2026.

Hunting, fishing and parks

Any rating
Florida State Parks Military Entrance Passes and Discount
Florida State Parks give current and retired service members a 25% discount on annual entrance passes, and veterans with a service-connected disability (as well as surviving spouses/parents of combat deaths) get a free lifetime military entrance pass.
Who qualifies
Rating: Any VA service-connected rating, even 0%. Active/retired service members for the discount; honorably discharged veterans with any service-connected disability, or surviving spouse/parent of a service member killed in combat, for the free lifetime pass.
How to apply
Obtain in person at any Florida State Park with ID, DD-214, and disability documentation as applicable.
Official page
Last checked September 27, 2026.
50%+
Free Persons with Disabilities Hunting/Fishing License for Disabled Veterans
Florida gives a free hunting, freshwater fishing, and saltwater fishing license to resident veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 50% or more. Veterans rated totally and permanently disabled also qualify. The license lasts 5 years and can be renewed.
Who qualifies
Rating: VA rating of 50% or higher. Florida resident. Honorably discharged veteran with a VA or Armed Forces service-connected disability rating of 50% or more. Or a person certified totally and permanently disabled by the VA, workers' compensation, or Railroad Retirement Board, or holding an ID card under s. 295.17.
How to apply
Obtain the no-cost license at any county tax collector's office with proof of age, residency, and disability certification.
Official page
Last checked October 26, 2026.
No rating needed
Military Gold Sportsman's License
Florida offers active duty and retired military members a reduced-fee $20 annual license bundling hunting, freshwater fishing, and saltwater fishing licenses plus many permits, versus the standard $100 Gold Sportsman's License.
Who qualifies
Rating: No disability rating needed. Florida resident active duty or retired member of the U.S. Armed Forces, Reserves, Florida National Guard, or Coast Guard/Reserve, or non-resident active duty stationed in Florida.
How to apply
Purchase online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or at any Florida tax collector's office with a current military ID.
Official page
Last checked September 27, 2026.
Any rating
Military/Disabled Veteran Event License Exemption Permit
Organizers of outdoor recreational events for the rehabilitation or enjoyment of disabled veterans or service members can obtain a permit exempting qualified participants from needing hunting/fishing licenses during that event.
Who qualifies
Rating: Any VA service-connected rating, even 0%. Resident and non-resident disabled veterans or active/reserve service members, their immediate family, and one designated assistant, participating in a permitted event.
How to apply
The event organizer applies to FWC for the Military/Disabled Veteran Event License Exemption permit before the event.
Official page
Last checked September 27, 2026.

School and tuition

No rating needed
C.W. Bill Young Out-of-State Tuition Waiver
Florida waives out-of-state tuition and fees for honorably discharged veterans who reside in Florida and attend Florida public postsecondary institutions. The waiver extends to spouses and dependent children using GI Bill benefits.
Who qualifies
Rating: No disability rating needed. Honorably discharged veteran residing in Florida enrolled at a Florida public college/university, or spouse/dependent child using VA GI Bill education benefits and residing in Florida.
How to apply
Provide proof of Florida residency and discharge/VA benefit documentation to the institution's registrar or veterans services office.
Official page
Last checked September 27, 2026.
No rating needed
Priority Course Registration for Veterans
Florida College System institutions and state universities give priority course registration to veterans using GI Bill educational benefits, as well as their spouses and dependent children receiving the same benefits.
Who qualifies
Rating: No disability rating needed. Veterans, spouses, and dependent children currently receiving GI Bill educational benefits and enrolled at a Florida College System institution or state university.
How to apply
Register through the institution's registrar; proof of GI Bill benefit use required.
Official page
Last checked September 27, 2026.
No rating needed
Purple Heart and Combat Decoration Tuition Waiver
Florida waives undergraduate-level tuition at state universities, colleges, and career/technical centers for Florida residents who received the Purple Heart or a superior combat decoration. The waiver covers up to 110% of required program hours.
Who qualifies
Rating: No disability rating needed. Florida resident recipient of the Purple Heart or a combat decoration superior in precedence to the Purple Heart, enrolled in a degree, certificate, or diploma program.
How to apply
Contact the Florida Department of Education Office of Student Financial Assistance or the institution's veterans office; call (850) 245-0407.
Official page
Last checked September 27, 2026.
100% P&TFor family or survivors
Scholarships for Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans (CSDDV)
Florida provides tuition and fee scholarships for dependent children and spouses of veterans who died from a service-connected disability or who are 100% permanently and totally disabled. Awards can cover up to 110% of required credit hours for an initial degree or certificate.
Who qualifies
Rating: 100% VA rating that is Permanent and Total (P&T). Dependent child or spouse of a Florida-resident veteran who died from a service-connected disability, was a 100% P&T disabled veteran, or was declared POW/MIA; U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
How to apply
Apply through the Florida Office of Student Financial Assistance; call (888) 827-2004 or visit floridastudentfinancialaid.org.
Official page
Last checked September 27, 2026.
No rating neededFor family or survivors
Transcript Fee Waiver for Veterans and Dependents
Florida public colleges, state universities, and public career and technical centers must waive transcript fees for active duty members and honorably discharged veterans. The waiver also covers their spouses and dependents.
Who qualifies
Rating: No disability rating needed. Active duty service member or honorably discharged veteran, or their spouse or dependent, asking for a transcript from a Florida state university, Florida College System school, school district career center, or charter technical career center. Private schools are not covered.
How to apply
Request the fee waiver directly from the institution's registrar office when ordering a transcript.
Official page
Last checked October 26, 2026.
No rating neededFor family or survivors
Tuition Waiver for Surviving Spouse and Children (Active Duty Death)
Surviving spouses and children of service members killed in the line of duty receive a waiver of tuition, matriculation, and registration fees for up to 120 credit hours at Florida public colleges, universities, or state career centers.
Who qualifies
Rating: No disability rating needed. Surviving spouse and dependent children of a service member killed in the line of duty
How to apply
Apply at the financial aid office of the Florida public college, university, or state career center
Official page
Last checked October 3, 2026.
No rating neededFor family or survivors
Tuition Waiver for Survivors of Deceased Military Members
Spouses or dependents of Florida National Guard members or U.S. Armed Forces members who died in the line of duty receive a tuition waiver covering up to 120 credit hours or 3,600 clock hours at Florida institutions.
Who qualifies
Rating: No disability rating needed. Spouse or dependent of a deceased Florida National Guard member (full-time active duty) or a U.S. Armed Forces member who was a Florida resident or stationed in Florida at time of death.
How to apply
Contact the Veteran Affairs office at the institution of enrollment.
Official page
Last checked September 27, 2026.

Jobs and hiring preference

No rating needed
Employ Florida Vets Job Portal and Priority Services
Florida's Employ Florida Vets portal provides veterans priority access to job matching, training referrals, resume assistance, and career center services statewide, reflecting federal priority-of-service rules implemented through the state workforce system.
Who qualifies
Rating: No disability rating needed. Veterans and eligible spouses/dependents seeking employment services in Florida.
How to apply
Register on the Employ Florida veterans portal or visit a local CareerSource Florida career center. For portal help, call the Employ Florida Help Desk at 1-800-438-4128.
Official page
Last checked October 26, 2026.
No rating needed
Veterans' Preference in State and Local Government Hiring
Florida law requires the state and its political subdivisions to give hiring, promotion, and retention preference to qualifying veterans, their spouses, and certain surviving family members. Complaints of denied preference can be filed with FDVA.
Who qualifies
Rating: No disability rating needed. Honorably discharged veterans, disabled veterans, wartime veterans, spouses of veterans with total disabilities or MIA/POW status, and unremarried widows/widowers of veterans who died of service-connected causes.
How to apply
Claim preference when applying for state or local government jobs. If you believe preference was denied, file a written complaint with the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs, which investigates under s. 295.11, F.S.
Official page
Last checked September 27, 2026.

Business certification and contracts

No rating needed
Florida Certified Veteran/Service-Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise
Florida certifies veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses through the Department of Management Services, creating preferential access to state contracting opportunities.
Who qualifies
Rating: No disability rating needed. Business must be Florida-based, 51% or more owned and managed by a veteran (or service-disabled veteran) who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, with 200 or fewer employees and net worth under $5 million.
How to apply
Submit certification documentation to the DMS Office of Supplier Diversity and register in MyFloridaMarketPlace.
Official page
Last checked September 27, 2026.

Homes, Veterans homes and cemeteries

No rating needed
Burial in VA National Cemeteries
Honorably discharged veterans and their spouses and dependents are eligible for burial in one of nine VA National Cemeteries in Florida at no cost, including plot, opening and closing, and grave maintenance.
Who qualifies
Rating: No disability rating needed. Honorably discharged veterans, eligible spouses, and dependents who predecease the veteran; active duty service requirements and discharge conditions other than dishonorable required
How to apply
Call the National Cemetery Scheduling Office or submit pre-need eligibility determination to the VA
Official page
Last checked September 28, 2026.
No rating needed
Government Headstone or Marker
Veterans and eligible family members buried in national or state veterans cemeteries receive a government-furnished headstone or marker at no cost to mark their grave.
Who qualifies
Rating: No disability rating needed. Veterans, spouses and dependents buried in national or state veterans cemeteries
How to apply
Provided by VA at the cemetery as part of burial services
Official page
Last checked September 28, 2026.
No rating needed
Military Funeral Honors
Upon family request, eligible veterans receive military funeral honors including the folding and presenting of the U.S. flag, sounding of Taps, and participation of armed forces service members.
Who qualifies
Rating: No disability rating needed. Honorably discharged veterans of the Armed Forces, Reserve, and National Guard
How to apply
Family or funeral home requests honors through military service branch; funeral home typically coordinates the request
Official page
Last checked September 28, 2026.
No rating needed
State Veterans' Nursing Homes and Domiciliary
FDVA operates skilled nursing facilities across Florida plus an assisted living/domiciliary home in Lake City for honorably discharged veterans needing long-term care. Eligible spouses may be admitted on a space-available basis.
Who qualifies
Rating: No disability rating needed. Honorably discharged veteran, Florida resident prior to admission, certified by a VA physician as needing skilled nursing or assisted living care.
How to apply
Contact the specific State Veterans' Nursing Home directly or the FDVA Homes Program to begin the application packet.
Official page
Last checked October 26, 2026.

Other help

No rating neededFor family or survivors
Gold Star Families Survivor Outreach Services
Families of the Fallen receive long-term support and assistance through strategically located Support Coordinators providing expertise on state and federal benefits, guidance on entitlements, and peer support networks.
Who qualifies
Rating: No disability rating needed. Families of service members killed while serving in the Armed Forces
How to apply
Contact Florida Survivor Outreach Services through Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs
Official page
Last checked September 28, 2026.

Also check

Education only. Helping The Brave is not a government agency. Confirm details with the agency before you apply.

Florida Veteran benefits

Free help in Florida

34 benefits

Property tax

$5,000 Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans

Combat-Related Disability Homestead Discount for Veterans 65+

Exemption for Deployed Servicemembers

Total Property Tax Exemption for Totally/Permanently Disabled Veterans

Surviving Spouse Property Tax Exemption (100% Service-Connected)

Surviving Spouse Property Tax Exemption (Active Duty Death)

Income tax, retirement pay and other taxes

No State Income Tax on Military Retirement or VA Benefits

Vehicles, driver's licenses and plates

Free "DV" License Plate for 100% Disabled Veterans

Free Florida ID Card for Homeless Veterans

Military and Veteran Specialty License Plates

No-Fee Driver License for 100% Disabled Veterans

Parking Fee Exemption for Disabled Veteran Plates

Sales Tax Exemption on VA-Paid Portion of Vehicle Purchase

Veteran Designation on Driver License or ID Card

Gold Star Family License Plate

Hunting, fishing and parks

Florida State Parks Military Entrance Passes and Discount

Free Persons with Disabilities Hunting/Fishing License for Disabled Veterans

Military Gold Sportsman's License

Military/Disabled Veteran Event License Exemption Permit

School and tuition

C.W. Bill Young Out-of-State Tuition Waiver

Priority Course Registration for Veterans

Purple Heart and Combat Decoration Tuition Waiver

Scholarships for Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans (CSDDV)

Transcript Fee Waiver for Veterans and Dependents

Tuition Waiver for Surviving Spouse and Children (Active Duty Death)

Tuition Waiver for Survivors of Deceased Military Members

Jobs and hiring preference

Employ Florida Vets Job Portal and Priority Services

Veterans' Preference in State and Local Government Hiring

Business certification and contracts

Florida Certified Veteran/Service-Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise

Homes, Veterans homes and cemeteries

Burial in VA National Cemeteries

Government Headstone or Marker

Military Funeral Honors

State Veterans' Nursing Homes and Domiciliary

Other help

Gold Star Families Survivor Outreach Services

Also check