For 24/7 counsel, call the National Veteran Crisis Hotline at 988, Press 1. You may also call the Florida Veterans Support Line at 1-844-MyFLVet (1-844-693-5838) or dial 211.

News

Governor Proclaims Dec. 16 as Battle of the Bulge Day in Florida

December 16, 2020

TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Battle of the Bulge Day in Florida Proclamation. Dec. 16, 2020 marks the 76th anniversary of the last major German offensive on the western front during World War II. The battle, which lasted until Jan. 25, 1945, resulted in an Allied victory… READ MORE »


Governor Signs Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Proclamation

December 3, 2020

TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Proclamation. Dec. 7, 2020 marks the 79th anniversary of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, which led to America’s entry into World War II. The flags of the United States and State of Florida will be flown at… READ MORE »


Veterans Florida Wins $745,000 USDA Grant for Agriculture Fellowships

November 23, 2020

TALLAHASSEE – Veterans Florida, a non-profit created by the State of Florida to help military veterans transition to civilian life and to promote Florida’s status as the nation’s most veteran-friendly state, has received a three-year, $745,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to fund the Veterans Florida Agriculture Program in partnership with the University… READ MORE »


VA confirms authority for its health care professionals to practice across state lines

November 13, 2020

Courtesy of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today it published an interim final rule affirming VA’s current policy allowing VA health care professionals to practice across state lines in accordance with the scope and requirements of their VA employment,… READ MORE »


Governor Signs Veterans Day in Florida Proclamation

November 10, 2020

TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Veterans Day in Florida Proclamation. The State of Florida is recognized as one of the most military and veteran-friendly states in the nation, with 1.5 million veterans living in the Sunshine State. Nov. 11, 2020 is Veterans Day.  … READ MORE »


Florida Announces Statewide Paychecks for Patriots Virtual Hiring Fairs for Military Veterans and Families

November 9, 2020

TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an official proclamation to recognize the launch of Florida’s annual Paychecks for Patriots hiring fairs, taking place virtually and statewide through Nov. 21, 2020. Coordinated by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and the CareerSource Florida network, Paychecks for Patriots career fairs connect veterans and… READ MORE »


Bob Asztalos: ‘Yes’ vote on Amendment 6 will honor those who served our country

October 1, 2020

Opinion Amendment 6 helps fulfill the promise “to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan.” Florida is home to 1.5 million veterans, making it the most veteran-friendly state in the nation. We offer veterans access to important programs and seek out… READ MORE »


VA Schedules Benefits Tele-Town Hall Meeting for Florida Veterans

September 29, 2020

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is hosting a VA Benefits Tele-Town Hall Meeting on Oct. 5 beginning at 5 p.m. Eastern Time. This is the third VBA tele-town hall meeting for Florida veterans since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Paul Lawrence, VA Under Secretary for Benefits, will… READ MORE »


Florida Honors Gold Star Family Members

September 22, 2020

TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a proclamation commemorating Sept. 27, 2020 as Gold Star Family Day in Florida. Florida owes a lasting debt of gratitude to those who gave their lives in service to our nation. The Honor and Remember Flag is flown on Gold Star Family Day… READ MORE »


Twenty Florida Veterans Inducted Into Hall of Fame

September 22, 2020

TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Cabinet voted unanimously today to ‎induct 20 veterans into the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame. The names for the ‎Class of 2020 were presented for a formal vote during the Sept. 22 Cabinet ‎Meeting by FDVA Deputy Executive Director James S. “Hammer” Hartsell.‎… READ MORE »


Governor Signs POW/MIA Recognition Day in Florida Proclamation

September 17, 2020

TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual POW/MIA Recognition Day in Florida Proclamation. The annual observance, commemorated annually on the third Friday in September, is an opportunity to honor and recognize our brave service members who are classified as Prisoners of War or Missing in Action. The POW/MIA… READ MORE »


Governor Signs Florida Veteran Suicide Prevention Month Proclamation

September 10, 2020

Florida joins President’s Roadmap to Combat Veteran Suicides TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis has lent his signature to the Florida Veteran Suicide Prevention Month Proclamation, highlighting the state’s involvement with the nation’s comprehensive suicide prevention effort known as PREVENTS. On March 5, 2019, President Trump signed Executive Order 13861, The President’s… READ MORE »


New Veterans’ Home Seeks Administrator

September 8, 2020

ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. — The Ardie R. Copas State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Port St. Lucie is seeking a Nursing Home Administrator as its construction nears completion. The 120-bed skilled nursing facility is scheduled to open to its first residents in late 2020. When fully operational, the approximately 121,000 square… READ MORE »


World War II Veterans Celebrate 75th Anniversary of Formal Surrender

September 2, 2020

It was 75 years ago today that the formal instrument of surrender was signed on the deck of the battleship USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, ending the Second World War. We honor our World War II veterans on this day and thank the members of the Greatest Generation for keeping… READ MORE »


VA transitioning urgent care network managers

August 27, 2020

Twenty-three states including Florida affected Courtesy of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs VA’s goal is to give eligible Veterans who need same-day urgent care for minor illnesses or injuries as many avenues as possible at the right time, right place and right provider. VA is transitioning its urgent care… READ MORE »


Veterans receive assistance from VA, community partners through virtual outreach

August 19, 2020

More than 400 Florida Veterans helped through Virtual Veterans Experience Action Center VA launched the first Virtual Veterans Experience Action Center (V-VEAC) July 29-31, 2020. The program proactively assisted veterans throughout the state of Florida with VA benefits, health care and resources in partnership with the Northeast Florida Community Veterans… READ MORE »


Florida Veterans’ Benefits Guide now available in print

August 6, 2020

TALLAHASSEE – The 2020 edition of the Florida Veterans’ Benefits Guide is now available in print, courtesy of the Florida Veterans Foundation. The 32-page full color guide, with new legislative and COVID-19 updates, is also available online here. To request an individual copy of the Florida Veterans’ Benefits Guide, please… READ MORE »


Florida Honors Purple Heart Recipients

August 6, 2020

TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the annual Florida Purple Heart Day Proclamation. The Florida Legislature unanimously passed legislation in 2012 establishing Aug. 7 as Florida Purple Heart Day to recognize recipients of our nation’s oldest award given to combat-wounded veterans. # # #… READ MORE »


VA, Elizabeth Dole Foundation to offer respite relief for Veteran caregivers

August 5, 2020

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in partnership with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation (EDF) today announced the launch of a new foundation program granting family caregivers access to no-cost, short-term aid to help those caring for wounded, ill or injured Veterans or service members in their homes during the coronavirus pandemic.… READ MORE »


Governor’s Budget Highlights Veteran-Related Initiatives

July 17, 2020

TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis signed several veteran-friendly bills from the 2020 Florida Legislative Session into law. Here is a summary of those changes: HB 171 – Postsecondary Education for Certain Military Personnel: The act requires the Board of Governors and State Board of Education to adopt a uniform set of rules… READ MORE »


White House, VA launch REACH — a call to action to engage the nation in preventing suicide

July 7, 2020

WASHINGTON – The White House and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today launched the REACH national public health campaign aimed at empowering all Americans to play a critical role in preventing suicide. The goal of REACH, which was established by the President’s Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End a National Tragedy… READ MORE »


VA Launches COVID-19 Screening Tool

June 29, 2020

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today the launching of a digital COVID-19 screening tool to streamline Veteran access to medical care during the coronavirus pandemic. The tool, designed with Veteran and staff input, enables the screening of more than 10,000 people each day. Veterans, their caregivers and VA… READ MORE »


Florida Remembers Korean War on 70th Anniversary

June 25, 2020

TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis is honoring Florida’s Korean War veterans today with the signing of the annual Korean War Remembrance Day Proclamation. June 25, 2020 is the 70th anniversary of the beginning of the Korean War. More than 34,000 Americans were killed in action during the war, with approximately… READ MORE »


VA holds first virtual Women Veterans Forum

June 24, 2020

WASHINGTON – Acting VA Deputy Secretary Pamela Powers on Tuesday led VA’s first virtual Women Veterans Forum, which helped women veterans from across the country learn about the care and services they can receive at VA, and how VA is changing to better serve the growing population of women veterans. There… READ MORE »


VA National Cemeteries in Florida Resume Committal and Memorial Services Halted by COVID-19 Pandemic

June 5, 2020

WASHINGTON — U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) national cemeteries will resume committal services starting June 9 in all Florida VA national cemeteries. VA national cemeteries will contact families who were unable to hold a committal service due to the COVID-19 pandemic to arrange memorial services for their loved ones… READ MORE »


Nominations Open for Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame Class of 2020

June 2, 2020

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame Council is accepting nominations for the next class of inductees into the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame. The nomination period for the Class of 2020 is open until June 30, 2020. Anyone is permitted to nominate a military veteran. The Florida Legislature… READ MORE »


A Message from Executive Director Danny Burgess

June 1, 2020

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Statement Regarding Passing of Veterans’ Home Resident

May 29, 2020

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VA Resumes In-Person Compensation and Pension Exams at Select Locations

May 28, 2020

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced May 28 it will resume in-person Compensation and Pension (C&P) exams in concert with the reopening of VA lead medical centers in select locations across the country. VA Veterans Benefits Administration’s (VBA) contracted medical examination providers will immediately begin contacting… READ MORE »


Governor Signs Memorial Day Proclamation

May 20, 2020

TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the 2020 Memorial Day Proclamation, honoring our nation’s fallen service members. As we honor the rich history of our service members and their contributions to America’s liberty and freedom, let us not forget the families of our veterans, and especially our Gold Star… READ MORE »


Governor Signs Armed Forces Day in Florida Proclamation

May 15, 2020

TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the Armed Forces Day in Florida Proclamation. The State of Florida is recognized as one of the most military and veteran-friendly states in the nation. Please join us in celebrating our men and women who serve our country on Armed Forces Day. Thank… READ MORE »


VA National Cemeteries to Commemorate Memorial Day

May 13, 2020

They will be open for public visitation WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs’ (VA) National Cemetery Administration (NCA) announced today it will commemorate Memorial Day this year with solemn wreath laying ceremonies. Another offering is a new online memorial feature allowing the public to pay tribute to Veterans interred in VA… READ MORE »


VA Releases New COVID Coach Mobile App

May 12, 2020

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced the launch of the COVID Coach app, a new mobile app designed to help both veterans and civilians cope with feelings of stress and anxiety they may be experiencing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The app includes practical tools, information… READ MORE »


VA Releases Three-Phase Plan for Post-COVID-19 Operations That Maximizes Veterans’ Safety

May 8, 2020

Courtesy of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced May 7 a three-phase plan for resuming regular operations at its medical centers, benefit offices and national cemeteries in a post-COVID-19 setting. VA never closed its doors during the pandemic but did implement a wide… READ MORE »


FDVA Executive Director Honors Veterans’ Home Staff During National Nurses Week

May 4, 2020

On behalf of the men and women of FDVA, I want to let the nurses and health care professionals at our state veterans’ homes know how much they’re appreciated by our residents and family members. While we mourn the COVID-19 loss today of an elderly Hospice resident from our veterans’… READ MORE »


A statement from FDVA Executive Director Danny Burgess

April 27, 2020

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Opinion: Rally Around our Health Care Professionals

April 27, 2020

As Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, I have the honor of overseeing an incredible organization that strives every day to repay the sacrifices made for our nation by our state’s 1.5 million veterans. We operate a network of six State Veterans’ Nursing Homes and one Domiciliary… READ MORE »


A statement from FDVA Executive Director Danny Burgess

April 22, 2020

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VA Partners with Treasury Department to Deliver Economic Impact Payments to Veterans and Survivors

April 20, 2020

WASHINGTON — The  U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced April 17 it is working directly with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and U.S. Treasury Department to ensure delivery of ‘Economic Impact Payments’ to Veterans and survivors who receive Compensation and Pension (C&P) benefit payments from VA without additional paperwork or… READ MORE »


A statement from FDVA Executive Director Danny Burgess

April 14, 2020

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A statement from FDVA Executive Director Danny Burgess

April 4, 2020

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Department Of Health Launches New COVID-19 Community Action Survey

April 3, 2020

Courtesy of the Florida Department of Health TALLAHASSEE — Today, the Florida Department of Health (DOH) announced the launch of a new community action survey, StrongerThanC-19, designed to aid Florida as the state continues to fight the spread of COVID-19. This cutting-edge tool gives residents the power to unite in… READ MORE »


VA expands virtual services to support Veterans ‎due to COVID-19 pandemic‎

April 2, 2020

Courtesy of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans continue to receive benefits and services after VA’s Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) temporarily closed its 56 regional offices to the public March 19 in response to COVID-19. “The decision to close our offices to the general public, is part of the VA’s effort… READ MORE »


COVID-19 Project Relief Fund to Help Florida Veterans

March 26, 2020

TALLAHASSEE – The Novel Coronavirus, COVID-19, is impacting many Floridians as well as Florida’s veterans, active duty military members and their families. As many businesses and organizations are being forced to close their doors, our veterans are unable to work and provide an income to support their families. The Florida… READ MORE »


Governor Ron DeSantis, Congressman Matt Gaetz, Commissioner Corcoran, Executive Director Burgess & College Presidents Applaud POTUS Expanding GI Benefits for Vets Impacted by COVID-19

March 21, 2020

~ Bill allows veterans to utilize GI Bill benefits for online education without economic impact ~ TALLAHASSEE – Today, Gov. Ron DeSantis, Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran, Congressman Matt Gaetz, Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Executive Director Danny Burgess and Florida College System Presidents applauded President Donald Trump and Congress… READ MORE »


Health Department Launches New COVID-19 Dashboard

March 16, 2020

TALLAHASSEE — In the state’s ongoing efforts to provide transparency and clarity regarding COVID-19, the Florida Department of Health announced March 16 the launch of a new COVID-19 Case Dashboard. To keep Florida residents and visitors safe, informed and aware about the status of the virus, this dashboard will be updated twice… READ MORE »


Visitor Access to State Veterans’ Homes Suspended

March 12, 2020

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) has announced ‎additional steps to combat the spread of COVID-19 in the state of Florida.‎ ‎• Effective March ‎‎11, 2020, FDVA is restricting visitor access to its State Veterans’ ‎Nursing Homes and Domiciliary ‎until further notice, with the exception of essential… READ MORE »


Capitol Ceremony Honors 16 Inductees into Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame

March 9, 2020

TALLAHASSEE – Sixteen Florida veterans were inducted March 9 into the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame during ceremonies at the Capitol. FDVA Executive Director Danny Burgess hosted the ceremony honoring the Class of 2019, and was joined by Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis. “Congratulations to the Florida Veterans’ Hall… READ MORE »


Florida Department of Health Monitoring COVID-19 Cases in Florida

March 2, 2020

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Health has announced there are two presumptive positive cases of 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Florida. Both individuals remain in isolation at this time. Despite these cases in Florida, the overall immediate threat to the public remains low.… READ MORE »


Florida College System Council of Presidents Launch the Patriot’s Path Program

February 20, 2020

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida College System ‎Council of Presidents (COP) are continuously elevating methods to advance the educational and workforce ‎experience for veterans and active duty military members and their families. … READ MORE »


Governor Announces Housing Loan Program for Military and Veterans

February 19, 2020

PENSACOLA, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Feb. 19 the unveiling of the “Salute Our Soldiers” Military Loan Program (SOS) that will be offered to veterans and active duty military personnel throughout the state. The announcement was made following a roundtable to discuss ongoing issues and initiatives that involve Florida’s… READ MORE »


FDVA Statement on Gov. Ron DeSantis’ 2020‎ State of the State Address

January 14, 2020

TALLAHASSEE – Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Executive Director Danny ‎Burgess provided the following statement regarding Gov. Ron DeSantis’ State of the ‎State Address today.‎ ‎“Florida is well-situated as a national champion in supporting our 1.5 million veterans ‎and their families. With the nation’s third largest veterans’ population, we offer… READ MORE »


Roy Clark Named Director of Legislative and Cabinet Affairs

January 13, 2020

TALLAHASSEE – Roy Clark has been named Director of Legislative and Cabinet Affairs for the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs by FDVA Director Danny Burgess. The agency operates a network of seven state veterans’ homes and provides statewide outreach to connect Florida’s 1.5 million veterans and their earned services, benefits… READ MORE »


Governor Appoints FDVA Executive Director to Florida’s 2020 Census Statewide Complete Count Committee

January 7, 2020

TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the designation of Florida’s 2020 Census Statewide Complete Count Committee. The United States Census will be conducted from March to June 2020 and Florida’s Complete Count Committee will coordinate with the U.S. Census Bureau to ensure Floridians are accurately reflected in the federal count.… READ MORE »


Veterans need VHIC for in-person Commissary, Military Exchange, MWR access

January 6, 2020

The Defense Department has announced expanded Commissary, Military Service Exchange and MWR access Jan. 1 and established a standard for physical access to military installations. Veterans who are eligible and want to take advantage of in-person benefits must have a Veterans Health Identification Card, or VHIC. Primary Family Caregivers must… READ MORE »