TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — On the 80th anniversary of D-Day, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed three new bills into law designed to expand support for veterans and their families across the state. The legislation includes measures to improve access to long-term care, strengthen mental health services, and protect veterans from predatory financial practices.
“With nearly 1.5 million veterans calling Florida home, we continue to lead the nation in honoring and supporting those who served,” DeSantis said during a signing ceremony. “On D-Day and every day, Florida honors those who served our country in uniform.”
The legislation includes:
- House Bill 797 – This bill eliminates bureaucratic barriers such as the Certificate of Need requirement, making it easier for veterans and their spouses to access long-term care. It also enables nursing facilities to reserve specific beds for veterans and their spouses, subject to approval by the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) and adherence to quality care standards.
- Senate Bill 116 – This measure expands the state’s suicide prevention efforts by shifting the focus toward early identification of mental health conditions in veterans, rather than just crisis response. It also calls for the development of a statewide plan for adult health care centers tailored specifically to veterans’ needs.
- Senate Bill 910 – Targeting fraudulent and exploitative practices, this bill introduces new restrictions on unaccredited benefits advisors. It limits payments to those who successfully help veterans secure increased benefits, bans referral kickbacks, prohibits misleading promises, and requires background checks for paid advisors. Violations will carry tougher penalties under Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.
Governor DeSantis also praised the ongoing impact of the Hope Florida: A Pathway for Patriots initiative, led by First Lady Casey DeSantis. The program connects veterans with trained “Hope Navigators” who assist with navigating state resources, removing barriers to employment, housing, and healthcare, and encouraging financial independence. According to state officials, more than 1,000 veterans have benefited from the program since it launched in late 2023.
Veterans in need of assistance can reach the Hope Line at 833-GET-HOPE. Additional information about services and benefits is available at FloridaVets.org, or by contacting a State Veterans’ Service Officer at (727) 319-7440 or FDVA.vso@FDVA.fl.gov.
