Florida Military

Governor Rick Scott today visited USAA in Tampa to highlight $180 million in total funding in his Securing Florida’s Future Budget to support active military, veterans, and their families. He also signed HB 29, which will increase opportunities and reduce fees for Florida military, veterans and their families. HB 29, known as the “Don Hahnfeldt Veteran and Family Opportunity Act,” expands legislation signed into law by Governor Scott in 2014 (more HERE) by reducing professional licensing fees and requirements for certain military members, veterans, and their spouses.

This bill also designates March 25^th of every year as “Medal of Honor Day” to honor the individuals recognized with the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force in the Armed Services of the United States. The “Don Hahnfeldt Veteran and Family Opportunity Act” was named after State Representative Don Hahnfeldt, a veteran and a member of the Florida House of Representatives who passed away last year.

Governor Rick Scott visited K9s for Warriors in Ponte Vedra to highlight $180 million in total funding to support Florida’s active military, veterans and their families in his Securing Florida’s Future Budget. K9s for Warriors is a nonprofit organization that works to help military members and veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and other traumas transition to civilian life with the support of professionally-trained service dogs.

Governor Scott said, “I’m honored to meet some of our nation’s heroes and the great team at K9s for Warriors who work incredibly hard to support those who serve. As a Navy veteran and Governor of the most military-friendly state in the nation, I can appreciate the service of members of our Armed Forces and their families. We will never stop working to support them.”

Last week, Governor Scott signed the Securing Florida’s Future budget which invests $180 million in total funding to support active military, veterans and their families. This includes:

• More than $17 million for Florida’s military presence and families, which funds the state’s support of military research and development;
• Nearly $2.5 million to support veterans looking to obtain employment, start their own businesses and make Florida their home;
• $1 million for Building Homes for Heroes to build and modify homes for veterans who were severely injured while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan; and
• $250,000 for K9s for Warriors to support the training of additional service dogs to continue its great work helping our nation’s heroes.