reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XX - Veterans › Chapter 295 - Laws Relating to Veterans: General Provisions › 295.0195 - Children of Servicemembers Who Died or Became Disabled in the Mideast Persian Gulf Military Arena During Hostilities With Iraq or in the Military Action in Panama Known as Operation Just Cause; Education.

295.0195 Children of servicemembers who died or became disabled in the Mideast Persian Gulf military arena during hostilities with Iraq or in the military action in Panama known as Operation Just Cause; education.—
(1) It is the policy of the state to provide educational opportunity at state expense for a dependent child of a servicemember who died or suffered a service-connected 100-percent total and permanent disability rating for compensation as determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, or who has been 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, while participating in the Mideast Persian Gulf arena during hostilities with Iraq, which began as Operation Desert Shield on August 5, 1990, through cessation of those hostilities, inclusive, or while participating in the military action in Panama known as Operation Just Cause during December 1989.
(a) A certified copy of a death certificate, a valid identification card issued by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs in accordance with s. 295.17, a letter certifying the service-connected 100-percent total and permanent disability rating for compensation from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, or a letter certifying the service-connected total and permanent disability rating of 100 percent for retirement pay from any branch of the United States Armed Forces is prima facie evidence that the dependent child of such servicemember is eligible for educational benefits.
(b) In addition to the requirement provided in paragraph (a), a dependent child is eligible for educational benefits under this section if:
1. During either period of military action, 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, if living, is a resident of this state.
(2) Sections 295.03-295.05 and 1009.40 shall apply.
History.—s. 2, ch. 91-166; s. 7, ch. 93-268; s. 954, ch. 2002-387; s. 6, ch. 2023-279.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XX - Veterans › Chapter 295 - Laws Relating to Veterans: General Provisions › 295.02 - Use of Funds; Age, Etc.

295.02 Use of funds; age, etc.—
(1) Sums appropriated and expended to carry out the provisions of s. 295.01(2) may be used to pay tuition and registration fees, board, and room rent and to buy books and supplies for the children of deceased or disabled veterans or servicemembers, as defined and limited in s. 295.01, s. 295.016, s. 295.017, s. 295.018, s. 295.0185, s. 295.019, or s. 295.0195, or of parents classified as prisoners of war or missing in action, as defined and limited in s. 295.015, who are between the ages of 16 and 22 years and who are in attendance at an eligible postsecondary education institution as defined in s. 295.04. Any child having entered upon a course of training or education under the provisions of this chapter, consisting of a course of not more than 4 years, and arriving at the age of 22 years before the completion of such course may continue the course and receive all benefits of the provisions of this chapter until the course is completed.
(2) Sums appropriated and expended to carry out the provisions of s. 295.01(3) may be used to pay tuition and registration fees, board, and room rent and to buy books and supplies for the spouses of deceased or disabled veterans or servicemembers, as defined and limited in s. 295.01, who are enrolled at an eligible postsecondary education institution as defined in s. 295.04.
(3) Notwithstanding the benefits-disbursement provision in s. 295.04, such funds shall be applicable for up to 110 percent of the number of required credit hours of an initial baccalaureate degree or certificate program for which the student is enrolled.
(4) The Department of Education shall administer this educational program subject to regulations of the department.
History.—s. 2, ch. 20966, 1941; s. 1, ch. 63-124; s. 2, ch. 63-204; s. 17, ch. 69-180; ss. 15, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 70, ch. 72-221; s. 1, ch. 72-346; s. 1, ch. 74-211; s. 2, ch. 81-275; s. 139, ch. 83-217; s. 3, ch. 86-177; s. 3, ch. 91-166; s. 21, ch. 91-221; s. 248, ch. 95-148; s. 26, ch. 2004-357; s. 3, ch. 2005-127; s. 2, ch. 2006-244; s. 1, ch. 2010-155; s. 7, ch. 2023-279.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XX - Veterans › Chapter 295 - Laws Relating to Veterans: General Provisions › 295.03 - Minimum Requirements.

295.03 Minimum requirements.—Upon failure of any student benefited by the provisions of this chapter to comply with the ordinary and minimum requirements of the institution attended, both as to discipline and scholarship, the benefits thereof shall be withdrawn as to the student and no further moneys expended for his or her benefits so long as such failure or delinquency continues.
History.—s. 3, ch. 20966, 1941; s. 3, ch. 82-93; s. 4, ch. 86-177; s. 249, ch. 95-148; s. 3, ch. 2006-244.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XX - Veterans › Chapter 295 - Laws Relating to Veterans: General Provisions › 295.04 - Appropriation; Benefits.

295.04 Appropriation; benefits.—
(1) The sum necessary for the purposes of this chapter shall be appropriated in the General Appropriations Act for each fiscal year, provided that no student shall receive an amount in excess of tuition and registration fees.
(2) As used in this section, the term “eligible postsecondary education institution” means an institution described in s. 1009.533.
(3)(a) A student who is enrolled in a public eligible postsecondary education institution is eligible for an award equal to the amount required to pay tuition and registration fees or the amount specified in the General Appropriations Act.
(b) A student enrolled in a nonpublic eligible postsecondary education institution is eligible for an award equal to the amount that would be required to pay for the average tuition and registration fees of a public postsecondary education institution at the comparable level or the amount specified in the General Appropriations Act.
(4) Only students in good standing in their respective institutions shall receive the benefits under this section.
History.—s. 4, ch. 20966, 1941; s. 38, ch. 26869, 1951; s. 2, ch. 63-124; s. 17, ch. 65-130; s. 18, ch. 69-180; s. 1, ch. 73-305; s. 2, ch. 74-211; s. 3, ch. 82-93; s. 5, ch. 86-177; s. 2, ch. 2010-155.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XX - Veterans › Chapter 295 - Laws Relating to Veterans: General Provisions › 295.05 - Admission; Enrollment.

295.05 Admission; enrollment.—Eligibility for admission is not affected by this chapter, but all students receiving benefits under this chapter shall be enrolled according to the customary rules and requirements of the institution attended.
History.—s. 5, ch. 20966, 1941; s. 3, ch. 82-93; s. 6, ch. 86-177; s. 4, ch. 2006-244.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XX - Veterans › Chapter 295 - Laws Relating to Veterans: General Provisions › 295.065 - Legislative Intent.

295.065 Legislative intent.—It is the intent of the Legislature to provide preference, priority, and waivers for certain educational requirements in the hiring practices of this state and its political subdivisions as set forth in this chapter. All written job announcements and audio and video advertisements used by employing agencies of the state and its political subdivisions must include a notice stating that certain servicemembers and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such servicemembers and veterans, receive preference and priority, and that certain servicemembers may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements, in employment by the state and its political subdivisions and are encouraged to apply for the positions being filled.
History.—s. 6, ch. 77-422; s. 1, ch. 98-33; s. 7, ch. 2014-1; s. 1, ch. 2021-57.
Note.—Former s. 295.15.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XX - Veterans › Chapter 295 - Laws Relating to Veterans: General Provisions › 295.08 - Positions for Which a Numerically Based Selection Process Is Used.

295.08 Positions for which a numerically based selection process is used.—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. The names of persons eligible for preference must be entered on an appropriate register or list in accordance with their respective augmented ratings. 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. The respective augmented rating is the examination score or evaluated score in addition to the applicable veteran’s preference points.
History.—s. 2, ch. 24201, 1947; s. 1, ch. 77-422; s. 14, ch. 84-114; s. 5, ch. 87-356; s. 8, ch. 93-268; s. 3, ch. 98-33; s. 9, ch. 2014-1; s. 3, ch. 2021-57.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XX - Veterans › Chapter 295 - Laws Relating to Veterans: General Provisions › 295.085 - Positions for Which a Numerically Based Selection Process Is Not Used.

295.085 Positions for which a numerically based selection process is not used.—In all positions in which the appointment or employment of persons is not subject to a written examination, not including positions that are exempt under s. 295.07(5), first preference in appointment, employment, and retention must be given by the state and political subdivisions in the state to a person included under s. 295.07(1)(a) or (b), and second preference must be given to a person included under s. 295.07(1)(c), (d), (e), (f), or (g), who possess the minimum qualifications necessary to discharge the duties of the position involved.
History.—s. 4, ch. 24201, 1947; s. 2, ch. 77-422; s. 3, ch. 78-372; s. 3, ch. 80-370; s. 15, ch. 84-114; s. 6, ch. 87-356; s. 2, ch. 89-323; s. 4, ch. 98-33; s. 80, ch. 99-13; s. 10, ch. 2014-1; s. 4, ch. 2021-57.
Note.—Former s. 295.10.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XX - Veterans › Chapter 295 - Laws Relating to Veterans: General Provisions › 295.09 - Reinstatement or Reemployment; Promotion Preference.

295.09 Reinstatement or reemployment; promotion preference.—
(1)(a) When an employee of the state or any of its political subdivisions employed in a position subject or not subject to a career service system or other merit-type system, not including positions that are exempt pursuant to s. 295.07(5), has served in the Armed Forces of the United States and is discharged or separated therefrom with an honorable discharge, the state or its political subdivision shall reemploy or reinstate such person to the same position that he or she held before such service in the armed forces, or to an equivalent position, provided that such person returns to the position within 1 year after his or her date of separation or, in cases of extended active duty, within 1 year after the date of discharge or separation subsequent to the extension. Such person must also be awarded preference in promotion and be promoted ahead of all others who are as well qualified or less qualified for the position. When an examination for promotion is used, such person must be awarded preference points, as provided in s. 295.08, and be promoted ahead of all those who appear in an equal or lesser position on the promotional register, provided that he or she first successfully passes the examination for the promotional position.
(b) The provisions of paragraph (a) shall also apply to a person who was a veteran when employed by the state or its political subdivision and who was recalled to extended active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States and was discharged or separated therefrom with an honorable discharge.
(c) The provisions of paragraphs (a) and (b) shall apply only to a veteran’s first promotion after reinstatement or reemployment, without exception.
(2) For the purposes of this section, “extended active duty” means active duty, other than for training, beyond the date of honorable discharge or separation, due to military requirements.
History.—s. 3, ch. 24201, 1947; s. 1, ch. 77-422; s. 2, ch. 78-372; s. 2, ch. 80-370; s. 3, ch. 89-323; s. 250, ch. 95-148; s. 81, ch. 99-13; s. 5, ch. 2021-57.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XX - Veterans › Chapter 295 - Laws Relating to Veterans: General Provisions › 295.11 - Investigation; Administrative Hearing for Not Employing Preferred Applicant.

295.11 Investigation; administrative hearing for not employing preferred applicant.—
(1) The Department of Veterans’ Affairs or its designee shall, upon the written request of any person specified in s. 295.07, investigate any complaint filed with the department by such person when the person has applied to any state agency or any agency of a political subdivision in the state for a position of employment which was awarded to a nonveteran and the person feels aggrieved under this chapter. The Department of Veterans’ Affairs shall review each case and may issue an opinion to the Public Employees Relations Commission as to the merit or lack of merit in each case. The investigation must be accomplished within existing amounts appropriated to the department.
(2) Upon completion of the investigation, the department shall furnish a copy of the investigative findings to the complainant and to the agency involved.
(3) When a satisfactory resolution to the complaint is not forthcoming, any department of the state or political subdivision in the state may testify telephonically or in person at the discretion of the Public Employees Relations Commission. The complainant, however, may be represented at the hearing by counsel of his or her choice at his or her expense.
(4) Jurisdiction to effectuate the purposes of ss. 295.07-295.09 shall vest with the Public Employees Relations Commission for appropriate administrative determination. If, upon preliminary review of the Public Employees Relations Commission, the commission agrees with the department’s determination that a case lacks merit and finds, in its discretion, that there was a complete absence of justiciable issues of either law or fact raised by the veterans’ preference complaint, the Public Employees Relations Commission shall dismiss the complaint without the necessity of holding a hearing.
History.—s. 5, ch. 24201, 1947; ss. 18, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 3, ch. 77-422; s. 4, ch. 78-372; s. 33, ch. 79-190; s. 4, ch. 80-370; s. 79, ch. 86-163; s. 8, ch. 87-356; s. 23, ch. 88-290; s. 113, ch. 92-279; s. 55, ch. 92-326; s. 251, ch. 95-148; s. 6, ch. 98-33; s. 82, ch. 99-13.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XX - Veterans › Chapter 295 - Laws Relating to Veterans: General Provisions › 295.123 - Deserters and Others; Inapplicability of Chapter.

295.123 Deserters and others; inapplicability of chapter.—The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to any person who has been classified by any branch of the Armed Forces of the United States as a deserter or who received less than an honorable discharge upon separation or discharge from the Armed Forces.
History.—s. 5, ch. 77-422.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XX - Veterans › Chapter 295 - Laws Relating to Veterans: General Provisions › 295.124 - State Approving Agency for Veterans’ Education and Training.

295.124 State approving agency for veterans’ education and training.—The Department of Veterans’ Affairs shall act as the state approving agency for purposes of veterans’ education and training, in accordance with 38 U.S.C. s. 1771 and the applicable annual contract between the state and the Federal Government.
History.—s. 1, ch. 80-140; s. 16, ch. 84-114; s. 24, ch. 88-290.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XX - Veterans › Chapter 295 - Laws Relating to Veterans: General Provisions › 295.125 - Preference for Admission to Career Training.

295.125 Preference for admission to career training.—
(1) It is the intent of the Legislature through enactment of this section to assist returning veterans of the Southeast Asian conflict to train themselves for a civilian future. Although the provisions of this section apply only to state-supported career center facilities and programs, it is the further intent of the Legislature to encourage privately supported career centers to join with the state in assisting our returning veterans by providing preferences for them in admission procedures and standards.
(2) In determining order of admission or acceptance for students, every career center or career program that receives state funding or support shall give preference as provided in subsection (3) to a person who served in the Armed Forces of the United States at any time during the Vietnam War, as defined in s. 1.01(14), and who has been separated therefrom under honorable conditions, if such person’s enrollment is directly related to his or her present employment or to his or her securing employment.
(3) The name of each person qualified for preference under the provisions of subsection (2) shall be placed on the waiting list for acceptance or admission, if any, in a position which would reflect the same order of preference as if the person had been placed on the waiting list 36 months previously or on the day he or she entered the Armed Forces of the United States, whichever is later.
History.—s. 1, ch. 74-210; s. 1, ch. 77-174; s. 1, ch. 77-214; s. 17, ch. 84-114; s. 22, ch. 95-143; s. 252, ch. 95-148; s. 27, ch. 2004-357; s. 2, ch. 2014-63.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XX - Veterans › Chapter 295 - Laws Relating to Veterans: General Provisions › 295.13 - Disability of Minority of Veterans and Spouse Removed, Benefits Under Servicemen’s Readjustment Act.

295.13 Disability of minority of veterans and spouse removed, benefits under Servicemen’s Readjustment Act.—The disability of minority of any person otherwise eligible for a loan, or guaranty or insurance of a loan, pursuant to chapter 37 of Title 38 U.S.C., “Home, Farm and Business Loans,” and the disability of the minor spouse of any eligible veteran, in connection with any transaction entered into pursuant to that Act of the Congress, as heretofore or hereafter amended, shall not affect the binding effect of any obligation incurred by such eligible person or spouse as an incident to any such transaction, including incurring of indebtedness and acquiring, encumbering, selling, releasing, or conveying property, or any interest therein, if all or part of any such obligation is guaranteed or insured by the United States Government or the United States Department of Veterans Affairs pursuant to such act and amendments thereto; or if the United States Department of Veterans Affairs is the creditor, by reason of a loan or a sale pursuant to such act and amendments. This section does not create, or render enforceable, any other or greater rights or liabilities than would exist if neither such person nor such spouse were a minor.
History.—s. 1, ch. 28204, 1953; s. 24, ch. 69-353; s. 18, ch. 84-114; s. 55, ch. 2020-2.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XX - Veterans › Chapter 295 - Laws Relating to Veterans: General Provisions › 295.14 - Penalties.

295.14 Penalties.—
(1) When the Public Employees Relations Commission, after a hearing on notice conducted according to rules adopted by the commission, determines that a violation of s. 295.07, s. 295.08, s. 295.085, or s. 295.09(1)(a) or (b) has occurred and sustains the veteran seeking redress, the commission shall order the offending agency, employee, or officer of the state to comply with the provisions of s. 295.07, s. 295.08, s. 295.085, or s. 295.09(1)(a) or (b); and, in the event of a violation of s. 295.07, s. 295.08, s. 295.085, or s. 295.09(1)(a) or (b), the commission may issue an order to compensate the veteran for the loss of any wages and reasonable attorney’s fees for actual hours worked, and costs of all work, including litigation, incurred as a result of such violation, which order shall be conclusive on the agency, employee, or officer concerned. The attorney’s fees and costs may not exceed $10,000. The action of the commission shall be in writing and shall be served on the parties concerned by certified mail with return receipt requested.
(2) When reparation is sought through civil action in a court of competent jurisdiction, any agency, employee, or officer of the state or a political subdivision thereof found in violation of any provision of this act shall, in addition to any other edict issued by the court, be required to pay the costs of suit and reasonable attorney’s fees incurred in such action and shall be required to pay as damages such amount as the court may award, any law to the contrary notwithstanding.
(3) Any employee or officer found liable pursuant to a second or subsequent violation of the provisions of this section shall forfeit his or her position.
History.—s. 6, ch. 77-422; s. 5, ch. 78-372; s. 61, ch. 79-164; s. 5, ch. 80-370; s. 80, ch. 86-163; s. 9, ch. 87-356; s. 253, ch. 95-148; s. 7, ch. 98-33; s. 83, ch. 99-13.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XX - Veterans › Chapter 295 - Laws Relating to Veterans: General Provisions › 295.155 - Military Retirement Based on Longevity.

295.155 Military retirement based on longevity.—Military retirement on the basis of longevity does not disqualify a person eligible under s. 295.07 from veterans’ employment preference.
History.—s. 9, ch. 98-33.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XX - Veterans › Chapter 295 - Laws Relating to Veterans: General Provisions › 295.156 - Alternative Treatment Options for Veterans.

295.156 Alternative treatment options for veterans.—
(1) As used in this section, the term:
(a) “Posttraumatic stress disorder” means a mental health disorder that is developed after having experienced or witnessed a life-threatening event, including, but not limited to, military sexual trauma.
(b) “Traumatic brain injury” means an acquired injury to the brain. The term does not include brain dysfunction caused by congenital or degenerative disorders or birth trauma.
(2) The Department of Veterans’ Affairs may contract with a state university or Florida College System institution to furnish alternative treatment options for veterans who have been certified by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or any branch of the United States Armed Forces as having a traumatic brain injury or posttraumatic stress disorder. The university or institution shall manage, monitor, and ensure the compliance of contracted providers who provide any of the following alternative treatment options:
(a) Accelerated resolution therapy.
(b) Equine therapy.
(c) Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which must be provided at a registered hyperbaric oxygen facility.
(d) Music therapy.
(e) Service animal training therapy.
(3) A veteran qualifies to receive alternative treatment under this section if he or she:
(a) Has been diagnosed by a health care practitioner with service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder or a service-connected traumatic brain injury;
(b) Voluntarily agrees to such alternative treatment; and
(c) Can demonstrate that he or she has previously sought services for posttraumatic stress disorder or a traumatic brain injury through the federal Veterans Affairs service delivery system or through private health insurance, if such coverage is available to him or her.
(4)(a) The provision of alternative treatment must be under the direction and supervision of an individual licensed under chapter 458, chapter 459, chapter 460, chapter 464, chapter 490, or chapter 491.
(b) The supervising licensed provider must agree to cooperate with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to provide data sufficient to assess the efficacy of alternative treatment modalities.
(5) By January 1 of each year beginning in 2020, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs shall prepare a report detailing each alternative treatment provided pursuant to this section, the provider type, the number of veterans served, and the treatment outcomes and shall submit the report to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
(6) The Department of Veterans’ Affairs may adopt rules to implement this section.
History.—s. 1, ch. 2019-148.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XX - Veterans › Chapter 295 - Laws Relating to Veterans: General Provisions › 295.157 - Veterans Dental Care Grant Program.

295.157 Veterans Dental Care Grant Program.—
(1) The Legislature finds that veterans are not afforded dental care after serving in the United States Armed Forces unless they are totally and permanently disabled or have a direct service-connected injury impacting their oral health. The Legislature further finds that this has left many veterans without access to routine dental care for many years and has resulted in severe dental conditions that worsen due to a lack of access to proper dental treatment. It is the intent of the Legislature to create the Veterans Dental Care Grant Program to provide veterans the opportunity to access routine dental care after they conclude their service protecting this country’s freedom.
(2) As used in this section, the term:
(a) “Department” means the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
(b) “Veteran” has the same meaning as in s. 1.01(14). The term includes all members of the Florida National Guard and United States Reserve Forces who were discharged or released under honorable conditions only, or who later received an upgraded discharge under honorable conditions.
(3) The Veterans Dental Care Grant Program is established within the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. The purpose of the program is to provide oral health care to veterans who reside in this state.
(4) The department shall contract with a statewide direct-support organization to administer the Veterans Dental Care Grant Program. The statewide direct-support organization must have proven experience developing and implementing veteran-relevant programs, including dental service programs. The organization is responsible for distributing grants to eligible nonprofits that have experience in providing dental care to veterans.
(5) The department shall adopt rules to administer the program.
(6) Funding for the program is subject to appropriation by the Legislature.
History.—s. 1, ch. 2023-164.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XX - Veterans › Chapter 295 - Laws Relating to Veterans: General Provisions › 295.16 - Disabled Veterans Exempt From Certain License or Permit Fee.

295.16 Disabled veterans exempt from certain license or permit fee.—A totally and permanently disabled veteran who is a resident of Florida and 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 or 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 who 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 uniformed armed services is not required to pay any license or permit fee, by whatever name known, to any county or municipality in order to make improvements upon a dwelling owned by the veteran which is used as the veteran’s residence, if such improvements are limited to ramps, widening of doors, and similar improvements for the purpose of making the dwelling habitable or safe for the veteran.
History.—s. 1, ch. 78-69; s. 4, ch. 83-71; s. 25, ch. 88-290; s. 9, ch. 93-268; s. 11, ch. 2006-69; s. 1, ch. 2006-250; s. 1, ch. 2009-109.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XX - Veterans › Chapter 295 - Laws Relating to Veterans: General Provisions › 295.17 - Identification Cards.

295.17 Identification cards.—
(1)(a) The Department of Veterans’ Affairs may issue an identification card to any veteran who is a permanent resident of the state and who has been adjudged by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or its predecessor to have a 100-percent, service-connected permanent and total disability rating for compensation, or who has been 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 Services, upon the written request of such veteran. Such card may be used by the veteran as proof of eligibility for any benefit provided by state law for 100-percent, service-connected permanently and totally disabled veterans except those benefits provided by ss. 196.081, 196.091, and 196.24. The identification card shall bear a statement that it is unlawful for any person other than the veteran to whom it was issued to use the card.
(b) The department is responsible for design and content of the identification card and shall adopt rules and procedures relating to the eligibility and application for and issuance and control of identification cards.
(2) It is unlawful for any person to:
(a) Display, cause or permit to be displayed, or have in his or her possession any fictitious, fraudulently altered, or fraudulently obtained identification card.
(b) Lend his or her identification card to any person or knowingly permit the use thereof by another.
(c) Display or represent any identification card which has not been issued to the person as being his or her card.
(d) Permit any unlawful use of an identification card issued to him or her.
(e) Photograph, photostat, duplicate, or in any way reproduce any identification card or facsimile thereof in such a manner that the photograph, photostat, duplicate, reproduction, or facsimile could be mistaken for a valid identification card or display or have in his or her possession any such photograph, photostat, duplicate, reproduction, or facsimile.
(f) Display or cause or permit to be displayed his or her identification card after such card has expired.
(3) Any person who violates any provision of subsection (2) is guilty of a noncriminal violation and shall be punished by a fine of $200.
History.—s. 1, ch. 80-61; s. 31, ch. 81-167; s. 31, ch. 83-55; s. 14, ch. 87-356; s. 26, ch. 88-290; s. 10, ch. 93-268; s. 254, ch. 95-148; s. 1, ch. 97-14.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XX - Veterans › Chapter 295 - Laws Relating to Veterans: General Provisions › 295.186 - Removal of Certain Forms From Official Records.

295.186 Removal of certain forms from official records.—Any veteran of the United States Armed Forces or his or her widow or widower, attorney, personal representative, executor, or court appointed guardian has the right to request that a county recorder remove from the official records any of the following forms recorded before, on, or after the effective date of this act, by or on behalf of the requesting veteran: DD-214; DD-215; WD AGO 53; WD AGO 55; WD AGO 53-55; NAVMC 78-PD; and NAVPERS 553. The request must specify the identification page number of the form to be removed. The request shall be made in person and with appropriate identification to allow determination of the identity of the requested. The county recorder has no duty to inquire beyond the request to verify the identity of the person requesting the removal. No fee shall be charged for the removal. When the request for removal is made, the county recorder shall provide a written notice to the requesting party that the removal of the document from the official records is permanent and no further record of the document will exist in the official records of the county.
History.—s. 1, ch. 2002-391.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XX - Veterans › Chapter 295 - Laws Relating to Veterans: General Provisions › 295.188 - Preference in Hiring Veterans for Private Employers.

295.188 Preference in hiring veterans for private employers.—
(1) The Legislature intends to establish a permissive preference in private employment for certain veterans.
(2) A private employer may adopt an employment policy that gives preference in hiring to an honorably discharged veteran, as defined in s. 1.01(14); the spouse of a veteran with a service-connected disability, as described in s. 295.07(1)(b); the unremarried widow or widower of a veteran who died of a service-connected disability, as described in s. 295.07(1)(d); or the unremarried widow or widower of a member of the United States Armed Forces who died in the line of duty under combat-related conditions. Such policy shall be applied uniformly to employment decisions regarding hiring and promotion.
(3) These preferences are not considered violations of any state or local equal employment opportunity law.
History.—s. 11, ch. 2014-1.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XX - Veterans › Chapter 295 - Laws Relating to Veterans: General Provisions › 295.23 - Veterans Research and Marketing Campaign.

295.23 Veterans research and marketing campaign.—
(1) The Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation shall:
(a) Provide input to Florida Is For Veterans, Inc., on research to identify the target market and the educational and employment needs of those in the target market.
(b) Develop and conduct a marketing campaign to encourage retired and recently separated military personnel to remain in the state or to make the state their permanent residence.
(c) Develop a process for the dissemination of information to the target market and targeting that information to the interests and needs of veterans of all ages to facilitate veterans’ knowledge of and access to benefits.
(2) The Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation shall seek advice from Florida Is For Veterans, Inc., on the scope, process, and focus of the marketing campaign. Input must be received before invitations to bid, requests for proposals, or invitations to negotiate for contracted services are advertised. Florida Is For Veterans, Inc., shall be kept informed at each stage of the marketing campaign and may provide recommendations to the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation to ensure that the effort effectively reaches veterans.
(3) For the purposes of this section, the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation shall expend $1 million annually on marketing the state to veterans as a permanent home and on information dissemination to improve veterans’ knowledge of and access to benefits through a combination of existing funds appropriated to the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation by the Legislature and private funds.
History.—s. 14, ch. 2014-1.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XX - Veterans › Chapter 295 - Laws Relating to Veterans: General Provisions › 295.24 - Prohibited Reimbursement of Assessments; Penalty.

295.24 Prohibited reimbursement of assessments; penalty.—A person who is recognized as an agent or attorney pursuant to 38 U.S.C. s. 5904 and representing a claimant may not, directly or indirectly, request, receive, or obtain reimbursement from the claimant for assessments charged to the agent or attorney by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs pursuant to 38 U.S.C. s. 5904(6)(A). A person who violates this section commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
History.—s. 1, ch. 2016-228.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XX - Veterans › Chapter 296 - Veterans' Homes › Part I - Veterans’ Domiciliary Home of Florida Act (Ss. 296.01-296.17) › 296.01 - Short title.

296.01 Short title.—This part may be cited as the “Veterans’ Domiciliary Home of Florida Act.”
History.—s. 8, ch. 89-168; s. 4, ch. 92-80.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XX - Veterans › Chapter 296 - Veterans' Homes › Part I - Veterans’ Domiciliary Home of Florida Act (Ss. 296.01-296.17) › 296.02 - Definitions.

296.02 Definitions.—For the purposes of this part, except where the context clearly indicates otherwise:
(1) “Applicant” means a veteran with wartime service or peacetime service as defined in this section who is not in need of hospitalization or nursing home care.
(2) “Department” means the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
(3) “Director” means the executive director of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
(4) “Domiciliary care” means shelter, sustenance, and incidental medical care provided on an ambulatory self-care basis to assist eligible veterans who are disabled by age or disease, but who are not in need of hospitalization or nursing home care services.
(5) “Extended congregate care” has the meaning given to that term under s. 429.02.
(6) “Mentally ill” means having an impairment of the emotional process, of the ability to exercise conscious control of one’s actions, or of the ability to perceive reality or to understand, which impairment substantially interferes with a person’s ability to meet the ordinary demands of living, and which impairment cannot be controlled by medication.
(7) “Peacetime service” means Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, Air Force, or Space Force service that is not during a wartime era as defined in s. 1.01(14).
(8) “Resident” means any eligible veteran admitted to residency in the home.
(9) “Veteran” means a person who served in the military as defined in s. 1.01(14).
(10) “Veterans’ Domiciliary Home of Florida,” hereinafter referred to as the “home,” means a home established by the state for veterans who served in wartime service or in peacetime service, as defined in this section.
(11) “Wartime service” has the meaning given to that term under s. 1.01(14).
History.—s. 8, ch. 89-168; s. 5, ch. 92-80; s. 1, ch. 98-16; s. 12, ch. 2006-197; s. 11, ch. 2022-183.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XX - Veterans › Chapter 296 - Veterans' Homes › Part I - Veterans’ Domiciliary Home of Florida Act (Ss. 296.01-296.17) › 296.03 - Veterans’ Domiciliary Home of Florida.

296.03 Veterans’ Domiciliary Home of Florida.—The Veterans’ Domiciliary Home of Florida is for veterans who served in wartime service or peacetime service, as defined in s. 296.02, and is maintained for the use of those veterans who are not in need of hospitalization or nursing home care and who can attend to their personal needs, dress themselves, and attend a general dining facility, or who are in need of extended congregate care.
History.—s. 8, ch. 89-168; s. 6, ch. 92-80; s. 2, ch. 98-16.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XX - Veterans › Chapter 296 - Veterans' Homes › Part I - Veterans’ Domiciliary Home of Florida Act (Ss. 296.01-296.17) › 296.04 - Administrator; duties and qualifications; responsibilities.

296.04 Administrator; duties and qualifications; responsibilities.—
(1) The director shall appoint an administrator who shall be responsible for the overall operation of the home and the care of the residents.
(2) The administrator shall have the power to determine the eligibility and admission of applicants to the home in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and, together with the director, shall adopt all rules necessary for the preservation of order and enforcement of discipline in the home. All rules governing the home shall conform as nearly as possible to the rules and regulations for comparable facilities of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
(3) The administrator position shall be assigned to the Selected Exempt Service under part V of chapter 110. The director shall give veterans’ preference in selecting an administrator, as provided in ss. 295.07 and 295.085. In addition, the administrator must have at least a 4-year degree from an accredited university or college and 3 years of administrative experience in a health care facility, or any equivalent combination of experience, training, and education totaling 7 years in work relating to administration of a health care facility.
(4) All employees who fill authorized and established positions appropriated for the home shall be state employees. The department shall classify such employees in the manner prescribed in chapter 110.
(5)(a) The administrator shall administer and enforce all rules of the home, including rules of discipline, and may dismiss any resident of the home for any infraction of the rules, subject to the approval of the director.
(b) When the administrator determines that a resident has caused physical damage to the home, he or she shall determine the cost of repairs and take action to recover such sum from the resident who caused the damage. The administrator shall recover the sum by increasing the resident’s monthly copayment, holding funds of the resident that are on deposit in the Residents’ Deposits Trust Fund, or holding personal property of the resident which is held by the administrator for safekeeping pursuant to s. 296.14.
(6) The administrator may require residents of the home to render such assistance in the care of the home and grounds as their physical condition will permit and may compensate a resident for such assistance.
History.—s. 8, ch. 89-168; s. 7, ch. 92-80; s. 255, ch. 95-148; s. 3, ch. 98-16; s. 1, ch. 2002-298.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XX - Veterans › Chapter 296 - Veterans' Homes › Part I - Veterans’ Domiciliary Home of Florida Act (Ss. 296.01-296.17) › 296.05 - Bond of administrator and certain employees.

296.05 Bond of administrator and certain employees.—The administrator and those employees of the home who control or distribute moneys or funds shall file a bond in such form and amount as determined by the director. The home may participate in the blanket fidelity bond and the ancillary bond programs which are competitively bid pursuant to chapter 287.
History.—s. 8, ch. 89-168.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XX - Veterans › Chapter 296 - Veterans' Homes › Part I - Veterans’ Domiciliary Home of Florida Act (Ss. 296.01-296.17) › 296.06 - State policy; eligibility requirements.

296.06 State policy; eligibility requirements.—
(1) It is the policy of the state to admit residents into the home without regard to race, age, sex, creed, religion, national origin, or any other reason that would thereby create a practice of discrimination. However, an applicant’s veteran status shall not constitute discrimination.
(2) To be eligible for residency in the home, a veteran must:
(a) Have wartime service as provided in s. 1.01(14) or peacetime service as defined in s. 296.02.
(b) Be a resident of the state at the time of application.
(c) Not be mentally ill, habitually inebriated, or addicted to drugs.
(d) Not owe money to the department for services rendered during any previous stay at a department facility.
(e) Have applied for all financial assistance reasonably available through governmental sources.
(f) Have been approved as eligible for care and treatment by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
History.—s. 8, ch. 89-168; s. 8, ch. 92-80; s. 4, ch. 98-16; s. 1, ch. 2000-282; s. 3, ch. 2010-177; s. 22, ch. 2014-1.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XX - Veterans › Chapter 296 - Veterans' Homes › Part I - Veterans’ Domiciliary Home of Florida Act (Ss. 296.01-296.17) › 296.07 - Certain persons ineligible.

296.07 Certain persons ineligible.—A person who is mentally ill, habitually inebriated, or addicted to the use of drugs may not be received or retained in the home. It is the legislative intent that a resident of the home who is discharged therefrom or voluntarily leaves the home because he or she exhibits mental illness, inebriation, or drug addiction shall be referred to appropriate federal, state, or county agencies by the home for treatment.
History.—s. 8, ch. 89-168; s. 5, ch. 98-16.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XX - Veterans › Chapter 296 - Veterans' Homes › Part I - Veterans’ Domiciliary Home of Florida Act (Ss. 296.01-296.17) › 296.08 - Priority of admittance.

296.08 Priority of admittance.—
(1) In determining the eligibility of applicants to the home, the administrator shall give admittance priority in accordance with the following schedule:
(a) Those veterans with wartime service, as defined in s. 1.01(14), who have service-connected disability or disabilities but are not in need of hospitalization or nursing home care.
(b) Those veterans with wartime service, as defined in s. 1.01(14), who have non-service-connected disability or disabilities but are not in need of hospitalization or nursing home care.
(c) Those veterans with wartime service, as defined in s. 1.01(14), other than those described in paragraphs (a) and (b).
(d) Those veterans with peacetime service, as defined in s. 296.02.
(2) Before admission, each applicant shall file with the administrator a certificate of eligibility, together with a certified copy of his or her discharge, and any other information that the administrator determines to be necessary for admission purposes.
History.—s. 8, ch. 89-168; s. 9, ch. 92-80; s. 256, ch. 95-148; s. 6, ch. 98-16.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XX - Veterans › Chapter 296 - Veterans' Homes › Part I - Veterans’ Domiciliary Home of Florida Act (Ss. 296.01-296.17) › 296.09 - Health record and general register to be maintained.

296.09 Health record and general register to be maintained.—
(1) A health record for each resident must be maintained and must contain an identification sheet, a medical history, a report of initial physical examination, and subsequent records of treatment and progress, including medications, diets, and consultations. An annual reevaluation of the resident’s health status must be conducted and recorded. The health record and the annual reevaluation are confidential and exempt from the provisions of s. 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution, and must be preserved for a period of time as determined by the director.
(2) The administrator shall keep a general register, in which must be recorded the following information concerning each resident admitted:
(a) Name, age, place of birth, and occupation.
(b) Date of admission.
(c) Residence at time of admission and length of residence in this state immediately prior to admission.
(d) Date of enlistment and date of discharge.
(e) Married or single.
(f) Pension or disability, rate of compensation, estate, and any other income.
(g) Any additional information that the administrator considers necessary.
History.—s. 8, ch. 89-168; s. 106, ch. 90-360; s. 10, ch. 92-80; s. 1, ch. 95-117; s. 150, ch. 96-406; s. 7, ch. 98-16.