DeSantis Signs Game-Changing Bills to Support Florida Veterans Today!

Port Charlotte, Florida - On June 6, 2025, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis made a notable impact on veteran services by signing into law three crucial bills. The signing ceremony took place in Port Charlotte, where the governor stressed the necessity of honoring those who have served in the military through legislative action. With approximately 1.5 million veterans in Florida, these changes are set to enhance protections, increase support, and streamline access to essential services.

The new legislation includes House Bill 797, which aims to improve long-term care access for veterans and their spouses. By allowing nursing facilities to designate specific beds for veterans, this bill seeks to eliminate bureaucratic impediments that have long troubled families seeking such care. Moreover, it ensures that veterans‘ needs come first, pending approval from the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Meanwhile, Senate Bill 910 tackles the troubling issue of fraud against veterans by introducing key safeguards such as banning kickbacks, enforcing background checks, and limiting fees for benefits advisors. This means that veterans only pay if their benefits actually increase. Todd Belknap, President of Veterans Helping Veterans USA, raised a valid point about the urgent need for this bill, especially given the risk of veterans being exploited by unqualified advisors.

Focusing on Mental Health

Among the most significant advancements is Senate Bill 116, which shifts Florida’s approach to veteran mental health from mere crisis intervention to proactive prevention. Belknap highlighted this as a transformative measure that creates a more supportive framework for mental health, aiming to prevent crises before they occur. This includes enhanced coordination of health care services for veterans, as noted in a detailed report by Florida Politics, which elaborates on the key provisions of SB 116. These include the incorporation of mental health training into programs and increased availability of adult day care services targeted at veterans who require full-time care.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Danny Burgess, assigns additional funds for the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs (FDVA) to effectively implement its provisions. Thanks to this legislation, the FDVA will expand its voluntary veterans’ needs survey to better understand how to assist veterans in accessing essential services. Furthermore, coordination between the FDVA, the U.S. Department of Defense, and local veterans service offices is mandated for returning service members. Veterans Florida, the state-run nonprofit, will play a crucial advisory role, ensuring military families receive timely support.

Community Support Initiatives

Local organizations like Veterans Helping Veterans USA are already gearing up to implement these legislative changes through outreach events. The upcoming Marion County Veteran Stand Down on June 7 at Kingdom Revival Church is set to provide comprehensive services such as dental care, legal aid, food, and clothing for veterans. On June 27, they will further support mental health through a PTSD Awareness Event at Ocala Veterans Memorial Park.

With approximately 46,000 veterans residing in Marion County alone, the implications of these new bills could be extensive. From navigating the often-confusing healthcare landscape to shielding veterans from fraud, the recent legislative actions signify a commendable step in ensuring that Florida’s veterans receive the care and respect they rightfully deserve. As the community rallies around these changes, there’s certainly something to be said for the commitment to uplifting those who have served our nation.