More than 219,000 returning veterans from Afghanistan and Iraq claim the Sunshine State as their home of record. Many are enrolling in Florida’s colleges and universities using the new Post-9/11 GI Bill. Others are looking for employment, housing, health care and other earned services, benefits and support.  Florida welcomes its returning veterans and their families.

Florida offers many benefits and services for returning veterans.  The Florida Veterans’ Benefits Guide contains a comprehensive list of services and benefits for eligible veterans.  For more information, visit a county veteran service office or call (727) 319-7440 for more information.

OEF/OIF combat veterans can receive cost free medical care for any condition related to their service in the Iraq/Afghanistan theater for five years after the date of their discharge or release.

VA Website for Returning Service Members
https://www.oefoif.va.gov/

VA Website for Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry
https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/burnpits/registry.asp

Public Health Newsletters
https://www.publichealth.va.gov/index.asp

Returning Service Members Mental Health Support
https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/transitioning-service/index.asp

Vets Centers
https://www.vetcenter.va.gov/

Employ Florida Vets
https://veteran.employflorida.com/

Florida Veterans Employment Program
https://www.floridajobs.org/office-directory/division-of-workforce-services/workforce-programs/veterans-employment-program

Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW to Hire Heroes Act)
https://benefits.va.gov/vow/

Veterans Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E)
https://www.benefits.va.gov/vocrehab/

Florida Governor’s Challenge
https://floridavets.org/governors-challenge/