Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed several bills Thursday in an effort to help people who serve in the military get jobs or advance their education once they leave their service. These pieces of legislation build on funding provided in the Freedom First Budget signed by Governor DeSantis last week to support Florida’s military members and their families
Included among them are new laws that will supplement federal benefits for disabled veterans attending state universities or government-run career centers, allow state agencies to substitute military experience for postsecondary education to allow veterans to obtain civilian jobs and require the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to expedite license applications of active-duty military spouses.
“Florida is the most military-friendly state in the nation, and I am proud to continue that commitment to our military members and their families by signing these pieces of legislation,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Providing military families with the resources they need to receive a high-quality education and find good jobs is the best way that we as a state can show our appreciation for the sacrifices that they make.”
“I served in Florida for a time on active duty, and it’s really, really meaningful that you have the people that are wearing the uniform get genuine support from the community,” said DeSantis, who served as a Navy officer. “That’s not true in every part of our country, unfortunately, but it’s definitely true up and down the coast of Florida.”
The Governor also announced that CareerSource Florida and state workforce agencies will dedicate $20 million in targeted workforce training supports for Florida’s veterans. This funding will focus on high-demand industries including aviation, aerospace, and defense.
DeSantis signed the bills at a Fort Walton Beach craft brewery owned by a veteran. It’s in an area of the Panhandle with a large military presence.
