FL Gov DeSantis signs 3 veteran-related bills on D-Day anniversary

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed three bills intended to protect veterans and their families on Friday in Port Charlotte.

The day marked the 81st commemoration of the Normandy landings, known as D-Day, in France during World War II. According to state officials, 1.5 million veterans live in Florida, the third-most nationally.

"On D-Day and every day, Florida honors those who served our country in uniform," DeSantis said during a news conference. "I was proud to support three bills today to further our commitment to veterans. Florida remains the most veteran-friendly state in the nation."

The second-term Republican signed House Bill 797 and Senate Bills 116 and 910 into law. All three were passed unanimously in both chambers.

HB797 is intended to streamline long-term care for veterans and their spouses by cutting red tape such as the certificate of need process. The new law, which takes effect on July 1, allows skilled nursing facilities to designate specific beds for veterans and their spouses.

The bill also puts the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs in charge of approving these designations as long as the facility meet rigorous standards for care and admission.

It was sponsored by Rep. Chip LaMarca, R-Lighthouse Point.

SB116 would overhaul the state's support of veterans by expanding suicide prevention programs to include early recognition of mental health conditions. As of now, state officials are limited to emergency interventions for suicidal veterans.

The measure, which takes effect on July 1, would also require the drafting of a statewide plan for adult health care centers dedicated to veterans.

Sen. Danny Burgess, R-Zephyrhills, is the former state veterans affairs director. He said the day was a "monumental one" for Florida veterans.

"SB116 prioritizes veterans, especially those elderly or disabled, and their families through the expansion of adult daycare facilities and support services, fulfilling a long-standing vision that began during my time in the Florida House," Burgess said. "Veterans now will have greater access to daytime care, offering flexibility and respite for working family caregivers while enhancing the quality of life for veterans through therapeutic services, social engagement and peer support."

SB910 is intended to protect veterans from predatory practices when they're navigating the benefits process. The measure, which will also go into effect at the start of the state's new fiscal year, will place limits on unaccredited benefits advisors, qualifying payment contingent upon securing a real increase in benefits for the veteran and capping payouts.

The measure would ban referral kickbacks, prohibit advisors from advertising misleading guarantees and mandating anyone offering paid benefits must pass a strict background check. The bill would also provide for stricter penalties under the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.

It was sponsored by Sen. Jay Collins, R-Tampa, a 23-year-retired U.S. Army Special Forces soldier who was elected to the state Senate in 2022.