FDVA Highlights 2024 Successes Impacting State’s 1.4 Million Veterans
 TALLAHASSEE - With the close of 2024, Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) are highlighting policies and initiatives providing critical support to our state’s Veterans, their families, and survivors. FDVA, which celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2024, is a constitutionally chartered department responsible for serving the Nation’s estimated second largest Veteran population. Operating as the premier point of entry for Florida’s 1.4 million Veterans, FDVA operates a network of State Veterans’ Homes and provides statewide outreach to connect Veterans with earned services, benefits and support.
 The 2025 edition of the Florida Veterans’ Benefits Guide is now available for shipping. Order your individual or bulk copies today! For details, visit: https://floridavets.org/resources/va-benefits-guide/
Hope Florida has helped more than 30,000 Floridians, including 900 Veterans, reduce or eliminate reliance on public assistance.
TALLAHASSEE - Gov. Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis established the Hope Florida Office within the Executive Office of the Governor on Jan. 14 to oversee and administer the growing Hope Florida Pathway to Prosperity Initiative. Established in 2021, Hope Florida is a first-of-its-kind initiative that maximizes support from community partners outside government — predominantly non-profits, faith-based organizations, and private sector business partners. Utilizing a personalized navigation model, Floridians seeking government assistance are provided a Hope Navigator who utilizes those aforementioned entities to meet immediate needs and guide them on a pathway to economic self-sufficiency.
TALLAHASSEE - Gov. Ron DeSantis announced in December that an additional 176 Florida schools have earned the Purple Star School of Distinction designation for their extensive support of military families. There are now nearly 400 schools throughout the state that have earned a Purple Star School designation. Additionally, five school districts have earned the Florida Purple Star School District designation established this year.
 FDVA Deputy Executive Director Bob Asztalos joins the Florida Women Veterans’ Advisory Council on Jan. 14, in Ocala. The council discussed women veterans organizations and important issues facing our community, and explore opportunities for collaboration, support, and empowerment.
 Residents of the Clifford C. Sims State Veterans' Nursing Home in Panama City were greeted by a winter wonderland on Jan. 22.
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announces that more than 3 million Veterans, service members, and spouses who receive life insurance from VA’s programs will receive a discount on premiums starting in the spring of 2025.
These decreased premiums apply to those insured under Veterans’ Group Life Insurance, Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) and Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance - and to those who enroll in those programs in the future. The decreased rates vary based on the program and policyholder:
TALLAHASSEE - FloridaCommerce announced Jan. 7, that $7 million in funding has been awarded to military communities through the Defense Infrastructure Grant Program. This grant program supports infrastructure projects deemed to have an impact on the military value of installations within the state.
TALLAHASSEE - FloridaCommerce recently announced $3.1 million in funding available to provide transitional housing assistance for Veterans and individuals in recovery from a substance use disorder through the Recovery Housing Program (RHP). The application cycle is open through Feb. 17. Eligible nonprofits and local governments can apply here. For additional information, visit the RHP webpage.
TALLAHASSEE - The FloridaCommerce Office of Military and Defense and the Florida Defense Support Commission have published the Florida Defense Industry Economic Impact Analysis and Florida Military and Defense Economic Impact Summary. These reports highlight the economic importance of Florida’s military and defense industry.
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