Dominic CalabroOn Tuesday, be sure to thank a Florida veteran. It shouldn’t be too difficult to track one down, as Florida is home to more than 1.6 million veterans. That’s one in every 12 adults.
It’s no surprise that the state has the third-largest veteran population in the nation, because Florida policymakers have worked hard to make Florida the most veteran-friendly state. The Legislature and Gov. Rick Scott deserve a pat on the back for recognizing the importance of giving back to those who have sacrificed for us.
In 2014, the Legislature passed Florida’s “G.I. Bill,” creating Florida Is For Veterans to get the word out and let all veterans know about the great opportunities they have in the state. These opportunities include tax exemptions and other benefits for both veterans and active duty military.
Florida veterans are eligible to receive property tax exemptions, higher education tuition assistance, and even relaxed requirements for updating their driver licenses when they move.
Floridians should be proud to live in a state that is so welcoming to veterans and their families. Not only is our state fulfilling its patriotic duty to support the men and women who have sacrificed and continue to sacrifice so much for the residents of Florida and of the nation, but we also benefit from veterans’ skills and the upstanding character they bring to our communities.
Veterans are highly qualified to fill Florida jobs and help our workforce become more productive. They are leaders and fantastic employees, so it makes sense that one of the veteran-friendly policies lawmakers enacted was to grant veterans preference in hiring and retention for government employers. The preference is not only reserved for veterans, but is also extended to Reserve and National Guard members as well as their spouses.
For veterans seeking employment in the private sector, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity is doing its part to help veterans with recruitment services, training grants and “Hiring Florida’s Heroes,” a program that links veterans with employers searching for their unique skills.
Veterans are one of the greatest assets of our state and the employers helping to grow Florida’s economy. This Veterans Day, be sure to thank the veterans who we call neighbors and community leaders. Thank these brave servicemen and women who have chosen to build their lives and raise their families in Florida. As residents of Florida, we’re glad to have their back since we know they always have ours.
Dominic M. Calabro is President and CEO of Florida TaxWatch. Column courtesy of Context Florida.
