Tallahassee, FL 

Veterans Florida Executive Director Joe Marino issued the following statement today on the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs’ Forward March report:

“We thank Governor DeSantis and Director Burgess for their leadership on Forward March and commitment to maintaining Florida’s status as the nation’s most veteran-friendly state. Economic stability is a key part of families’ successful transition from the military and both veterans and the State of Florida succeed when we equip them with tools to bridge the skill gap, remove barriers to professional licensing, and provide access to resources to help them pursue their goals.

Veterans Florida looks forward to working with Governor DeSantis, Director Burgess, and Legislature to implement the report’s recommendations.”

Forward March is an ongoing effort, which started by touring the state and conducting local town hall type events, to determine best practices and ensure Florida continues to set the national standard for veteran services and support. Veterans Florida led Forward March’s Transition Services breakout sessions. The transition recommendations include creating an in-state transition assistance program administered by Veterans Florida, expanding state reciprocity and waivers for professional licenses, and broadening employer programs for creating a trained veteran workforce.