“As a veteran, Governor DeSantis understands the vital role that veterans play in growing Florida’s economy and bolstering our workforce, and his proposed budget reflects that,” said Veterans Florida Executive Director Joe Marino. “After signing the nation’s first statewide SkillBridge initiative into law, the Governor continues his personal commitment to veterans by fully funding Veterans Florida’s budget request, and sends a strong message that Florida is committed to the issues that matter most to Florida’s 1.5 Million veterans and the 200,000 servicemembers who separate from the military each year. Continuing to attract veterans who want to work and start businesses in Florida will be a boon for our state and employers who need their skills.”

The proposed budget returns Florida’s Veterans Employment and Training Services (VETS) Program to its Fiscal Year 2020-21 amount of $2,000,000 and funds the program as a single line item. Veterans Florida’s recurring operating budget is funded at $400,000, an increase of $55,894.

Veterans Florida is a non-profit created by the State of Florida to help military veterans and their families transition to civilian life and to promote Florida’s status as the nation’s most veteran-friendly state under Florida’s Veterans Employment and Training Services (VETS) Program. Veterans Florida is also the state’s designated DOD SkillBridge assistance organization. Our mission can be summed up in the theme – Your Pursuit. Our Power. – because we recognize military veterans are incredibly focused and will succeed in achieving their personal and professional goals when they take advantage of our tools and resources. Visit veteransflorida.org for more information and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube for updates on veteran opportunities in Florida.