{Dynamic Update Link - Blogs}

{Dynamic Update Link - Key Event}

Discover Florida Opportunity

3 Programs

One State-Created Organization

EST. 2014

By the State of Florida

Zero Cost to You

Veterans Florida

Florida's Hub for Veteran Opportunity

VF-swoosh 2

Veterans Florida is the first state-created organization running SkillBridge placements, entrepreneur training, and career services under one roof.

The State of Florida established Veterans Florida in 2014. Florida is the most veteran-ready state in the country, and our job is to provide veterans and their families the best opportunity Florida has to offer.

SKILLBRIDGE

Statewide Opportunities in High-Growth Industries

The Department of War SkillBridge Program allows active-duty servicemembers within six months of separation or retirement to gain work experience through internships, fellowships, and apprenticeships with potential employers. SkillBridge servicemembers maintain their DOW salary and benefits during the training period and can begin training upon commanders’ approval.

Veterans Florida helps ease your transition from active duty and connect with approved DOW SkillBridge employers for workforce training from various industries.

  • Active Duty
Two workers in hard hats and safety vests review technical equipment at a Florida job site, representing SkillBridge military program opportunities with Florida employers through Veterans Florida.

CAREER

Translate Your Service
Into a Florida Career

Employers in Florida’s high-tech and diverse economy want you to be on their team. They value the technical skills you’ve gained as well as the soft skills you developed in the military.

Veterans Florida focuses on veteran-ready employers who want to hire veterans into their workforce.

  • Veterans
  • Spouses
  • Guard/Reserves
Two veterans in firefighter gear stand outside a fire truck, representing veteran job placement with Florida public safety and defense employers through Veterans Florida.

ENTREPRENEUR

Be Your Own Boss

The Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program equips you with the tools you need to successfully launch and operate a business. Whether you’re exploring an idea or growing an existing venture, we offer training and connect you with resources, mentors, and networking veteran opportunities. Our participants have received numerous awards and national coverage for their success.

Veterans Florida has participating training and event partners across Florida and could be near you.

  • Veterans
  • Spouses
  • Guard/Reserves
  • Active Duty
Two men review operations on a manufacturing floor with industrial robotic arms, representing veteran entrepreneur training and business growth in Florida's manufacturing sector.
FDVA Logo Coloured

Referral Partners Across Florida

We're dedicated to providing and connecting you with the best veteran support.

When you have additional needs outside SkillBridge, career services, or entrepreneurship, Veterans Florida will connect you with trusted Florida partners to meet the needs of you and your family:

Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, Florida Veterans Foundation, HOPE Florida, Florida Department of Commerce, and CareerSource.

3E66E9 1

"I wasn't sure what to expect. I thought it would be another program where they teach about business and hand you some resources and then you have to figure out the rest on your own. But this program was different. I actually left knowing exactly what I want to do and how to go about doing it."

Shaun F.
 
3E66E9 1

"The SkillBridge program transitions our military service members from active duty to the vibrant Florida workforce that we need in order to be competitive. The SkillBridge program is a winning combination for us all."

Jamal S.
 
3E66E9 1

"The entrepreneur program gave me the inspiration and hope that I can start my business."

Sergey S.

 

3E66E9 1

"If you think about the workforce that we need to hit — top three in technology jobs — the only way we can do that is with a program like SkillBridge."

Paul S.

Frequently Asked Questions

VF-swoosh 2

Veteran opportunities are all at no cost. We place active-duty servicemembers in Florida SkillBridge internships during their last 6 months of service. Career services provides resume coaching, interview prep, and warm introductions to veteran-ready Florida employers for veterans and military or veteran spouses, Florida National Guard, and Reserves. The Entrepreneur Program runs cohorts, workshops, networking, mentorship, and coworking access for veterans, spouses, active-duty servicemembers, Guard, and Reserves who want to start or grow a Florida business.

There is zero cost to applicants and participants. Veterans Florida is a state-created and funded nonprofit, established by the State of Florida in 2014. Every program, resource, and service we provide is at no cost to eligible applicants.

Eligibility for veteran job support varies by program. SkillBridge is open to separating or retiring active-duty servicemembers across every U.S. military branch within their transition window. Career services are open to veterans, members of the Florida National Guard, Reserves, and military and veteran spouses.

Submit an application on the program page that fits your situation: SkillBridge for active-duty in your last 24 months of service, Career for veterans and spouses already in or near civilian work, or Entrepreneur for founders ready to launch or grow. ll then shcedule a discussion with member of our team to discuss your goals and connect you to the right veteran opportunities and Florida partners.

Veterans Florida maintains a referral partner network for veteran job support beyond our three core programs. Trusted Florida partners include the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, Florida Veterans Foundation, HOPE Florida, the Florida Department of Commerce, and CareerSource.