summary
Introduced
01/28/2025
01/28/2025
In Committee
04/09/2025
04/09/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
06/16/2025
06/16/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to veterans' benefits assistance; amending s. 435.02, F.S.; revising the definition of the term "specified agency"; creating s. 501.9741, F.S.; providing definitions; prohibiting a person from receiving compensation for referring an individual to a provider for advising, assisting, or consulting on any veterans' benefits matter; authorizing a provider to receive compensation only for services rendered during a specified period only under certain circumstances; requiring that, before such services are rendered, a written agreement, which must include specified information, be signed by both parties; requiring that persons who advise, assist, or consult on veterans' benefits matters for compensation provide a specified oral and written disclosure before entering into a business relationship with a client; providing requirements for such disclosure; prohibiting a provider who advises, assists, or consults on veterans' benefits matters from charging certain fees; prohibiting the charging of interest on payment plans; providing requirements in the event of the death of a veteran claimant; prohibiting certain guarantees; prohibiting a provider who advises, assists, or consults on veterans' benefits matters for hb277-02-c2 compensation from taking certain actions; requiring a provider to ensure that individuals who directly assist a veteran in a veterans' benefits matter complete a specified background screening before entering into an agreement with a veteran for a veterans' benefits matter; providing requirements; providing construction; requiring a provider to provide copies of certain documents to the veteran and maintain a copy of such documents pursuant to specified provisions; prohibiting a person who provides services from receiving compensation under certain circumstances and until certain conditions are met; providing that a violation is a deceptive and unfair trade practice which may be subject to specified penalties; providing construction; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill creates new regulations for providers who assist veterans with benefits claims to protect veterans from predatory practices. The bill defines key terms such as "provider" (an entity helping veterans with benefits matters) and establishes strict guidelines for compensation and engagement. Providers are prohibited from receiving referral fees, can only charge compensation contingent on securing an increased benefit (not exceeding $12,500 or four times the monthly benefit increase), and must provide a written disclosure explaining that their services are not affiliated with official veterans' organizations and that free assistance may be available. The bill mandates that providers cannot guarantee benefit outcomes, use international call centers to solicit veterans, access veterans' personal login information, or employ medical providers for secondary examinations. Providers must also conduct background screenings on individuals directly assisting veterans and maintain documentation for six years. If a veteran files a complaint and does not receive a monetary benefit increase, the provider cannot receive compensation. Violations of these provisions are considered deceptive and unfair trade practices, subject to penalties under Florida law. The regulations aim to prevent exploitation of veterans seeking benefits assistance and ensure transparent, ethical service provision.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry, Government Affairs
Sponsors (14)
Jon Albert (R)*,
Danny Alvarez (R)*,
Robin Bartleman (D),
Yvette Benarroch (R),
Omar Blanco (R),
Erika Booth (R),
James Buchanan (R),
Kevin Chambliss (D),
Lisa Dunkley (D),
Dotie Joseph (D),
Jim Mooney (R),
Bill Partington (R),
Michelle Salzman (R),
Susan L. Valdés (R),
Other Sponsors (2)
Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee (H), State Affairs Committee (H)
Last Action
Laid on Table, companion bill(s) passed, see CS/CS/SB 910 (Ch. 2025-150) (on 04/29/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
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