Bill > S1594

This bill allows the Department of Children and Families (DCF), the Department of Health, or the Agency for Persons with Disabilities to access certain veteran benefit payments for minor clients, specifically those from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs designated for postsecondary education and support services. This access is permitted when a minor client turns 18, or up to age 23 if they are still enrolled in school. Importantly, these state agencies are prohibited from using these veteran benefits to replace other financial assistance already provided under a specific statute (s. 409.1451(2)(b)), meaning the veteran benefits must be in addition to, not instead of, existing aid. The bill also renumbers existing sections of a Florida Statute to accommodate this new provision and sets an effective date of July 1, 2026.

Budget and Finance, Military Affairs and Security

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1594