Florida is home to more veterans than any other state except California and Texas, with over 1.5 million veterans calling the Sunshine State home. Whether you’re in Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville, or the Panhandle, this comprehensive guide connects you with every VA disability resource available in Florida.
Florida Veterans by the Numbers
The Sunshine State’s Veteran Population
Total Veterans
Disabled Veterans
VA Medical Centers
Outpatient Clinics
County VSOs
State Income Tax
Florida VA Healthcare System
Major VA Medical Centers
James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital – Tampa
Polytrauma center, comprehensive mental health services, spinal cord injury center
Miami VA Healthcare System
PTSD clinical team, substance abuse treatment, women’s health clinic
Bay Pines VA Healthcare System
National cemetery on-site, rehabilitation programs, mental health residential
West Palm Beach VA Medical Center
Mental health intensive case management, homeless veteran programs
Florida State-Specific Benefits
Exclusive Florida Veteran Benefits
No State Income Tax
Your VA disability compensation goes further with no state tax
Property Tax Exemption
Up to $5,000 off assessed value for disabled veterans
100% P&T Total Exemption
Complete property tax exemption for 100% P&T veterans
Free State Parks
Lifetime pass for service-connected disabled veterans
Disabled Veteran License Plate
Free DV plates and parking privileges
Educational Benefits
Waived fees at state colleges for eligible veterans
Regional Resources by Area
Find Resources in Your Region
South Florida (Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach)
- Miami Vet Center: (305) 859-8387
- Fort Lauderdale Vet Center: (954) 356-7926
- Palm Beach County Veterans Services: (561) 355-4822
- Homestead Air Reserve Base services
Central Florida (Orlando, Tampa, Lakeland)
- Orlando VA Medical Center: (407) 631-1000
- Tampa Vet Center: (813) 228-2621
- Polk County Veterans Services: (863) 534-6090
- MacDill AFB Retiree Activities Office
North Florida (Jacksonville, Gainesville)
- Malcom Randall VA Medical Center (Gainesville): (352) 376-1611
- Jacksonville Vet Center: (904) 232-3621
- Lake City VA Medical Center: (386) 755-3016
- Naval Air Station Jacksonville services
Panhandle (Pensacola, Panama City, Tallahassee)
- Pensacola VA Clinic: (850) 912-2000
- Eglin AFB Medical services
- Tallahassee Vet Center: (850) 942-8810
- Panama City VA Clinic: (850) 636-7000
VA Disability Claims Assistance
Free Claim Help Available
Florida Department of Veterans Affairs
(727) 319-7400
Claims assistance at all 67 county offices
Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
Free transportation to VA appointments
National Service Officers for claims
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
Accredited service officers
Emergency financial assistance
American Legion
300+ posts statewide
Claims assistance and advocacy
Mental Health Resources
Specialized Programs for Florida Veterans
- Crisis Line: 988, Press 1 (24/7 support)
- Vet Centers: 15 locations offering readjustment counseling
- PTSD Programs: Specialized residential and outpatient at major VAMCs
- MST Coordinators: Available at every VA facility
- Substance Abuse: SARRTP programs in Miami, Tampa, and Bay Pines
- Telemental Health: Available statewide for rural veterans
Florida Disability Doctors & Nexus Letters
VetNexusMD Florida Coverage
Dr. Ronald Lee provides telehealth nexus letter evaluations to veterans throughout Florida. Licensed in multiple states including Florida, offering convenient access from Miami to Pensacola.
- No travel to Boston required
- Florida-specific understanding of regional challenges
- Evening and weekend appointments available
- 14-day turnaround on nexus letters
When to Consider a Private Nexus Letter
- VA denied your claim
- No clear service connection in records
- Complex mental health conditions
- Secondary conditions to established disabilities
- Need stronger medical evidence
Unique Florida Challenges & Solutions
Florida-Specific Considerations
- Hurricane Displacement: Document how natural disasters affect your mental health
- Heat Sensitivity: Some medications and conditions worsen in Florida heat
- Tourist Season Crowds: Can trigger anxiety/PTSD in veterans
- Military Presence: Proximity to bases can trigger symptoms
- Seasonal Residents: Ensure continuity of care between states
Additional Resources
Legal Assistance
- Bay Area Legal Services: Veterans legal clinic – (813) 232-1343
- Three Rivers Legal Services: North Florida – (904) 394-7450
- Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach: (561) 655-8944
Emergency Assistance
- SSVF Program: Rapid rehousing and homelessness prevention
- Florida Veterans Foundation: Emergency financial aid
- Mission United: 211 or text “MISSION” to 85511
Employment Resources
- CareerSource Florida: Priority of service for veterans
- Paychecks for Patriots: Direct job placement program
- Hiring Our Heroes: Corporate fellowship programs
Get Your Florida VA Disability Evaluation
Don’t let distance or travel concerns prevent you from getting the nexus letter you need. Access expert evaluations from anywhere in Florida.
Disclaimer: This resource guide provides general information about VA benefits and services in Florida. Programs and contact information may change. Always verify current information with the specific agency or organization.
