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FloridaSB 9102025SenateWALLET

Veterans’ Benefits Assistance

Sponsored By: Collins

Signed by Governor

AppropriationMilitary and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic SecurityCommerce and TourismRulesHouse Calendar

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Lower and capped fees for veterans

A provider can charge you only under a written agreement signed before services begin, and payment must depend on a direct increase in your benefits. The fee cannot exceed four times your monthly benefit increase or $12,500, whichever is less. For claims filed within one year after active-duty release, the provider can charge only if you sign that you are choosing to decline available free services. Providers cannot charge referral fees, upfront or nonrefundable fees, or interest on payment plans. If you die before your claim is processed, the provider must waive expected pay, stop the payment plan, and cannot collect service debts.

Complaint rights against veterans’ providers

You can file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division alleging that a provider acted without good faith. If you receive no monthly benefit increase directly from the provider’s services, the provider cannot collect compensation for earlier services while the complaint is unresolved. Violations of the veterans’ benefits rules also count as violations of Florida’s trade practices law, which allows penalties, including for violations involving service members, spouses, or dependent children.

Safer, clearer veterans’ benefits help

Before a paid relationship begins, the provider must tell you aloud and in writing that the provider is not affiliated with veterans’ agencies or federally chartered veterans’ groups, and that free help may be available. The written notice must use at least 12-point type, appear above your signature, and be kept for six years after services end. Providers must give you copies of completed service documents and keep their own copies for six years. Providers cannot promise a successful claim or a specific benefit amount, use international call or data centers for direct solicitation or to process your personal information, use your login details, or employ a medical provider for a secondary exam.

More agencies can screen support workers

The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs joins the state agencies that can conduct state and national background checks on people who work with children, older adults, or people with disabilities. The law also adds education and workforce-related agencies, including the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind, Florida Virtual School, charter schools, participating private schools, alternative schools, regional workforce boards, and approved local licensing agencies.

Background checks for veterans’ helpers

Before an agreement is made, the provider must ensure each person who directly helps with your benefits matter completes a level 2 background check. The check includes fingerprints submitted to the state or an authorized vendor and covers offenses listed in state law. The Department of Veterans’ Affairs sends the screening results to the provider. The provider or the person being checked pays the fingerprint-processing and screening costs; the check does not mean the department endorses or certifies the provider.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Collins

    Affiliation unavailable

Cosponsors

  • Rules

    Affiliation unavailable

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 188 • No: 0

House vote • 4/29/2025

House Floor Vote

Yes: 114 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/15/2025

Senate Floor Vote

Yes: 36 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/8/2025

Rules Vote

Yes: 24 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/31/2025

Commerce and Tourism Vote

Yes: 9 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/18/2025

Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Vote

Yes: 5 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter No. 2025-150

    6/23/2025

  2. Approved by Governor

    6/19/2025

  3. Signed by Officers and presented to Governor

    6/18/2025

  4. Ordered enrolled

    4/29/2025Senate

  5. CS passed; YEAS 114, NAYS 0

    4/29/2025House

  6. Read 3rd time

    4/29/2025House

  7. Added to Third Reading Calendar

    4/29/2025House

  8. Placed on 3rd reading

    4/29/2025House

  9. Read 2nd time

    4/29/2025House

  10. 1st Reading (Committee Substitute 2)

    4/28/2025House

  11. Bill added to Special Order Calendar (4/29/2025)

    4/28/2025House

  12. Bill referred to House Calendar

    4/28/2025House

  13. In Messages

    4/15/2025House

  14. Immediately certified -SJ 421

    4/15/2025Senate

  15. CS passed; YEAS 36 NAYS 0 -SJ 414

    4/15/2025Senate

  16. Read 3rd time -SJ 414

    4/15/2025Senate

  17. Read 2nd time -SJ 414

    4/15/2025Senate

  18. Placed on Special Order Calendar, 04/15/25

    4/10/2025Senate

  19. Placed on Calendar, on 2nd reading

    4/10/2025Senate

  20. CS/CS by Rules read 1st time

    4/9/2025Senate

  21. Pending reference review -under Rule 4.7(2) - (Committee Substitute)

    4/9/2025Senate

  22. CS/CS by- Rules; YEAS 24 NAYS 0

    4/8/2025Senate

  23. On Committee agenda-- Rules, 04/08/25, 9:00 am, 412 Knott Building

    4/3/2025Senate

  24. Now in Rules

    4/1/2025Senate

  25. Favorable by Commerce and Tourism; YEAS 9 NAYS 0

    3/31/2025Senate

Bill Text

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