The Florida Senate
BILL ANALYSIS AND FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
(This document is based on the provisions contained in the legislation as of the latest date listed below.)
Prepared By: The Professional Staff of the Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security
BILL: SB 1666
INTRODUCER: Senator Collins
SUBJECT: Veterans
DATE: January 26, 2024
ANALYST STAFF DIRECTOR REFERENCE ACTION
1. Brown Proctor MS Pre-meeting
2. AHS
3. FP
I. Summary:
SB 1666 contains multiple provisions on veterans. The bill:
Expands employment outreach, marketing and support services activities of Florida is for
Veterans, Inc., (FIFV);
Limits the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to only
one appointment from the body for which they preside, for the three members they may each
appoint to the governing board of directors of FIFV;
Clarifies that the focus of the Veterans Employment and Training Services Program is to link
veterans and their spouses with businesses in a target or secondary industry business;
Allows an educational stipend for veterans while training at any location of the University of
Florida’s (UF) Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) within the state;
Expands the role of FIFV in assisting with industry certification;
Provides that a participating business in a FIFV grant program may also receive a grant under
any state program, and not just the Quick Response Training Program;
Prohibits the Department of State (DOS) from charging veterans who reside in this state
various filing fees;
Creates a fee exemption on hunting and fishing licenses and permits for honorably
discharged veterans with a service-connected disability percentage rating of 50 percent or
more;
Revises the structure, appointment of members, and frequency of meetings of the Advisory
Council on Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries; and
Adds to the list of required instruction for middle and high school students in public schools
two 45-minute lessons on the history and importance of Veterans’ Day and Memorial Day.
The bill may have an indeterminate negative fiscal impact. See Section V.
The bill takes effect July 1, 2024.
REVISED: BILL: SB 1666 Page 2
II. Present Situation:
Florida is for Veterans, Inc.
The purpose of FIFV is to promote the state as veteran-friendly by assisting veterans and their
spouses with connections to businesses and employment.
1
Duties of the FIFV are to:
Contract with a research entity experienced in performing market research on the veteran
demographic to identify the target market and their educational and employment needs;
Advise the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation on the target market; a
marketing campaign designed to keep the target market in the state; and methods to
disseminate information to the target market on interests and needs of veterans and their
families;
Promote and enhance the value of military skill sets to businesses;
Implement the Veterans Employment and Training Services Program;
Responsibly and prudently manage all funds received and ensure that the use of such funds
conforms to all applicable laws, bylaws, or contractual requirements;
Administer relevant programs; and
Serve as the state’s principal assistance organization under the United States Department of
Defense’s SkillBridge program for employers and transitioning servicemembers.
2
FIFV is governed by a nine-member board of directors.
3
The Governor, President of the Senate,
and Speaker of the House of Representatives each appoint three members to the board, in
consideration of military experience and business expertise. Members of the board of directors
serve for staggered terms of 4 years. Board members serve without compensation but may be
reimbursed for travel and per diem expenses incurred while serving.
4
Veterans Employment and Training Services Program
The Florida Department of Veteran Affairs (FDVA) established the Veterans Employment and
Training Services program to link veterans and their spouses with businesses for employment.
5
The purpose of the program is to meet the workforce demands of businesses in the state by
facilitating access to training and education in high-demand fields for veterans or their spouses.
6
The program is administered by FIFV, whose duties include:
Conducting marketing and recruiting efforts directed at veterans or their spouses who live in
the state or are interested in relocating and are seeking employment;
Offering skills assessments to veterans or their spouses to establish employment goals and
apply for and achieve gainful employment;
Assisting Florida businesses in recruiting and hiring veterans and veterans’ spouses,
including providing information about state and federal benefits of hiring veterans;
Creating a grant program to provide funding to assist veterans in meeting the workforce-skill
needs of businesses;
1
Section 295.21(1), F.S.
2
Section 295.21(3), F.S.
3
Section 295.21(4)(a), F.S.
4
Id.
5
Section 295.22(2), F.S.
6
Id. BILL: SB 1666 Page 3
Contracting with entities to administer an entrepreneur initiative program for veterans in this
state which connects business leaders in the state with veterans seeking to become
entrepreneurs;
Performing its functions as the state’s principal assistance organization under the United
States Department of Defense’s SkillBridge program for qualified businesses in this state and
transitioning servicemembers;
Assisting veterans and their spouses in accessing training, education, and employment in
health care professions; and
Coordinating with the Office of Veteran Licensure Services within the Department of Health
(DOH) to assist veterans and their spouses in obtaining licensure.
Department of State and Incorporation
The DOS is responsible for receiving and maintaining incorporation and business filings required
in law, such as service of process for legal proceedings,
7
articles of incorporation,
8
and
registration of fictitious names.
9
A person who wants to file incorporation and business filings
with the DOS must pay the appropriate fee. Amongst the filings received and maintained by the
DOS, and the appropriate filing fee associated with them, are those identified in:
Chapter 605, Florida revised limited liability company act: limited liability companies file
with the DOS a registration with their name, registered agent, and registered office
location;
10
Chapter 607, Florida business corporation act: corporations file their articles of
incorporation, changes to their registered office or registered agent, and must file an annual
report, among other documents;
11
Chapter 617, Corporations not for profit: requires not for profit corporations to file with the
DOS their articles of incorporation, changes to their registered office or registered agent, and
must file an annual report, among other documents;
12
and
Chapter 620, Partnership laws: limited partnerships must file a certificate of limited
partnership with the DOS containing the name of the limited partnership, the address, and the
business address of each general partner
13
as well as an annual report, among other
documents.
14
General partnerships must file a partnership registration statement and an
annual report, among other documents.
15
Fees vary and a sampling is provided below.
7
See, e.g., ss. 48,061, 48.062, and 48.181, F.S.
8
Section 607.0203, F.S.
9
Section 865.09, F.S.
10
Sections 605.0112(5), 605.113(4), and 605.113(5), F.S. See s. 605.0206, F.S.
11
Sections 607.0203, 607.0502, and 607.1622, F.S. See 607.0120(9), F.S.
12
Sections 617.0203, 617.0502, and 617.1622, F.S.
13
Sections 620.1109 and 620.1201(1)(a)–(e), F.S.
14
Section 620.1210, F.S.
15
Sections 620.8105 and 620.9003, F.S. BILL: SB 1666 Page 4
Department of State Filing Fees
Filing articles of organization or articles of revocation of dissolution. s. 605.0213(2), F.S. $ 100.00
Filing a certificate designating a registered agent. s. 605.0213(7), F.S. $ 25.00
Articles of incorporation. s. 607.0122(1), F.S. $ 35.00
Designation of and acceptance by registered agent. s. 607.0122(5), F.S. $ 35.00
Articles of incorporation. s. 617.0122(1), F.S. $ 35.00
Designation of and acceptance by registered agent. s. 617.0122(5), F.S. $ 35.00
Filing an original certificate of limited partnership. s. 620.1109(2), F.S. $ 965.00
Filing a certificate designating a registered agent. s. 620.1109(8)(a), F.S. $ 35.00
Filing a partnership registration statement. s. 620.81055(1)(a), F.S. $ 50.00
Hunting and Fishing Licenses
A person who wants to recreationally hunt or fish in Florida must obtain a recreational license,
permit, or authorization number and pay the appropriate fee.
16
Section 379.353(2), F.S., exempts specified individuals from having to possess a recreational
license while hunting or fishing. A few examples include any person hunting or freshwater
fishing on her or his homestead property, or on the homestead property of the person’s spouse or
minor child; any minor child hunting or freshwater fishing on the homestead property of her or
his parent; and any resident who is a member of the United States Armed Forces and not
stationed in this state, when home on leave for 30 days or less, upon submission of orders.
In addition, an exemption on a hunting, freshwater fishing, and saltwater fishing license and
permit fee is available to a resident who is certified or determined to be:
Totally and permanently disabled for purposes of workers’ compensation under chapter 440
as verified by an order of a judge of compensation claims or written confirmation by the
carrier providing workers’ compensation benefits, or to be totally and permanently disabled
by the Railroad Retirement Board, by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or its
predecessor, or a branch of the United States Armed Forces, or who holds a valid
identification card issued by the FDVA, upon proof of the same.
17
A license issued on a no
fee basis expires after 5 years and must be reissued, upon request, every 5 years thereafter.
18
Disabled as verified by the United States Social Security Administration. A license issued on
a no fee basis expires after 2 years and must be reissued, upon proof of certification of
disability, every 2 years thereafter.
19
Current fees on these licenses for Florida residents are provided below.
16
Section 379.354, F.S.
17
Section 379.353(1)(a), F.S.
18
Section 379.353(1), F.S.
19
Section 379.353(1)(b), F.S. BILL: SB 1666 Page 5
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission License and Permit Fees
Annual Freshwater Fishing License s. 379.354(4)(a), F.S. $ 15.50
Annual Saltwater Fishing License s. 379.354(4)(b), F.S. $ 15.50
Annual Hunting License to Take Game s. 379.354(4)(c), F.S. $ 15.50
Advisory Council on Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries
The Advisory Council on Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries, created within the DOH, is a 16-
member advisory council on brain and spinal cord injuries. The council is required to meet twice
a year
20
and is composed of a minimum of:
four individuals with brain injuries or who are family members of individuals with brain
injuries;
four individuals with spinal cord injuries or who are family members of individuals with
spinal cord injuries; and
two individuals who represent the special needs of children with brain or spinal cord
injuries.
21
The remaining balance of council members must be physicians, other allied health professionals,
administrators of brain and spinal cord injury programs, and representatives from support groups
that have expertise in the rehabilitation of individuals with brain or spinal cord injuries.
22
Council members are appointed by the State Surgeon General. All members serve for a 4-year
term and can only serve two terms. The council must meet at least twice annually.
23
The purpose of the council is to provide advice and expertise to the DOH in the preparation,
implementation, and periodic review of the brain and spinal cord injury program.
24
Members of the advisory council serve unpaid but are entitled to reimbursement for per diem and
travel expenses for required attendance at council meetings.
25
Special Instruction for Middle and High Grades Public School Students
Instructional staff of public schools are required to provide instruction on:
The history and content of the Declaration of Independence, including national sovereignty,
natural law, self-evident truth, equality of all persons, limited government, popular
sovereignty, and inalienable rights of life, liberty, and property, and how they form the
philosophical foundation of our government.
The history, meaning, significance, and effect of the U.S. Constitution, with emphasis on the
Bill of Rights and how the constitution provides the structure of our government.
20
Section 381.78(1), F.S.
21
Id.
22
Id.
23
Sections 381.78(2) and (3), F.S.
24
Section 381.78(4), F.S.
25
Section 381.78(5), F.S. BILL: SB 1666 Page 6
The arguments in support of adopting our republican form of government, as they are
embodied in the most important of the Federalist Papers.
Flag education, including proper flag display and flag salute.
The elements of civil government, including the primary functions of and interrelationships
between the Federal Government, the state, and its local entities.
U.S. history, including the period of discovery, early colonies, the War for Independence, the
Civil War, the expansion of the United States to its present boundaries, the world wars, and
the civil rights movement to the present.
The history of the Holocaust.
The history of African Americans, including the history of African peoples before the
political conflicts that led to the development of slavery, the passage to America, the
enslavement experience, abolition, and the history and contributions of Americans of the
African diaspora to society.
The history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, including the history of Japanese
internment camps and the incarceration of Japanese-Americans during World War II; the
immigration, citizenship, civil rights, identity, and culture of Asian Americans and Pacific
Islanders; and the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to American
society.
The study of Hispanic contributions to the United States.
The study of women’s contributions to the United States.
The sacrifices that veterans and Medal of Honor recipients have made in serving our country
and protecting democratic values worldwide. Limits instruction to on or before Medal of
Honor Day, Veterans’ Day, and Memorial Day. Instructional staff is encouraged to use the
assistance of local veterans and Medal of Honor recipients.
26
III. Effect of Proposed Changes:
SB 1666 revises multiple provisions on veterans to expand benefits, revise the structure of the
Advisory Council on Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries, and provide instruction to public K-12
students on Veterans Day and Memorial Day.
Florida is for Veterans, Inc.
SB 1666 amends s. 295.21, F.S., to:
Specify that the purpose of FIFV is to serve as the state’s initial point of military transition
assistance;
Expand the duties of FIFV to require marketing, awareness, and outreach activities directed
towards the target market, defined as members and spouses of the U.S. Armed Forces with
24 months or less until discharge; veterans with 36 months or less since discharge; and
members of the Florida National Guard or reserves; and
Limit the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to only
one appointment from the body for which they preside, for the three members they may each
appoint to the governing board of directors of FIFV.
26
Section 1003.42(2), F.S. BILL: SB 1666 Page 7
Veterans Employment and Training Services Program
The bill amends s. 295.22, F.S., to:
Include in the purpose of the program to connect veterans and spouses with opportunities for
entrepreneurship, education, training, and resources; to inspire veteran-owned small business;
and to assist Florida target industry and secondary industry businesses in recruiting veterans
and spouses.
Define as a secondary industry business a business that the state has an additional interest in
supporting and for which veterans and their spouses may have skills that are directly
transferrable. Identifies these businesses as those in the fields of health care, agriculture,
commercial construction, education, law enforcement, and public service.
Clarify that a spouse is a person who is married to a veteran or a person who was married to a
veteran who was killed in action and has not remarried.
Define a target industry business as a corporate headquarters business or any business with
the features of future growth, stability, high wage, market and resource dependent, industrial
base diversification, and positive economic impact and strengthening.
Define as a target market members, and their spouses, of the U.S. Armed Forces with 24
months or less until discharge; veterans with 36 months or less since discharge; and members
of the Florida National Guard or reserves.
Define as a veteran a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service and who
received an honorable discharge or who later received an upgraded honorable discharge, or is
an active or former member of the National Guard or United States Coast Guard, including
reserve components.
Tailor required marketing and recruiting efforts to direct them at veterans and their spouses
within the target market, to include information related to how a veteran’s military
experience can be valuable to a target industry or secondary industry business.
Replace the role of FIFV assisting with information on industry certification with that of
prioritizing a certificate, license, or nondegree training from the Master Credentials List, as is
established by the state board, which is the board of directors of CareerSource Florida, Inc.; a
federally created certification or license; and a skills-based certification or license as deemed
relevant by FIFV.
Authorize a participating business to receive a grant from any state program rather than
identifying as the sole grant program the Quick Response Training Program.
Authorize FIFV to use a portion of grant funds, as determined by FIFV, for veterans who are
not active members of the U.S. Armed Forces for educational stipends while in training at a
UF IFAS location within Florida, if the training is between 4 and 6 months in duration. The
bill requires FIFV to enter into a grant agreement before funds may be expended.
Redesignate the SkillBridge program as the SkillBridge initiative; incorporate references to
target and secondary industries; and replace references to transitioning servicemembers with
eligible veterans;
Authorize FIFV to assist state agencies and other public entities with recruiting veterans and
spouses;
Encourage FIFV to collaborate with state agencies and other public entities to maximize
access to and provide information on one website that, if possible, includes hyperlinks to the
websites of and contact information, if available, for state agencies and other entities that BILL: SB 1666 Page 8
maintain benefits, services, training, education, and other resources that are available to
veterans and their spouses.
Provide that outreach, information exchange, marketing, and referrals between agencies,
entities, and FIFV on programs and initiatives that may be conducted include, but are not
limited to, the Veterans Employment and Training Services Program and the:
o FDVA through access to benefits and assistance programs and the Hope
Navigators Program.
o Department of Commerce, through the Disabled Veteran Outreach Program and
Local Veteran Employment Representatives; CareerSource Florida, Inc., and local
workforce boards employment and recruitment services; the Quick-Response
Training Program; and Select Florida.
o Department of Business and Professional Regulation, through reciprocity and the
availability of certain license and fee waivers.
o Department of Education, through CAPE industry certifications and information
related to earning postsecondary credit at public postsecondary educational
institutions for college-level training and education acquired in the military.
o DOH, through the Office of Veteran Licensure Services and the Florida Veterans
Application for Licensure Online Response expedited licensing.
Further authorizes the FIFV to coordinate and collaborate with the Office of Reimagining
Education and Career Help, the State University System, the Florida College System, the
Florida Defense Support Task Force, the Florida Small Business Development Center
Network, and the Florida Talent Development Council.
Exemption on Filing Fees for Incorporation
The bill creates s. 295.25, F.S., to exempt veterans who are state residents from having to pay
fees collected by the DOS for the specific filings of:
Articles of organization;
Articles of incorporation;
A certificate of limited partnership;
A partnership registration statement; or
A designation of a registered agent.
Fees charged for filings, now exempted, are listed below.
Department of State Filing Fees
Filing articles of organization or articles of revocation of dissolution. s. 605.0213(2), F.S. $ 100.00
Filing a certificate designating a registered agent. s. 605.0213(7), F.S. $ 25.00
Articles of incorporation. s. 607.0122(1), F.S. $ 35.00
Designation of and acceptance by registered agent. s. 607.0122(5), F.S. $ 35.00
Articles of incorporation. s. 617.0122(1), F.S. $ 35.00
Designation of and acceptance by registered agent. s. 617.0122(5), F.S. $ 35.00
Filing an original certificate of limited partnership. s. 620.1109(2), F.S. $ 965.00
Filing a certificate designating a registered agent. s. 620.1109(8)(a), F.S. $ 35.00
Filing a partnership registration statement. s. 620.81055(1)(a), F.S. $ 50.00 BILL: SB 1666 Page 9
Expansion of No Cost Fee for Recreational License
The bill amends s. 379.353(1), F.S., to create a fee exemption on hunting and fishing licenses
and permits for a disabled veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces who was honorably discharged from
service and who is certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or its predecessor or by
any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces as having a service-connected disability percentage rating
of 50 percent or greater.
The veteran must provide proof of disability.
Fees charged for licenses, now exempted, are listed below.
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission License and Permit Fees
Annual Freshwater Fishing License s. 379.354(4)(a), F.S. $ 15.50
Annual Saltwater Fishing License s. 379.354(4)(b), F.S. $ 15.50
Annual Hunting License to Take Game s. 379.354(4)(c), F.S. $ 15.50
Revision of Advisory Council on Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries
The bill amends s. 381.78, F.S., to revise the Advisory Council on Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries
structure to require:
Two, rather than four persons with brain injuries or who are family members of individuals
who have brain injuries, and requires appointment by the Speaker of the House of
Representatives;
Two, rather than four persons with spinal cord injuries or who are family members of
individuals who have spinal cord injuries, and requires appointment by the Speaker of the
House of Representatives;
Two individuals who represent the special needs of children who have brain or spinal cord
injuries;
Two persons who have, or who are family members of persons who have or had a traumatic
brain injury, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or subconcussive impacts due to sports, and
requires appointment by the Speaker of the House of Representatives;
Two veterans who served in the active military, naval, or air service; are honorably
discharged or upgraded to an honorable discharge; and have or have had a traumatic brain
injury, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or subconcussive impacts due to military service,
or family members of such veterans, and requires appointment by the Speaker of the House
of Representatives; and
Six persons who are physicians, other allied health professionals, administrators of brain and
spinal cord injury programs, or representatives from support groups who have expertise in
areas related to the rehabilitation of individuals who have brain or spinal cord injuries, and
requires appointment by the State Surgeon General.
The bill provides for staggered terms.
BILL: SB 1666 Page 10
The frequency of meetings by the council is increased from at least twice annually to at least
quarterly, with meeting adjournment to be by unanimous consent.
Instruction on Veterans’ Day and Memorial Day
The bill amends s. 1003.42(2), F.S., to add to the list of required instruction for middle and high
school students in public schools two 45-minute lessons on the history and importance of
Veterans’ Day and Memorial Day. These lessons must take place on or before the holiday.
The bill takes effect July 1, 2024.
IV. Constitutional Issues:
A. Municipality/County Mandates Restrictions:
None.
B. Public Records/Open Meetings Issues:
None.
C. Trust Funds Restrictions:
None.
D. State Tax or Fee Increases:
None.
E. Other Constitutional Issues:
None identified.
V. Fiscal Impact Statement:
A. Tax/Fee Issues:
None.
B. Private Sector Impact:
A veteran who submits a business filing to the DOS will not have to pay a filing fee for
certain filings.
A veteran who is certified at 50 percent disabled, and applies for a hunting, fishing, or
saltwater fishing license or permit, will receive the license or permit without the payment
of a state fee.
BILL: SB 1666 Page 11
A veteran who is in training at a UF IFAS location within Florida may be eligible for an
educational stipend from FIFV.
C. Government Sector Impact:
The bill may result in an indeterminate negative fiscal impact due to the:
o Expansion of the duties of FIFV and the Veterans Employment and Training
Services Program within the FDVA;
o Exemption of filing fees for veterans related to business incorporations and
associated filings, which currently range from $25 to $965 per filing;
o Exemption of fees on hunting, freshwater fishing, and saltwater fishing licenses,
which each currently cost $15.50, for a veteran who is certified at 50 percent
disabled; and
o Additional required instruction for middle and high school students at public
schools.
VI. Technical Deficiencies:
None.
VII. Related Issues:
None.
VIII. Statutes Affected:
This bill substantially amends the following sections of the Florida Statutes: 295.21, 295.22,
379.353, 381.78, 288.0001, and 1003.42.
This bill creates section 295.25, Florida Statutes.
This bill reenacts the following sections of the Florida Statutes: 379.3581 and 379.401.
IX. Additional Information:
A. Committee Substitute – Statement of Changes:
(Summarizing differences between the Committee Substitute and the prior version of the bill.)
None.
B. Amendments:
None.
This Senate Bill Analysis does not reflect the intent or official position of the bill’s introducer or the Florida Senate.