{Dynamic Update Link - Blogs}

{Dynamic Update Link - Key Event}

The Most Veteran-Ready State

Florida Is First For Veteran Opportunity

Veterans move to or stay in Florida to build the life they've earned. Veterans Florida helps separating and retiring veterans, spouses, and families turn military experience into real businesses and careers in the sunshine state.

1.4+ Million

Veterans Call Florida Home

8,300+ Trained

SkillBridge, Career, and Entrepreneur

Funded by Florida

The State Supports Veterans

Launching Veteran Opportunity in Florida for Over a Decade

VF-swoosh 2

Your service built real skills. Florida is where they pay off.

Veterans Florida connects you with employers who want to hire you, training that translates your experience, and everything you need to start or grow a business.

We've spent more than a decade building relationships with employers, trainers, and partners across Florida's fastest-growing industries. Our team of dedicated Veterans is ready to help you succeed in the Sunshine State.

Choose Your Path

Get Expertise, Connections, and Support to Succeed in Florida

Two servicemembers in hard hats and safety vests review technical equipment at a Florida job site, representing hands-on SkillBridge internship experience with civilian employers.

 

SkillBridge

The Department of War (DoW) SkillBridge Program lets active-duty servicemembers within six months of separation or retirement gain hands-on work experience through internships, fellowships, and apprenticeships, with full DoW salary and benefits.

A male and female veteran in firefighter gear stand together outside a fire truck, representing veteran career placement with Florida public safety employers.


Career

Employers in Florida's high-tech, diverse economy want you on their team. They value the technical skills you gained and the leadership you built in service. Veterans Florida focuses on veteran-ready employers who want to hire and keep veterans.

Two men review operations on a manufacturing floor with industrial robotic arms, representing veteran entrepreneur training and business growth in Florida's manufacturing sector.


Entrepreneur

The Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program gives you the tools to launch and operate a real business. Whether you're exploring an idea or growing a venture, we offer training plus mentors, resources, and networking through partners statewide.

Your Skills Have a Home Here

Florida's High-Growth Industries

Aviation & Aerospace
Defense & Homeland Security
Life Sciences
Law Enforcement
Agriculture
Manufacturing
Logistics & Distribution
Information Technology
Public Service

Why Choose Florida?

VF-swoosh 2

From the nation's first city to its first space launch, Florida has always been where history is made. Now it's where veterans come to make their own.

Florida is the first state with a single organization dedicated to SkillBridge placements, career transition, and entrepreneur training for veterans, servicemembers, and their spouses. That organization is Veterans Florida, and everything we offer is provided at no cost to you.

No state income tax. World-class beaches. Strong Veteran opportunity. Florida gives your family the quality of life you worked for and the career possibilities to match.

3E66E9 1

"I wanted to extend my sincerest appreciation to you and the Veterans Florida team for your guidance and support throughout my transition from the U.S. Navy into retirement. After 30 years of service, stepping into a new chapter can be both exciting and challenging, and your support greatly eased this process for me and my family."

Paul R.

3E66E9 1

"The whole program surprised me. Although I didn't know what to expect, it was a pleasant surprise on how much information is shared and the support that is provided throughout and beyond."

Taliah W.
3E66E9 1

"The experience was outstanding. Considering it's veteran run and veteran attended, I would expect nothing less."

William M.

3E66E9 1

"For me, doors were beginning to open and opportunities were starting to show up — and that was all thanks to SkillBridge. Veterans Florida made it the smoothest part of the transition."

Drake L.

 

3E66E9 1

"Participating in the entrepreneur program has given me far more than I expected in just seven weeks... I'm leaving with confidence - confidence in myself as a founder and in my ability to grow my business into a sustainable, impactful brand."

Shenikia A.

Frequently Asked Questions

VF-swoosh 2

Veterans Florida is a state-created nonprofit launched in 2014 to help servicemembers, veterans, the Florida National Guard, reserves, and military and veteran spouses turn military experience into businesses and careers in Florida. We run three programs: SkillBridge, Career, and Entrepreneur. Every program is offered at no cost.

Separating or retiring active duty servicemembers nearing and within their transition window, veterans, members of the Florida National Guard, reserves, and military and veteran spouses may apply. Our SkillBridge, career, and entrepreneur programs each have specific eligibility requirements, as well.

Yes. Veterans Florida is funded by the State of Florida, and every program, resource, and one-on-one service is provided at no cost to the applicant. From SkillBridge placements to resume coaching to Entrepreneur Program cohorts, you do not pay to participate and we walk you through the process.

Visit the Veterans Florida SkillBridge page and submit an application. You'll then schedule a discussion with a member of our team to walk through your background, talk through Florida employer matches, and help you navigate the command approval process for your branch. Most SkillBridge activity happens during the 24 months before separation; the program itself runs during your last six months of active duty, with full Department of War pay and benefits retained.

Spouses may apply directly to Veterans Florida's Career program. You do not need a veteran or servicemember with you. Services include resume work, interview coaching, and direct introductions to Florida employers across high-growth industries.

The Entrepreneur Program has trained thousands of veteran and spouse founders since 2016 through a network of a dozen Florida partner organizations. Founders apply at any stage, from first idea to operating a business, and choose from Modeling Cohorts, Growth Cohorts, Getting Started Cohorts, with workshops and networking events. Florida law now lets military and veteran spouses apply directly.

From the nation's first city to its first space launch, Florida has always been where history is made. Now it's where veterans come to make their own. 1.4 million veterans already call Florida home. No state income tax, no state-level property tax, and no corporate income tax on subchapter corporations. High-growth industries hiring across aviation, aerospace, defense, IT, and more. And one organization, Veterans Florida, dedicated to helping you land the business, career, or SkillBridge placement that fits.