295.011 Disabled veterans; education.

(1) As used in this section, the term “disabled veteran” means an individual who is a resident of this state pursuant to s. 1009.21 and is: (a) Determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to have a service-connected 100-percent total and permanent disability rating for compensation; (b) Determined to have a service-connected total and permanent disability rating of 100 percent and is in receipt of disability retirement pay from any branch of the United States Armed Services; or (c) Issued a valid identification card by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs in accordance with s. 295.17.

(2) Beginning with the 2022-2023 academic year, a disabled veteran enrolled in a program of education approved for educational assistance under 38 U.S.C. s. 3313 at a state university, a Florida College System institution, a career center operated by a school district under s. 1001.44, or a charter technical career center who does not qualify for the 100-percent eligibility tier under federal law is eligible to receive a waiver for tuition and fees. The waiver amount is equal to the difference between the portion of tuition and fees paid in accordance with federal law and the full amount of tuition and fees at the institution attended. The amount awarded by the state is not to be determined until after the application of federal benefits under 38 U.S.C. s. 3313. (a) Each state university, Florida College System institution, career center operated by a school district under s. 1001.44, and charter technical career center shall report to the Board of Governors and the State Board of Education, respectively, the number and value of all fee waivers granted annually under this subsection. (b) The Board of Governors and the State Board of Education shall respectively adopt regulations and rules to administer this subsection.

(3) Sections 295.03-295.05 and 1009.40 apply to any disabled veteran who receives an award under this section.

History: s. 1, ch. 2022-187.