TAMPA — Gov. Ron DeSantis signed two new bills for veterans that took effect Monday.

House Bill 1329 supports the expansion of veteran benefits and services for those transitioning to civilian life.

What You Need To Know

  • House Bill 1329 revises the veteran’s employment and training services program to help match veterans and spouses with businesses in their preferred industry

  • House Bill 725 expands eligibility for veterans’ long-term care facilities to include spouses or surviving spouses of qualifying veterans

  • Veterans Florida is now the initial point of contact for military transition assistance

  • According to the Veterans Challenges Report, two-thirds of veterans experienced a difficult transition from military to civilian life, and close to half did not feel ready to transition

One business owner who is a veteran talked about one of the biggest challenges those leaving the service face today — employment.

After leaving the Army reserves, Troy Underwood says he went into building materials and eventually focused on a new trade, working with steel.

“I didn’t think I’d be in metal,” he said.

He says that when he registered “Tampa Steel and Supply Incorporated” as a veteran business, Veterans Florida stepped in to ensure his success with entrepreneurial programs, job training, and grants, an opportunity he wishes his own father had.

“My dad was at MacDill, and when he came out of the service, there was no Veterans Florida that he could go to, to, you know, find a job or his next career and know that where that was," he said. "It was all through whatever networking he had on his own. It caused us to have to move out of state, which was tragic because I was in my senior year of high school and I didn't want to leave,” he said.

According to the Veterans Challenges Report, two-thirds of veterans experienced a difficult transition from military to civilian life, and close to half did not feel ready to transition. Difficulties are largely attributed to unemployment and health challenges.

Alan Suskey is a member of the Veterans Florida Board of Directors, which is the initial point of contact for military transition assistance.

“I think the legislature and governor are always looking to improve the environment in Florida for veterans. We continue to be the most veteran-friendly state in the country," Suskey said. "You know, growing and expanding in areas like agriculture and these new technologies and innovations that are emerging. I think we have to make sure the veterans are well-equipped to compete in those environments.”

House Bill 1329 revises the veteran’s employment and training services program to help match veterans and spouses with businesses in their preferred industry, encourage entrepreneurship, and provide funding.

Another bill signed by DeSantis, House Bill 725, expands eligibility for veterans’ long-term care facilities to include spouses or surviving spouses of qualifying veterans. This ensures that spouses can enjoy long-term care together.

“It’s just exciting to see that whole exposure to the entire veteran community and really make Florida ... the number one place for veterans to retire and start a business or transition to the civilian (life),” said Underwood.

Troy says that the initial investment from Veterans Florida continues to yield positive results by enabling his business to hire other veterans and pay it forward.