Florida offers a range of freebies and discounts to active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families. These benefits span dining, transportation, professional services, and healthcare support. Eligibility typically requires proof of service, such as a military ID or veteran status documentation. The following information details specific offers and resources available to service members in Florida, based on official data.
Veterans Day Dining Discounts
On Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, numerous Florida restaurants and businesses provide free meals and discounts to honor military personnel. These offers generally require a military ID or proof of veteran status and are valid on Veterans Day unless otherwise specified. It is recommended to contact local franchises to confirm participation.
Key Veterans Day dining offers in Florida include:
- Applebee’s: Active-duty military, veterans, reserves, and National Guard members receive a free, full-sized entrée from an exclusive menu.
- Duffy’s Sports Grill: Veterans receive a free dine-in meal (subject to a price limit), while active-duty service members get 40% off. Available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Dunkin’: Veterans and active-duty military receive a free doughnut at all locations, with no purchase necessary.
- Einstein Bros. Bagels: Veterans and active-duty military receive a free medium coffee (hot or iced).
- El Chico Café: Veterans and active-duty military eat for free, subject to a price limit.
- Famous Dave’s: Veterans and active-duty military receive a free Georgia Chopped Pork Sandwich Lunch, with a choice of side. For online orders, use code VETERAN25 at checkout.
- Firehouse Subs: Veterans and active military receive a free medium sub, chips or a cookie, and a drink.
- Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: Veterans receive a card on November 11, valid through December 31, for a free Freddy’s Original Double combo meal (no purchase necessary).
- Friendly’s: Veterans and active-duty military receive a free breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
- Golden Corral: Veterans eat for free during Military Appreciation Night, from 4 p.m. until closing.
- Granite City: Veterans and active-duty military receive a free entrée from a special menu and a choice of non-alcoholic beverage. Available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for dine-in, to-go, and online ordering (not valid for delivery).
These deals are part of broader Veterans Day promotions across Florida, where businesses express gratitude through discounts and freebies. The availability of these offers may vary by location, and advance verification is advised.
Florida Military Benefits and Resources
Florida provides extensive resources for military travelers and veterans, accessible through official state websites. These include benefits counseling, healthcare services, and financial assistance programs.
Health and Support Services
Florida veterans can access earned services and benefits via floridavets.org/benefits. Free benefits and disability claims counseling are available at floridavets.org/benefits-services/claims.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) operates six medical centers in Florida: Bay Pines, Miami, Tampa, West Palm Beach, Gainesville, and Lake City. A seventh center in Orlando is under construction and will open soon. Outpatient clinics and Vet Centers for counseling are located throughout the state. VA healthcare information, including medical centers and programs, is available at va.gov/directory/guide.
Mental health support is robust: - The National Veteran Crisis Hotline (1-800-273-8255) offers 24-hour counseling. - Florida-specific support is available via the Florida Veterans Support Line at 1-844-MyFLVet (693-5838) or 2-1-1. - The VA provides resources for Suicide Prevention, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Depression, Military Sexual Trauma, and Substance Abuse. - Recovery First Treatment Center in Hollywood, Florida, offers free virtual support meetings, including 12-step AA/NA meetings hosted weekly by individuals in recovery, for veterans unable to afford treatment.
Legal and Employment Protections
Florida laws protect deployed service members from fines or charges for early cancellations of vehicle registrations, telecommunications services, and late voting registrations. These provisions apply to those called to active duty or deployed to different areas.
Unemployment compensation protections ensure that individuals who voluntarily leave employment due to relocation under their spouse’s military orders are not disqualified from benefits.
Professional Licensure and Training
Florida honors valid licenses from other states for military spouses in fields such as law, medicine, business, and teaching. Additionally, former U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) service members with at least five years of experience are exempt from basic recruit law enforcement training in Florida.
Military License Plate and Registration Benefits
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) offers various benefits for service members, including tax exemptions and special license plates.
Military Extension Card
Service members and their families must apply for a free military extension card, which must be carried with a Florida driver’s license and military ID. The card is valid until 90 days after discharge, the individual returns to Florida to live, or they obtain a new driver’s license or ID from Florida or another state.
To apply, provide a copy of the service member’s current military orders and complete the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Military Personnel and Dependents Affidavit, certifying active duty status and out-of-state stationing. Submit the affidavit and orders via email to [email protected], fax to 850-617-5034, or mail to: Bureau of Credentialing Services 2900 Apalachee Parkway, MS 92 Tallahassee, FL 32399
Tax-Free License Plate Registration
Currently serving Florida National Guard service members are eligible for one tax-free license plate registration or renewal each year. Fees apply for plates other than the Florida National Guard or standard Florida plates. Applications require a signature from the First Sergeant or Commanding Officer.
Toll Exemptions
- Disabled Toll Permit: The Florida Department of Transportation issues a window sticker for free toll use. Applicants must mail a completed Florida Disabled Toll Permit Application and required documentation to: Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged 605 Suwannee Street, MS-49 Tallahassee, FL 32399-0450 Phone: 800-983-2435
- Florida National Guard Service Members: Exempt from tolls on Florida highways while on official military business.
Special Veteran and Military License Plates
FLHSMV offers 41 distinctive license plate designs to honor service members, veterans, retired service members, and eligible family members. Eligibility and application instructions are on the application form, which requires official documentation as proof. Most military plates are available at local FLHSMV Motor Vehicle Service Centers.
Financial and Travel Assistance Programs
Hilton Honors Military Program
The Florida Hilton Honors Military Program aids in transitioning from U.S. Armed Forces service to civilian employment by providing hotel accommodations for verifiable job-related travel. Eligible activities include: - Travel for job interviews - Training required to obtain or maintain a job, or leading to certification - Pre-employment testing (e.g., physicals, drug tests, aptitude/agility tests)
The program does not cover conference attendance, career fairs, job searching, relocation, house hunting, family visits, vacations, retirement, or non-employment activities. Eligible individuals can receive up to 100,000 hotel points. A Hilton Honors account is required. State-specific eligibility and residency requirements apply. For more information, email [email protected] or contact the nearest American Job Center.
Tax and Financial Benefits
Veterans and deployed service members may qualify for homestead exemptions, exemptions from local business taxes, and ad valorem tax exemptions. Additionally, military discounts are available at Florida State Parks, hunting and fishing licenses, and waivers of age requirements for lodging and firearms. Tax exemptions apply to vehicles imported from foreign countries.
Conclusion
Florida provides a comprehensive array of freebies and benefits for military personnel and veterans, focusing on dining discounts during Veterans Day, healthcare and mental health resources, license and registration exemptions, and employment-related travel support. Service members should verify eligibility and participation details through official channels, as offers and requirements may vary. These programs underscore Florida’s commitment to supporting its military community through practical and financial assistance.