Veterans Day 2024 presents a wide array of complimentary offers and discounts for active-duty military personnel and veterans across Florida. Businesses, attractions, and service providers participate in these initiatives as a gesture of appreciation for military service. The availability of these offers varies by location and date, with many valid specifically on Veterans Day, Monday, November 11, 2024, while others extend throughout the weekend or the entire year. Eligibility typically requires proof of service, such as a valid military ID or other documentation.
Food and Restaurant Offers
Numerous national and local restaurant chains offer free meals and beverages to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day. These offers generally apply to dining-in services and require a valid military ID.
- Applebee’s: Veterans and active-duty military personnel eat free from a select menu when dining in on Veterans Day. Participants also receive a $5 Bounce Back Card for use on a future visit.
- Blaze Pizza: Participating locations nationwide offer a free one-topping pizza to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Tuesday, November 11, 2024.
- Bob Evans: A free meal from a select Veterans Day menu is available for veterans and active-duty military personnel.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Veterans and active-duty military personnel receive 10 free boneless wings and fries with a valid ID.
- Wendy’s: The chain offers a free Breakfast Combo to those who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. military. This offer is valid during breakfast hours on Monday, November 11, 2024, and no purchase is required.
- TooJay’s: Active duty and retired military personnel receive 25% off their total bill on Monday, November 11, 2024. This offer is valid at locations in Palm Beach and Broward counties and requires proper identification.
Attractions and Entertainment
Florida attractions provide free entry or significant discounts for veterans, active-duty personnel, and their families.
- National Park Service: All National Park Service sites that normally charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone on Monday, November 11, 2024.
- Butterfly World: Located in Coconut Creek, this attraction offers military members and veterans 25% off for everyone in their party. A printable $5 off coupon is also available online. The venue is located at 3600 W. Sample Road.
- Flamingo Gardens: On Veterans Day, November 11, 2024, Flamingo Gardens offers free entry for military and veterans and 25% off for immediate family members. On other days, veterans and military personnel receive a regular discounted fee of $17.56. The location is at 3750 S. Flamingo Road, Davie.
- Miami Seaquarium: Active and retired military personnel receive free entry the entire weekend and holiday, November 9-11, 2024, with valid ID. Up to five family members receive a 50% discount on the entry fee.
Retail, Services, and Transportation
Beyond food and entertainment, various businesses offer discounts on products, services, and transportation.
- Public Transportation: The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) offers free rides to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day. Riders must present a valid military ID or other proof of prior service.
- Hair Care: Sports Clips offers veterans and active-duty service members a free haircut on Veterans Day through the "Haircuts for Heroes" program. The salon also donates $2 for every haircut service provided on November 11 to the VFW's "Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship" program. Multiple locations are available throughout South Florida.
- Retail Stores:
- JOANN: Offers a 15% discount for veterans, military members, and their families, valid daily year-round. This applies to current or veterans and reservists and their spouse and/or dependent children.
- Michaels: Active duty service members, veterans, and family members enjoy a 15% discount on purchases.
- Apple: Offers a 10% discount via online verification. Immediate family members residing in the same household are also eligible.
- Hotels: Current or retired military personnel, veterans, and their families booking at La Quinta hotels in the U.S. and Canada receive a 12% discount off the best available rate per night, plus 1,000 Wyndham Rewards bonus points. This offer is valid year-round.
Verification and Eligibility
Most offers require proof of service, such as a military ID. Some deals may also extend to the general public on Veterans Day or during specific timeframes. It is recommended to verify offer details with the establishment before visiting, as participating locations may vary, and offers are subject to change. Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano will also host a golf event to benefit veterans programs through My Warrior’s Place, with proceeds from the entrance fee going toward the cause.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2024 offers numerous opportunities for veterans and active-duty military personnel to receive free meals, discounted services, and complimentary entry to attractions throughout Florida. These offers span categories including food, retail, entertainment, and transportation. While many are valid specifically on Veterans Day, others extend through the weekend or are available year-round. Veterans are encouraged to bring valid identification and confirm details with specific locations prior to visiting.