Veterans in Florida

12 verified resources.

About Veterans for Fathers

Veteran fathers have access to a parallel system of benefits and services through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Healthcare is provided through VA medical centers and community-based outpatient clinics; mental health services including PTSD, depression, and family therapy are covered. The VA Crisis Line (dial 988, press 1) is staffed 24/7 by veterans for veterans. Disability compensation, GI Bill education benefits, VA home loans, and vocational rehabilitation are administered through regional VA offices. State-level Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) — the American Legion, VFW, DAV, and state VSO offices — help veterans file benefit claims for free. For family law matters, the VA doesn't provide attorneys, but many state bar associations have veteran legal clinics. This directory includes the VA Crisis Line, regional VA centers, state VSOs, and veteran-specific legal and housing services.

Veterans in Florida

Florida handles family law in circuit courts across its 20 judicial circuits. The Department of Revenue Child Support Program oversees enforcement statewide. Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Fort Lauderdale are the largest metros. Florida has an active self-help court system, free online parenting courses, and Bay Area Legal Services, Three Rivers Legal Services, and other LSC programs providing representation.

12 Resources

1. Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs (FDVA) — Free

Official state agency serving Florida's 1.5 million veterans. Operates state veterans' homes, claims assistance, and the Florida Veterans Support Line. Accredited Veterans Service Officers help file disability claims and access education benefits at no cost. Located in Largo at 11351 Ulmerton Road. Call (727) 518-3202 or email fdva@fdva.state.fl.us Mon-Fri 8 AM to 5 PM. Visit floridavets.org for the full list of services and VSO locations statewide.

(727) 518-3202 · 11351 Ulmerton Road, Suite 311-K, Largo, FL 33778 · Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM · Visit Website

2. Florida Veterans Support Line (1-844-MyFLVet) — Free

Free, confidential 24/7 hotline providing emotional support and community resource connections to Florida veterans, active duty service members, National Guard, Reservists, and their families. Staffed by trained specialists, many of whom are fellow veterans. Call 1-844-693-5838 anytime. Visit myflvet.com for additional resources. Also connects callers to Hope Navigators for follow-up support and community referrals after the initial call.

1-844-693-5838 · 24/7 · Visit Website

3. Veterans Crisis Line (988, Press 1) — Free

Connects veterans and their loved ones in emotional distress directly to qualified VA responders, available 24/7 by call, text, or online chat. Dial 988 then press 1 to reach a trained VA crisis responder. Text 838255 or chat at veteranscrisisline.net. Responders are trained in PTSD, TBI, military sexual trauma, and transition challenges. All calls are confidential. Available to all current and former service members nationwide.

988 (Press 1) · 24/7 · Visit Website

4. James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital — Tampa — Free

One of the nation's largest VA medical centers providing comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care including mental health, PTSD treatment, substance abuse programs, and polytrauma rehabilitation for Tampa Bay area veterans. Also hosts Medical-Legal Partnership clinics. Located at 13000 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa. Call (813) 972-2000. VA healthcare enrollment required. Emergency services available 24/7. Telehealth options available for eligible veterans.

(813) 972-2000 · 13000 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612 · Emergency 24/7; outpatient Mon-Fri 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM · Visit Website

5. Bruce W. Carter VA Medical Center — Miami — Free

South Florida's primary VA medical facility serving Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe counties with primary care, mental health, homeless veteran programs, and specialty services. Bilingual staff support Spanish-speaking veterans. Located at 1201 NW 16th Street, Miami. Call (305) 575-7000. VA healthcare enrollment required. Emergency care available 24/7. Outpatient services Mon-Fri 8 AM to 4:30 PM. Telehealth also available.

(305) 575-7000 · 1201 NW 16th Street, Miami, FL 33125 · Emergency 24/7; outpatient Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM · Visit Website

6. Orlando VA Medical Center — Free

Lake Nona VA Medical Center serving Central Florida veterans with full inpatient and outpatient services including primary care, mental health, women veterans programs, and homeless veteran support. Located at 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando. Call (407) 631-1000. VA healthcare enrollment required. Emergency care available 24/7. Outpatient services Mon-Fri 8 AM to 4:30 PM. Visit va.gov/orlando-health-care for a full list of available services and clinics.

(407) 631-1000 · 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, FL 32827 · Emergency 24/7; outpatient Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM · Visit Website

7. Malcom Randall VA Medical Center — Gainesville — Free

Flagship facility of the VA North Florida/South Georgia Healthcare System. Provides comprehensive medical, surgical, mental health, and specialty care. Affiliated with the University of Florida with research-based PTSD and TBI treatment programs. Located at 1601 SW Archer Road, Gainesville. Call (352) 376-1611. VA healthcare enrollment required. Emergency services 24/7. Outpatient Mon-Fri 8 AM to 4:30 PM. Telehealth available statewide.

(352) 376-1611 · 1601 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32608 · Emergency 24/7; outpatient Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM · Visit Website

8. Tampa Vet Center — Readjustment Counseling — Free

Community-based VA counseling center providing confidential readjustment counseling including individual and family therapy, PTSD treatment, and military sexual trauma support in a non-clinical setting with no VA enrollment required. Located at 9206 King Palm Drive, Tampa. Call (813) 372-0400 Mon-Fri 8 AM to 4:30 PM. After-hours crisis line: 877-927-8387. Visit va.gov/tampa-vet-center for full details. No co-pays for eligible veterans and service members.

(813) 372-0400 · 9206 King Palm Drive, Tampa, FL 33619 · Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM; after-hours crisis: 877-927-8387 · Visit Website

9. Orlando Vet Center — Readjustment Counseling — Free

Confidential readjustment counseling for combat veterans, service members, and families in a non-VA community setting with no co-pays or VA enrollment required. Provides individual and group therapy, marriage and family counseling, PTSD treatment, and referrals. Located at 5575 S. Semoran Blvd, Suite 30, Orlando. Call (407) 857-2800 Mon-Fri 8 AM to 4:30 PM. After-hours crisis: 877-927-8387. No appointment needed for walk-ins.

(407) 857-2800 · 5575 S. Semoran Blvd, Suite 30, Orlando, FL 32822 · Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM; after-hours crisis: 877-927-8387 · Visit Website

10. Disabled American Veterans (DAV) — Florida — Free

Represents over 70,000 disabled veterans across Florida with free claims assistance, benefits counseling, and transportation to VA appointments through the DAV volunteer van program. Accredited service officers help file and appeal VA disability, pension, and survivor benefit claims at no cost. Located at 2015 SW 75th Street, Gainesville. Call (352) 331-0945 or email davhdq@davfla.com Mon-Fri 8 AM to 4:30 PM. Visit davfla.org for statewide chapter locations.

(352) 331-0945 · 2015 SW 75th Street, Gainesville, FL 32607 · Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM · Visit Website

11. Florida Veterans Legal Helpline — Bay Area Legal Services — Free

Free legal advice and representation for income-eligible veterans throughout Florida. Handles VA benefits appeals, discharge upgrades, housing and eviction matters, family law, and consumer debt issues. Medical-Legal Partnership clinics at James A. Haley VA and Bay Pines VA. Located at 1302 N. 19th Street, Suite 400, Tampa. Call (866) 486-6161 Mon-Fri 9 AM to 4:30 PM. Visit bals.org/veterans-legal-helpline for more information and to apply for assistance.

(866) 486-6161 · 1302 N. 19th Street, Suite 400, Tampa, FL 33605 · Mon-Fri 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM · Visit Website

12. National Veterans Homeless Support (NVHS) — Free

Central Florida nonprofit dedicated to ending veteran homelessness through emergency shelter, transitional housing, employment support, and intensive case management. Organizes regular Stand Down events featuring free food, clothing, legal aid, and health screenings. Located at 1436 King Street, Cocoa, FL. Call (321) 208-7562 Mon-Fri 9 AM to 5 PM. VA national homeless veterans hotline: 1-877-424-3838. Visit nvhs.org for current program details and shelter availability.

(321) 208-7562 · 1436 King Street, Cocoa, FL 32922 · Mon-Fri 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM; emergency: 1-877-424-3838 · Visit Website

Veterans — Common Questions

What do I do in a crisis?
Dial 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line. Text 838255. Chat at veteranscrisisline.net. Staffed 24/7 by veterans. Also visit any VA emergency department — you'll be seen regardless of enrollment status.
I'm not enrolled with the VA — can I still get help?
Yes. Visit any VA medical center to enroll. Most veterans with an honorable or general discharge qualify for free or low-cost care. Combat veterans within 10 years of separation get enhanced eligibility. Bring your DD-214.
Can the VA help with custody cases?
The VA doesn't provide attorneys for family law, but many state bar associations run free Veteran Legal Clinics. The VA Caregiver Support Program and Vet Centers provide counseling, and Veteran Treatment Courts exist in many jurisdictions for justice-involved vets.
What does a VSO do?
A Veterans Service Organization (American Legion, VFW, DAV, state VSO) helps veterans file disability compensation claims, pension claims, and appeals for free. They're accredited by the VA and often get better outcomes than self-filed claims. Always use a VSO before paying for a claims agent.