During Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, veterans working for the Department of Financial Services were honored for their service and the sacrifices they have made for Florida and our nation. Governor Scott presented each of the Department’s veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Medal. Prior to the Cabinet meeting, CFO Patronis hosted a breakfast reception for the veterans and their families.

CFO Patronis said, “Florida’s veterans made a choice to selflessly serve, and in doing so, they willingly made countless personal sacrifices. As Americans, we owe these dedicated heroes our gratitude, and I am proud to honor those who continue to serve their fellow Floridians by now working in our Department. It was a privilege to spend time with them this morning, and I offer my unending thanks to them and all of Florida’s veterans.”

The Department of Financial Services has taken several steps to assist Florida’s service members and veterans as they transition into civilian careers, including a program called “Operation Dispatch,” which grants comparative skills-based training credit to military firefighters who wish to join Florida’s firefighting community. The Department has also refunded insurance licensing fees for veterans and their spouses and created a series of financial literacy programs aimed at helping military families navigate through unique financial challenges.

An estimated 1.5 million veterans live in Florida, many of whom now work within state and local governments. The Department of Veterans’ Affairs estimates that veterans make up nearly 12 percent of Florida’s population, the third highest population in the nation behind California and Texas.

To learn more about the Department of Financial Services, visit www.myfloridacfo.com.