Veterans' Preference

Only applicants for Support Personnel positions are eligible to receive Veterans' Preference. To receive Veterans' Preference, the applicant must submit a copy of their DD-214 by closing date of the position via one of the following methods. The DD-214 may be an attachment to the applicant’s electronic application or a copy may be mailed to: Florida Atlantic University, Attention: Employment Office; 777 Glades Road, Suite 102, Boca Raton, Fl 33431. Applicants may also fax the DD-214 to the Employment Office at 561-297-2404. If chosen for a position, the new employee must present his/her original DD214 at the time of new hire sign-in.

If you believe that you were not afforded employment preference in accordance with Section 295.07, Florida Statutes, you may file a complaint with the Division of Veterans Affairs requesting an investigation. Complaints must be filed within 21 calendar days from the date of notification by the employer or the selection of a non-preference eligible applicant. Complaints should be filed with:

Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs (FDVA)
11351 Ulmerton Road, Suite 311-K
Largo, FL 33778-1630

Additional information concerning Veterans' Preference is available at the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs webpage: www.floridavets.org/benefits/veteranspref.asp

For information on obtaining a DD214 visit eVetRecs or call 1-866-272-6272.

Florida Statutes information is available at: www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/.

1. GENERAL
   Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, sets forth certain requirements for public employers to accord preferences, in appointment, retention, and promotion, to certain veterans and spouses of veterans who are Florida residents. The relevant portions of the law apply to “the state and its political subdivisions”.  Public utilities, state universities, school districts, and special taxing districts are subject to the requirements of Chapter 295.
   
   

2. CATEGORIES OF PROTECTED INDIVIDUALS
   Section 295.07, Florida Statutes, extends veterans’ preference to:
   
   

   • A veteran with a service-connected disability who is eligible for or receiving compensation, disability retirement, or pension under public laws administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense.

   • The spouse of a veteran who cannot qualify for employment because of a total and permanent service-connected disability, or the spouse of a veteran missing in action, captured, or forcibly detained by a foreign power.

   • A veteran of any war who has served on active duty for one day or more during a wartime period, excluding active duty for training, and who was discharged under honorable conditions from the Armed Forces of the United States of America.

   • The unremarried widow or widower of a veteran who died of a service-connected disability.

   • The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, as well as the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal are qualifying for Veterans’ Preference, provided the individual is otherwise eligible.
     
     Technical Bulletin 2: Campaigns and Expeditions of the Armed Forces Since WWII Which Qualify for Veterans’ Preference
     
     

3. ENFORCEMENT
   If an applicant claiming veterans’ preference for a vacant position is not selected, he/she may file a complaint with the:

   Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs (FDVA)
   11351 Ulmerton Road, Suite 311-K
   Largo, FL 33778-1630

   A complaint must be filed within twenty-one days of the applicant receiving notice of the hiring decision made by the employing agency or within three months of the date the application is filed with the employer if no notice is given. The enforcement mechanism established by the regulations provide for an initial investigation by the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, followed by an evidentiary proceeding before the Public Employees Relations Commission if the matter cannot be earlier resolved.
   
   

4. For additional information concerning veterans' preference, please contact:
   

   The Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs
   By phone at: (727) 518-3202, ex. 548
   By email: burnsj@fdva.state.fl.us
   
   Or write:
   
   Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs (FDVA)
   Mary Grizzle Building, Suite 311-K
   11351 Ulmerton Road
   Largo, Fl 33778-1630