Florida is home to more than 1.5 million veterans — one of the largest veteran populations of any state in the nation. And in Florida's 16th Congressional District, communities like Sun City Center, Brandon, and Riverview are home to tens of thousands of veterans who have served our country with honor.
These men and women deserve the best care, support, and opportunities our nation can provide. Understanding what VA benefits are available — and how to access them — is the first step.
Key VA Benefits Available to Florida Veterans
VA Healthcare
Eligible veterans can receive healthcare through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at no cost or reduced cost, depending on service history and income. Florida has multiple VA Medical Centers and Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs), including facilities serving Manatee and Hillsborough County veterans. To be eligible, veterans must have served on active duty and been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
Disability Compensation
Veterans with service-connected disabilities may be eligible for monthly tax-free compensation. The amount depends on the severity of the disability (rated as a percentage from 0% to 100%). Veterans in Florida can file claims through the VA or with assistance from a Veterans Service Organization (VSO).
The PACT Act — New Benefits for Toxic Exposure
The PACT Act, passed in 2022, is one of the most significant expansions of veteran benefits in decades. It extends VA healthcare and disability benefits to veterans exposed to toxic substances, including burn pits, Agent Orange, and other hazardous materials. Many veterans in our district who previously didn't qualify for VA healthcare may now be eligible.
Education Benefits (GI Bill)
The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides tuition assistance, housing allowance, and stipends for books and supplies to veterans attending college, vocational school, or other training programs. Manatee and Hillsborough county veterans can use these benefits at local institutions including USF, State College of Florida, and Hillsborough Community College.
VA Home Loan Guarantee
One of the most valuable benefits available, the VA Home Loan program allows eligible veterans to purchase a home with no down payment and no private mortgage insurance (PMI). This is a tremendous advantage, especially in Florida's competitive real estate market.
Pension and Survivor Benefits
Low-income wartime veterans and their surviving spouses may be eligible for VA pension benefits. The Aid and Attendance benefit provides additional support for veterans who require help with daily activities.
Challenges Facing Florida Veterans
Despite these benefits, too many veterans in our district face real barriers:
- Long wait times for VA appointments, especially in the Tampa Bay region
- Mental health access gaps, particularly for veterans in more rural parts of Manatee County
- Claims backlogs that delay disability determinations for months or years
- Lack of awareness about PACT Act eligibility — many veterans who now qualify don't know it yet
- Homelessness — veterans make up a disproportionate share of the unhoused population in Hillsborough County
My Commitment to Veterans in District 16
Every veteran in Sun City Center, Brandon, Riverview, and across our district earned their benefits through sacrifice. My commitment to them is not political — it's personal.
As your Congressman, I will:
- Fight to fully fund VA healthcare and oppose any cuts to veteran medical services
- Push to reduce VA appointment wait times in the Tampa Bay region through expanded MISSION Act community care options
- Help veterans navigate PACT Act claims — my office will provide direct assistance to any veteran in District 16 who needs help filing
- Support mental health funding specifically targeted at veteran suicide prevention
- Advocate for a dedicated VA clinic in Manatee County to reduce travel burdens for local veterans
- Protect VA home loan benefits and fight any efforts to reduce or restrict the program
If you're a veteran in Florida's 16th District and need help accessing your benefits, my campaign office is ready to connect you with resources today — even before Election Day.
John Peters is the Republican candidate for U.S. Congress in Florida's 16th District. Learn more at johnpetersforcongress.com or contact us for veteran resource assistance.
Read more about my positions on my complete platform or support the campaign.