Life insurance options for Florida veterans
Military life insurance is federal, so the options are the same in every state: convert SGLI to VGLI after separation, apply for VALife if you have a service-connected rating, or buy private coverage. Healthy veterans often compare VGLI against private term life, since VGLI rates rise every five years.
Veterans cemeteries in Florida
VA national cemeteries
- Barrancas National Cemetery — Pensacola
- Barrancas National Cemetery Annex — Pensacola
- Bay Pines National Cemetery (closed to new casket burials) — St. Petersburg
- Cape Canaveral National Cemetery — Mims
- Florida National Cemetery — Bushnell
- Jacksonville National Cemetery — Jacksonville
- Sarasota National Cemetery — Sarasota
- South Florida National Cemetery — Lake Worth
- St. Augustine National Cemetery (closed to new burials) — St. Augustine
- Tallahassee National Cemetery — Tallahassee
Burial in a VA national cemetery, a government headstone or marker, and a burial flag are available to eligible veterans at no cost; see VA burial benefits for current allowances. Source: VA National Cemetery Administration – Find a Cemetery: Florida
Florida state benefits for veterans
Florida residents who were honorably discharged with a service-connected total and permanent disability may be fully exempt from property taxes on the home they own and live in, and a surviving spouse may be able to carry the exemption over; apply through the county property appraiser. Source: Florida Department of Revenue – Property Tax Benefits for Active Duty Military and Veterans (PT-109)
Honorably discharged Florida residents with a disability of 10% or more from wartime service or misfortune may get a $5,000 reduction in their property's assessed value, and the exemption is not limited to homestead property. Source: Florida Department of Revenue – PT-109 (s. 196.24, F.S.)
Veterans 65 or older with a partial or total permanent service-connected disability may receive a homestead assessment discount equal to their disability percentage, which can carry over to an unremarried surviving spouse. Source: Florida Department of Revenue – PT-109 (s. 196.082, F.S.)
For help applying, contact the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs.
Planning for final costs too? See final expense insurance in Florida.
Frequently asked questions
Where can veterans be buried in Florida?
Florida has 10 VA national cemeteries and 0 state veterans cemeteries, including Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola. Eligibility rules apply; the cemetery or Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs can confirm.
Check veteran optionsCan Florida veterans keep their military life insurance after leaving service?
SGLI can be converted to VGLI within 1 year and 120 days after separation, with no health questions if you apply within 240 days. Veterans with a service-connected rating may also qualify for VA Life Insurance (VALife). These are federal programs, so the rules are the same in every state.
Check veteran optionsDo disabled veterans get a property tax break in Florida?
Florida residents who were honorably discharged with a service-connected total and permanent disability may be fully exempt from property taxes on the home they own and live in, and a surviving spouse may be able to carry the exemption over; apply through the county property appraiser.
Check veteran options