Fla. Stat. 295.157
Veterans Dental Care Grant Program

(1)

The Legislature finds that veterans are not afforded dental care after serving in the United States Armed Forces unless they are totally and permanently disabled or have a direct service-connected injury impacting their oral health. The Legislature further finds that this has left many veterans without access to routine dental care for many years and has resulted in severe dental conditions that worsen due to a lack of access to proper dental treatment. It is the intent of the Legislature to create the Veterans Dental Care Grant Program to provide veterans the opportunity to access routine dental care after they conclude their service protecting this country’s freedom.

(2)

As used in this section, the term:“Department” means the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.“Veteran” has the same meaning as in s. 1.01(14). The term includes all members of the Florida National Guard and United States Reserve Forces who were discharged or released under honorable conditions only, or who later received an upgraded discharge under honorable conditions.

(a)

“Department” means the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

(b)

“Veteran” has the same meaning as in s. 1.01(14). The term includes all members of the Florida National Guard and United States Reserve Forces who were discharged or released under honorable conditions only, or who later received an upgraded discharge under honorable conditions.

(3)

The Veterans Dental Care Grant Program is established within the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. The purpose of the program is to provide oral health care to veterans who reside in this state.

(4)

The department shall contract with a statewide direct-support organization to administer the Veterans Dental Care Grant Program. The statewide direct-support organization must have proven experience developing and implementing veteran-relevant programs, including dental service programs. The organization is responsible for distributing grants to eligible nonprofits that have experience in providing dental care to veterans.

(5)

The department shall adopt rules to administer the program.

(6)

Funding for the program is subject to appropriation by the Legislature.

Source: Section 295.157 — Veterans Dental Care Grant Program, https://www.­flsenate.­gov/Laws/Statutes/2024/0295.­157 (accessed Aug. 7, 2025).

295.01
Spouses and dependent children of deceased or disabled servicemembers 295.02
Use of funds 295.03
Minimum requirements 295.04
Appropriation 295.05
Admission 295.07
Preference in appointment and retention 295.08
Positions for which a numerically based selection process is used 295.09
Reinstatement or reemployment 295.11
Investigation 295.011
Disabled veterans 295.13
Disability of minority of veterans and spouse removed, benefits under Servicemen’s Readjustment Act 295.14
Penalties 295.015
Children of prisoners of war and persons missing in action 295.16
Disabled veterans exempt from certain license or permit fee 295.016
Children of servicemembers who died or became disabled in Operation Eagle Claw 295.17
Identification cards 295.017
Children of servicemembers who died or became disabled in the Lebanon and Grenada military arenas 295.018
Children of servicemembers who died in Newfoundland air tragedy 295.019
Children of servicemembers who died in U.S.S. Stark attack 295.21
Florida Is For Veterans, Inc 295.22
Veterans Employment and Training Services Program 295.23
Veterans research and marketing campaign 295.24
Prohibited reimbursement of assessments 295.061
Active duty servicemembers 295.065
Legislative intent 295.085
Positions for which a numerically based selection process is not used 295.123
Deserters and others 295.124
State approving agency for veterans’ education and training 295.125
Preference for admission to career training 295.155
Military retirement based on longevity 295.156
Alternative treatment options for veterans 295.157
Veterans Dental Care Grant Program 295.0185
Children of servicemembers who died or became disabled in Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom 295.186
Removal of certain forms from official records 295.187
Florida Veteran Business Enterprise Opportunity Act 295.188
Preference in hiring veterans for private employers 295.0195
Children of servicemembers who died or became disabled in the Mideast Persian Gulf military arena during hostilities with Iraq or in the military action in Panama known as Operation Just Cause

Current through Fall 2025

§ 295.157. Veterans Dental Care Grant Program's source at flsenate​.gov