Veteran's Preference

Per Florida Statue 295.07-Preference in appointment and retention:

1. The state and its political subdivisions shall give preference in appointment and retention in positions of employment to: 
   1. Those disabled veterans:
      1. Who have served on active duty in any branch of the United States Armed Forces, have received an honorable discharge, and have established present existence of a service-connected disability that is compensable under public laws administered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs; or
      2. Receiving compensation, disability retirement benefits, or pension by reason of public laws administered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and the United States Department of Defense.
   2. The spouse of a person who has a total disability, permanent in nature, resulting from a service-connected disability and who, because of this disability, cannot qualify for employment, and the spouse of a person missing in action, captured in line of duty by a hostile force, or forcibly detained or interned in line of duty by a foreign government or power.
   3. A wartime veteran as defined in s. 1.01(14) who has served at least 1 day during wartime period. Active duty for training may not be allowed for eligibility under this paragraph.
   4. The un-remarried widow or widower of a veteran who died of a service-connected disability.
   5. The mother, father, legal guardian, or un-remarried widow or widower of a member of the United States Armed Forces who died in the line of duty under combat-related conditions, as verified by the United States Department of Defense.
   6. A veteran as defined in s. 101(14). Active duty for training may not be allowed for eligibility under this paragraph.
   7. A current member of any reserve component of the United States Armed Forces or the Florida National Guard.

• To claim veterans' preference, an applicant must:
• Be applying for a Career Service position and qualify for such position;
• Be honorably discharged (or claiming on behalf of an honorably discharged veteran);
• Answer "yes" to the following question on the application:  "Are you claiming Veterans' Preference?"; and
• Attach a DD-214 (or equivalent official documentation) with each application submitted claiming preference.  

NOTE:  Certain categories of preference may require additional documentation to be submitted by the claimant. Human Resources will contact the applicant should additional documentation beyond the DD-214 be required.

NOTE:  Certain reserve members and National Guard members must submit a letter with their application from their Commanding Officer stating the dates of their military service to establish they are currently active.

If you still have questions or need assistance, please contact the Human Resource Office at hrapply@gulfcoast.edu or (850) 872-3894.