Veteran Funeral Benefits in Florida (2026 Guide)

By Terry Feely, Former Firefighter and Paramedic · Last Updated May 2026

Florida is home to approximately 1.5 million veterans, the second-largest veteran population in the nation, and has seven VA national cemeteries spread across the state. Veterans in Florida qualify for up to $2,000 in federal burial benefits for service-connected deaths, plus free burial in any VA national cemetery with a government headstone, burial flag, and military honors.

2026 VA Burial Benefit Amounts

Benefit Category	2026 Amount	Notes
Service-connected death	$2,000	No time limit to file
Non-service-connected (VA hospitalized)	$1,002	Must file within 2 years of burial
Non-service-connected (not hospitalized)	$300	Must file within 2 years of burial
Plot or interment allowance	$1,002	When not buried in a national cemetery
Headstone or marker allowance	Up to $441	For already-purchased private headstone

These are federal benefits available to all eligible veterans regardless of state. For a detailed breakdown of what costs are and are not reimbursed, see our VA Burial Allowance 2026 guide.

VA National Cemeteries in Florida

Name	City	Status
Barrancas National Cemetery	Pensacola	open
Bay Pines National Cemetery	Bay Pines	cremation-only
Florida National Cemetery	Bushnell	open
Jacksonville National Cemetery	Jacksonville	open
South Florida National Cemetery	Lake Worth	open
Sarasota National Cemetery	Sarasota	open
Cape Canaveral National Cemetery	Mims	open

For full eligibility details, see our National Cemetery Eligibility guide.

State Veterans Cemeteries in Florida

Florida does not currently operate a state veterans cemetery. Veterans in Florida are eligible for burial in any VA national cemetery at no cost.

Florida Veterans Benefits

Florida offers property tax exemptions for disabled veterans, including a full homestead exemption for veterans with a 100% disability rating. The state provides free license plates for disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients. Florida also exempts military retirement pay from state income tax, as the state has no personal income tax.

Eligibility Requirements

VA burial benefits are available to veterans who meet the following criteria:

Served on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training with a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable.
For veterans who enlisted after September 7, 1980, or officers who entered service after October 16, 1981, a minimum of 24 consecutive months of active duty is required (or the full period for which they were called to active duty).
Reservists and National Guard members who were activated under federal orders and completed their service period are eligible.
Spouses, surviving spouses, and minor children of eligible veterans also qualify for burial in a national cemetery.

For full eligibility details including dependent rules, see our National Cemetery Eligibility guide.

How to Apply for VA Burial Benefits in Florida

1. Gather documents. You will need the veteran's DD-214 (discharge papers), death certificate, and burial receipts from the funeral home and cemetery.
2. File VA Form 21P-530EZ. This is the Application for Burial Benefits. You can file online at va.gov, by mail to the VA Pension Management Center, or through a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) such as the VFW, American Legion, or DAV.
3. For national cemetery burial. Contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117. The funeral home can also make this call on the family's behalf.
4. Get local assistance. Contact St. Petersburg Regional Office at 800-827-1000 for help with your claim or to connect with a local VSO.

For a complete walkthrough of the application process, see our VA Burial Allowance 2026 guide.

Military Funeral Honors in Florida

Every eligible veteran in Florida is entitled to military funeral honors at no cost. Standard honors include a minimum of two uniformed service members who fold and present the American flag to the next of kin and play Taps. Full honors, available for some veterans based on rank and service, may include a rifle volley, a color guard, and a military chaplain.

Honors are typically requested through the funeral home, which contacts the appropriate military branch. Families can also request honors directly by calling the Department of Defense at 1-877-MIL-HONR (1-877-645-4667).

For details on what each branch provides, see our Military Funeral Honors guide.

Find Funeral Homes in Florida

When choosing a funeral home for a veteran, ask whether they routinely handle military funerals and whether they can assist with the DD-214, military honors requests, VA cemetery coordination, and burial flag. Many funeral homes in Florida have experience serving military families.

Browse Funeral Homes in Florida

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Full Directory by State

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Looking for the complete guide? See our Veterans Funeral Benefits 2026: Complete Guide for detailed information about burial allowances, headstone applications, burial flags, and survivor benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many VA national cemeteries are in Florida?

Florida has seven VA national cemeteries: Barrancas in Pensacola, Bay Pines, Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Jacksonville, South Florida in Lake Worth, Sarasota, and Cape Canaveral in Mims. Most are open for new burials.

What state veterans benefits are available in Florida?

Florida offers property tax exemptions for disabled veterans including a full homestead exemption for 100% disabled veterans, free license plates for disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients, and no state income tax on any income including military retirement pay.

How do I arrange a military funeral in Florida?

Contact your funeral home director, who will coordinate with the VA National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 800-535-1117 for national cemetery burials. Military honors can be requested through the Department of Defense by calling 800-827-1000.

Can my spouse be buried with me in a Florida VA cemetery?

Yes. Spouses and eligible dependents of veterans can be buried in the same gravesite in a VA national cemetery at no cost. The spouse does not need to be a veteran to qualify for this benefit.

Where is the closest VA regional office in Florida?

The VA regional office serving Florida is the St. Petersburg Regional Office located in St. Petersburg, FL. You can reach them at 800-827-1000 for assistance with burial benefits and other VA services.