(1) PROGRAM PURPOSE.—The purpose of the program is to provide need-based financial assistance to eligible servicemembers of the Florida National Guard and United States Reserve Forces, including the Coast Guard Reserves, who are on active duty serving in the Global War on Terrorism and who are federally deployed or participating in state operations for homeland defense, and eligible families of such servicemembers.
(2) FUNDING.—Implementation of the program is subject to appropriations expressly provided for this purpose.
(3) ELIGIBLE SERVICES.—Program funds may be used in emergency situations to purchase critically needed services, including, but not limited to, reasonable living expenses, housing, vehicles, equipment or renovations necessary to meet disability needs, and health care.
(4) ELIGIBILITY.—
(a) The following persons are eligible to receive financial assistance from the Family Readiness Program:
1. Florida residents who are members of the Florida National Guard and United States Reserve Forces, including the Coast Guard Reserves, who are on active duty serving in the Global War on Terrorism and who are federally deployed or participating in state operations for homeland defense; and
2. Florida residents who are designated as beneficiaries on the United States Department of Defense Form 93, or who are otherwise dependents, of a servicemember eligible under subparagraph 1. and who are family members of such servicemember.
(b) An eligible person may request financial assistance from the Family Readiness Program for 120 days following termination of the eligible servicemember’s military orders for qualifying service and return to home of record.
(5) REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE; REVIEW; AWARDS.—Requests for assistance shall be validated and assessed at the local level by a federal Family Center Support Specialist stationed at a state armory or at a reserve facility by a designated official. Recommendations subsequent to assessment and validation shall be forwarded to the program director, who shall review the recommendations for eligibility, appropriateness, and sufficiency of documentation. The Adjutant General or his or her designee shall receive the recommendations from the program director and is authorized to award funds pursuant to subsections (3) and (4).
(6) AUDITS.—The inspector general of the department shall conduct a semiannual review and an annual audit of the program.
(7) ANNUAL REPORT.—The department shall maintain sufficient data to provide an annual report to the Governor and the Legislature on the servicemembers and families served under the program, the types of services provided, and the allocation of funds spent.
(8) RULES.—The department is authorized to adopt rules necessary to implement this program, including procedures for applying for assistance, qualifying services, and criteria for eligibility.
History.—s. 1, ch. 2005-51; s. 1, ch. 2007-175; s. 1, ch. 2008-82.
Structure Florida Statutes
Title XVII - Military Affairs and Related Matters
Chapter 250 - Military Affairs
Part I - Military Code (Ss. 250.01-250.5206)
250.03 - Military law of the state.
250.04 - Naval militia; marine corps.
250.05 - Department of Military Affairs.
250.07 - Florida National Guard; composition; departmental organization.
250.08 - Florida National Guard organized.
250.09 - Appropriations, property, and equipment.
250.10 - Appointment and duties of the Adjutant General.
250.115 - Department of Military Affairs direct-support organization.
250.116 - Soldiers and Airmen Assistance Program.
250.12 - Appointment of commissioned and warrant officers.
250.16 - Authority to incur charge against state.
250.175 - Trust funds; authorization; name; purpose.
250.18 - Commissioned officers and warrant officers; clothing and uniform allowance.
250.19 - Expenses for travel on military business.
250.20 - Armory operations; allowances.
250.23 - Pay for state active duty.
250.24 - Pay and expenses; appropriation; procedures.
250.25 - Governor and Chief Financial Officer authorized to borrow money.
250.28 - Military support to civil authorities.
250.31 - Liability of members of the organized militia; defense of actions or proceedings.
250.32 - Commanding officer’s control of arms sales.
250.33 - Powers of commanding officer on state active duty.
250.34 - Injury or death on state active duty.
250.341 - Cancellation of health insurance.
250.351 - Courts-martial; jurisdiction.
250.36 - Mandates and process.
250.37 - Expenses of courts-martial.
250.375 - Medical officer authorization.
250.39 - Penalty for contempt.
250.40 - Armory Board; creation; membership, terms, and compensation; duties and responsibilities.
250.43 - Wearing of uniform and insignia of rank; penalty.
250.44 - Military equipment regulations; penalties.
250.45 - Military uniform discriminated against; penalty.
250.46 - Salaried employees not entitled to additional pay.
250.47 - Governor’s permission for unit to leave state.
250.481 - Reserve components; employment discrimination prohibited.
250.4815 - Professional license of servicemember not to expire while member on federal active duty.
250.483 - Active duty; licensure or qualification.
250.51 - Insult to troops; penalty.
250.52 - Unlawful to persuade citizens not to enlist; penalty.
250.5201 - Stay of proceedings where troops called out into state active duty or active duty.
250.5202 - Actions for rent or possession by landlord during state active duty.
250.5204 - Installment contracts for purchase of property; penalty.