55A-7.008. Persons Eligible for Appointment and Retention Preference, and Educational Waivers

The following persons shall be eligible to receive preference in appointment and retention in employment, and the possibility of the waiver of a postsecondary educational requirement, pursuant to Section 295.07, F.S.:

(1) Disabled veterans who have served on active duty in any branch of the United States Armed Forces and who:

(a) Have a presently existing service-connected disability which is compensable under public laws administered by the DVA, or

(b) Are receiving compensation, disability retirement benefits, or pension by reason of public laws administered by the DVA and the Department of Defense.

(2) The spouse of any person:

(a) Who has a total and permanent service-connected disability and who, because of this disability, cannot qualify for employment, or

(b) Who is 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 Section 1.01(14), F.S., who has served in active duty during a specified wartime period for at least 1 day in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized, including any armed forces expeditionary medal or the global war on terrorism medal, or during one of the specified periods of wartime service; however, active duty for training is not allowed for eligibility.

(4) The unremarried widow or widower of a veteran who died of a service-connected disability.

(5) The mother, father, legal guardian, or unremarried 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 Department of Defense.

(6) A veteran as defined in Section 1.01(14), F.S., who has served in active duty as specified; however, active duty for training is not allowed for eligibility.

(7) A current member of any reserve component of the United States Armed Forces or the Florida National Guard.

Rulemaking Authority 295.07(2) FS. Law Implemented 295.07(1), (3) FS. History–New 3-30-88, Formerly 22VP-1.008, Amended 2-12-90, 6-21-92, 6-11-08, 6-27-16, 8-17-22.