FL H0171

Expands the definition of "veteran" in Florida law to include individuals who received upgraded discharges under honorable conditions, regardless of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs' determination on other-than-honorable discharges.

Adds Operation New Dawn (beginning September 1, 2010) as a recognized military operation for wartime veteran benefits, and sets Operation Iraqi Freedom end date as September 1, 2010.

Provides educational opportunity at state expense for dependent children of military personnel who die or become 100-percent service-connected disabled while serving in Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, or Operation New Dawn, provided the military personnel were state residents during their service.

Establishes four forms of prima facie evidence for eligibility: certified death certificate, valid military identification card, Department of Veterans Affairs letter certifying 100-percent disability rating, or military branch letter certifying 100-percent disability retirement pay.

Takes effect July 1, 2011.