HB 1111 - Veterans Protection Act

• Creates section 295.189, Florida Statutes, establishing the "Veterans Protection Act" to regulate persons assisting veterans with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) claims

• Prohibits any person from acting as a representative, agent, or attorney for VA claims unless properly credentialed by the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs under 38 U.S.C. §5902, §5903, or §5904

• Prohibits soliciting, charging, or receiving fees for VA claim assistance without proper VA accreditation or unless permitted by federal law (38 U.S.C. §5904)

• Establishes enforcement mechanisms including investigator authority to issue notices of violation, 30-day opportunity to enter voluntary compliance agreements, hearing officer proceedings, and civil penalties; violations are misdemeanors of the second degree punishable by up to 60 days imprisonment or $500 fine

• Specifies that federal law controls when stricter than this section, and that this section controls when more stringent than federal law; takes effect upon becoming law