HB 1223 - Florida Foreclosed Homes for the Brave Program

• Creates the Florida Foreclosed Homes for the Brave Program administered by the Department of Veterans' Affairs in coordination with Building Homes for Heroes to purchase foreclosed homes for eligible injured veterans.

• Eligible veterans must have served in Iraq or Afghanistan in the Global War on Terrorism or Overseas Contingency Operations and returned to their home of record.

• Program may provide assistance with home purchases, repairs, renovations, or replacements needed to address health, safety issues, or disability needs.

• Requests for assistance reviewed at local level by department-designated officials and approved by the department, based on criteria including veteran's injury impact, economic situation, and financial circumstances.

• Appropriates $4 million in recurring funds from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Veterans' Affairs beginning in fiscal year 2015-2016; takes effect October 1, 2015.