FL S1172

Extends Florida's existing preference in public employment appointment and retention to spouses of wartime veterans, veterans, reserve component members, and active duty servicemembers

Expands private employer permissive hiring preferences to include current reserve component members, Florida National Guard members, their spouses, and spouses of active duty servicemembers

Adds "veteran-owned or military spouse-owned business" (at least 51% owned, controlled, or managed by veterans or military spouses) to the state's vendor contracting preference framework alongside certified veteran business enterprises

Creates the "Florida Veterans and Military Spouse Business Development Act," providing eligible businesses a 5-year exemption from state corporate income tax and franchise tax, a one-time sales tax exemption on business equipment and supplies, and a waiver of all Department of State filing fees for businesses established or certified between July 1, 2025, and December 31, 2030

Establishes the Veteran and Military Spouse Entrepreneurship Program through the Department of Veterans' Affairs and Department of Commerce, offering mentorship, startup capital assistance, educational resources, and expedited certification processing, with annual reporting to the Governor and Legislature