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Veterans' Preference

Under Florida law, Veteran's Preference in employment is given to qualified Veterans as outlined in F.S. Chapter 295, and as it may from time to time be amended.  Applicants wishing to claim Veteran's Preference MUST provide a copy of their DD Form 214, and/or equivalent separation papers, listing dates of service and type of discharge.

Please attach to your application, fax it to 239-573-3131, or deliver it to the Human Resources Department, located at City Hall 1015 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral, FL 33990 within 5 business days following the date the request is received by the applicant.  Veteran's Preference DOES NOT apply to City of Cape Coral contract positions.

Who Qualifies for Veterans’ Preference?

Individuals eligible for Veterans’ Preference (VP) are as follows:

  1. Disabled Veterans who have served on active duty in any branch of the Armed Forces and who presently have an existing service-connected disability that is compensable under public laws administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), or are receiving compensation, disability retirement benefits, or pension by reason of public laws administered by the DVA and the Department of Defense (DoD).
  2. The spouse of a Veteran:
    • Who has a total and permanent service-connected disability and who, because of this disability, cannot qualify for employment; or
    • Who is missing in action, captured in line of duty by a hostile force, or detained or interned in line of duty by a foreign government or power.
  3. A Veteran of any war, who has served at least one day during that wartime period as defined in section 1.01(14), F.S., or who has been awarded a campaign or expeditionary medal. Active duty for training shall not be allowed for eligibility under this paragraph.
  4. The un-remarried widow or widower of a Veteran who died of a service-connected disability.
  5. The mother, father, legal guardian, or un-remarried widow or widower of a service member who died because of military service under combat-related conditions as verified by the DoD.
  6. A Veteran as defined in section 1.01(14), F.S. The term “Veteran” is defined as a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service and who was discharged or released therefrom under honorable conditions only or who later received an upgraded discharge under honorable conditions. “Active Duty for Training” does not qualify for VP.
  7. A current member of any reserve component of the United States Armed Forces or The Florida National Guard.

What Character of Discharge must be on the DD Form 214 to qualify for Veteran’s Preference? 

A Veteran MUST have been discharged with nothing less than an “HONORABLE” discharge.  If a DD 214 is not provided, the applicant should provide a copy of their orders, and a signed memorandum from their military supervisor confirming their Honorable service.

What documents must be provided to claim Veterans’ Preference? 

  1. DD Form 214
  2. Disabled Veterans shall also furnish a document from the DoD or the DVA establishing that the Veteran has a service-connected disability. The type of disability does not have to be disclosed in most cases.
  3. Spouses of disabled Veterans shall furnish an Award Letter stating that they are entitled to benefits under Chapter 35 from the VA or the DoD. This confirms that the Veteran is totally and permanently disabled. The spouse should also have an identification card issued by the DoD; spouses shall also furnish a marriage certificate or other official evidence of marriage to the Veteran and a statement that the spouse is still married to the Veteran at the time of the application for employment.
  4. An un-remarried widow or widower of a Veteran who died of a service-connected disability shall supply documentation from the VA indicating the cause of death.
  5. Spouses of an active-duty member shall furnish the following documents:
    • DoD or DVA documentation certifying that the Veteran is listed as missing in action, captured in line of duty, or forcibly detained or interned in line of duty by a foreign government or power.
    • Evidence of marriage.
    • Statement that the spouse is married to the Veteran on active duty at the time of application for employment.
  6. The mother, father, legal guardian, or un-remarried widow or widower of a deceased Veteran shall furnish a document from the DoD showing the death of a service member while on-duty status under combat-related conditions or the DVA certifying the service-connected death of the Veteran and shall further furnish evidence of marriage. The legal guardian shall show the court documents establishing the Guardianship.
  7. Current Reserve members and National Guard members should provide a signed memorandum from their military supervisor confirming their Active status in the Reserves or Guard.