Veterans' Preference

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Applicants applying for positions with the Collier County Board of County Commissioners may be eligible for Veterans' Preference in accordance with Section 295.07 of the Florida Statutes which provides for Veterans’ Preference in hiring and retention.  Additional rules for Veterans’ Preference are outlined in Florida Administrative Code (and Florida Administrative Register) FAC 55A-7.

More information about this Program and Eligibility

Claiming Preference:

  • In order to claim Veterans’ Preference, you must:
  • Request the preference on our job application
  • Submit your documents at the time of your application.
    • Link to Forms
      • VP-1 Veterans’ Preference Certification Form
      • VP-2 Reserve Certification Form
      • VP-3 Unremarried Widow or Widower Certification Form
      •  Applicants may submit: a Veterans’ Preference Certification, FDVA form VP-1, or a simple letter, form, or other written application containing essentially the same information.

Collier County Human Resources Division 3303
East Tamiami Trail 
Naples, Florida 34112

Required Documentation for Veterans’ Preference

1. DD Form 214

  • All Veterans must submit a copy of DD Form 214.
  • �� Disabled Veterans must also provide documentation from the DoD or DVA verifying a service-connected disability.
    ⚠️ The type of disability does not need to be disclosed in most cases.

2. Spouses of Disabled Veterans

     Must provide:

  • Award Letter from the VA or DoD stating entitlement to benefits under Chapter 35 (confirming the Veteran is totally and permanently disabled).
  • DoD-issued identification card.
  • Marriage certificate or other official proof of marriage.
  • Signed statement confirming the spouse is still married to the Veteran at the time of application.

3. 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.

4. Spouses of Active-Duty Members

     Must provide:

  • DoD or DVA documentation certifying the service member is:
    • Missing in action,
    • Captured in the line of duty, or
    • Forcibly detained/interned in the line of duty by a foreign government or power.
  • Evidence of marriage.
  • Signed statement confirming the spouse is married to the active-duty member at the time of application for employment.

5. Mother, Father, Legal Guardian, or Un-remarried Widow/Widower of a Deceased Veteran

     Must provide:

  • Document from the DoD showing the death of service member while on-duty status under combat-related conditions or the DVA certifying the service-connected death of the Veteran.
  • Evidence of marriage
  • Legal guardians must also provide court documents establishing guardianship.

6. Current Reserve or National Guard Members

     Must provide:

  • Signed memorandum from their military supervisor confirming Active status in the Reserves or National Guard.

 

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

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

All persons seeking Veterans’ Preference shall attempt to contact Human Resources or other designated contact at least one time after 45 days have passed, but not longer than 90 days from the final date for submitting an application or the interview date, whichever is later in time, and shall document such attempt, if the applicant has not received notice of a hiring decision from the employer. If the employer does respond to the attempted contact, the applicant has 60 days from that attempt date to file a complaint with FDVA.

For more information, call (727) 518-3202, Ext. 5511 or email veteranspreference@fdva.state.fl.us.

 

 


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