Florida veteran benefits
Veteran Compass lists 52 Florida programs for veterans and their families. Each one links to the official government page, because rules, amounts and deadlines change. This is a guide to what is worth looking into, not a decision about whether you qualify. Federal VA benefits, such as health care, disability compensation and the GI Bill, also apply in Florida; see the full directory or use the Benefit Finder.
Disability
100 Percent Disabled Veteran State ID Card
The Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs may issue an identification card that serves as proof of eligibility for state benefits available to 100 percent permanently and totally disabled veterans.
Who it may help: The veteran must be a permanent Florida resident with the rating from the VA, or a 100 percent rating with military disability retirement pay, and must request the card in writing. The card cannot be used for certain property tax exemptions listed in the statute. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
Education
Florida Public College Fee Waivers for Veterans
Florida public colleges and universities waive out-of-state fees for qualifying veterans and those using VA education benefits. Purple Heart and combat decoration recipients may get a separate tuition waiver.
Who it may help: The out-of-state fee waiver covers honorably discharged veterans, or people using VA education assistance, who live in Florida while enrolled. The tuition waiver for Purple Heart or combat decorations requires Florida residency and a DD-214 or similar proof. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Purple Heart and Combat Decoration Tuition Waiver
Florida law waives tuition for undergraduate and career certificate programs at state universities, Florida College System institutions and technical centers for recipients of the Purple Heart or another combat decoration.
Who it may help: The recipient must be a Florida resident, either now or when the military action occurred, and be enrolled in a degree, college credit certificate or career certificate program. The statute asks for a DD-214 or other recognized proof and limits the waiver to a share of the program's required credit hours. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
State University Free Seat Program
A statute-created program lets veterans, active duty members, active drilling Florida National Guard members and certain nontraditional students get tuition help in online bachelor's programs at state universities. The statute describes a waived course and reduced rates on others, with a systemwide cap on participants each year.
Who it may help: Florida residency and no prior bachelor's degree are required. Nontraditional students must have been out of postsecondary enrollment for a set period. Participation is capped, so seats may not be available. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
Scholarship for Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans
State scholarship for dependents of certain Florida veterans who died from service-connected causes or who meet other listed conditions, used toward undergraduate study. It is not tied to financial need.
Who it may help: The veteran must have been a Florida resident for a period before the disability award. Children must be within the stated age range and listed as VA dependents; spouses must meet marriage and timing rules. Applications go through the state student financial aid site during a stated window, and FDVA confirms the veteran's eligibility. Funding is not guaranteed. This slide deck is from 2020, so confirm details with FDVA. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
College Credit for Military Training
Florida public universities, colleges and career centers must award credit or clock hours for military courses and occupations using a statewide equivalency list, when the credit applies to the student's program.
Who it may help: The statute refers to eligible servicemembers or veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces and does not define eligibility criteria beyond that. The credit awarded must apply toward the student's degree or certificate. This page is the 2022 statute text; confirm current practice with the campus veterans office. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
Florida High School Diploma for Veterans
The Florida Department of Education can award a high school diploma to eligible veterans who left school to enter the Armed Forces. Family members may apply after a veteran's death.
Who it may help: Per the page, applicants left school before graduating and entered the armed forces, are Florida residents (or were enrolled in a Florida high school, or were Florida residents at death), were honorably discharged as verified by the VA, and have not completed graduation requirements. An application and proof of honorable discharge such as a DD-214 are needed. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
Resident Tuition for Military Families
Florida treats active duty members stationed or living in the state, and their spouses and dependent children, as residents for tuition purposes. Active Florida National Guard members who qualify for the state tuition program are also covered.
Who it may help: Active-duty status in Florida (or Guard membership qualifying for the state program) is the main test. The page also describes a rule for installations in counties bordering Florida and says serving outside Florida does not by itself end resident status. Details are not fully spelled out on the page. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
Priority Course Registration for GI Bill Students
Florida lists priority course registration at state colleges and universities for veterans using GI Bill benefits, and for spouses and dependent children who receive GI Bill benefits.
Who it may help: You must be receiving GI Bill benefits (or be a spouse or dependent child receiving them). Each campus runs registration, so ask the school's veterans office how it applies. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
Educational Dollars for Duty (Florida National Guard)
State-funded tuition help for Florida National Guard members pursuing civilian education such as certificates, associate, bachelor's or master's degrees, or professional licenses. Doctoral degrees are excluded.
Who it may help: Open to Florida National Guard Soldiers and Airmen. The page says program eligibility requirements apply but does not list them; contact the EDD office. Payment limits depend on the type of school. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
Employment
Veterans' Preference in State Hiring
Florida requires the state and its political subdivisions to give eligible veterans and certain family members preference in appointment and retention. The postsecondary education requirement may be waived for some positions.
Who it may help: Groups include disabled veterans, wartime veterans, veterans, certain spouses, widows and widowers and other surviving family members, and current Reserve and Florida National Guard members. Some positions are exempt. Questions about how preference is applied can go to the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Veteran Business Certification (Office of Supplier Diversity)
Florida's Office of Supplier Diversity certifies eligible Florida-based veteran-owned small businesses, listing them in a vendor directory and referring them to state agencies.
Who it may help: Businesses must be Florida-based and veteran-owned, register in the state vendor portal, and send supporting documents. Certificates last two years. Detailed criteria are in OSD's documentation. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Military Veterans Certification Pathway (Teaching)
Eligible veterans can earn a temporary Florida teaching certificate without holding a bachelor's degree, while working in a Florida school district.
Who it may help: The page lists at least 48 months of active service ending in honorable or medical discharge (DD-214), at least 60 college credits with a minimum GPA, and a passing subject-area exam (with an exception for one area). The applicant must then be employed by a Florida district with a mentor and pass a background screening. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
DBPR Veterans Licensing Fee Waiver
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation waives certain initial licensing fees for honorably discharged veterans and their spouses applying for professional licenses. Exam and other incidental fees are not waived.
Who it may help: Honorably discharged veterans (including Florida National Guard) and spouses married at discharge may qualify. The application is due within a set period after discharge, a DD-214 or NGB-22 is required, and it applies only to professional licenses, not certain business licenses. A fee waiver request must be filed with the application. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
DBPR Professional Licensure for Military Members and Spouses with Out-of-State Licenses
Current or former active-duty members, their spouses and surviving spouses who hold a valid license in the same profession elsewhere may get a Florida professional license without a Florida exam, with fees waived except as noted on the page.
Who it may help: Per the page, former members need an honorable discharge, and applicants must hold a valid license in the same profession in another jurisdiction. A background check, proof of the out-of-state license and sometimes insurance or bonding are required. Renewal rules and fees apply afterward. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
Office of Veteran Licensure Services (Health Care Licensing)
The Department of Health office helps military members, veterans and spouses become licensed health care professionals through military fee waivers and expedited processing, and coordinates with Veterans Florida on health care careers.
Who it may help: The page says services are for qualified veterans, spouses and active-duty personnel. It does not list the fees waived or full qualifying rules; contact OVLS@flhealth.gov. Some renewal exemptions exist for active-duty members and spouses. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
Contractor Licensing Credit for Military Experience
Florida law directs the state to give honorably discharged veterans a veteran-specific application path for contractor licensure and to credit substantially similar military training, education and experience.
Who it may help: Honorably discharged veterans applying under Chapter 489 may qualify. Credit applies only where military experience is substantially similar to licensure requirements. This is the 2024 statute text; check with the licensing board for current procedures. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
Security and Investigator License Credit for Veterans
Under Chapter 493, the licensing department must offer honorably discharged veterans a way to apply for private investigative, private security and repossession licenses, credit similar military training and education, and tell the veteran where gaps remain.
Who it may help: Honorably discharged veterans applying under Chapter 493 may qualify. Credit applies only when military training or education is substantially similar to the licensing requirement. This is the 2023 statute text; confirm the current process with the licensing department. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
Family
Homestead Exemption for Surviving Spouses of Service Members Who Died on Active Duty
Surviving spouses of a member who died from service-connected causes while on active duty may qualify for a homestead tax exemption on their home.
Who it may help: The page requires a certifying letter from the U.S. Government or VA and that the spouse owns and uses the property as homestead. The exemption continues while the spouse holds title, lives there and does not remarry. Additional requirements apply; confirm with your county property appraiser. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
Florida Survivor Outreach Services
Support coordinators across Florida help families of fallen service members with benefits information, peer support and referrals.
Who it may help: The page says it serves Families of the Fallen but lists no eligibility criteria; contact FDVA. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
Gold Star Family License Plate
A special Florida license plate honoring family members of a servicemember killed while serving.
Who it may help: The page says family members of a servicemember killed in service may qualify and refers to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles site for details. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
Financial
Property Tax Reduction for Disabled Veterans
Florida reduces the assessed value of property for certain disabled former service members. It is not limited to homestead property, and a surviving spouse may sometimes carry it over.
Who it may help: Applicants must be honorably discharged Florida residents with a qualifying disability of at least 10 percent. Apply with the county property appraiser. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Homestead Tax Exemption for Totally and Permanently Disabled Veterans
Florida can exempt the homestead of an honorably discharged veteran with a total and permanent service-related disability from property taxes. Veterans confined to wheelchairs have a similar exemption.
Who it may help: The veteran must be a Florida resident with an honorable discharge who owns and uses the property as a homestead. A surviving spouse may sometimes carry it over. Apply with the county property appraiser. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Homestead Discount for Disabled Veterans Age 65 and Older
Florida offers a homestead discount to older veterans with a permanent disability, matching the veteran's VA service-connected rating. An unremarried surviving spouse may keep it.
Who it may help: Veterans must be 65 or older, own and use the property as a homestead, and be partially or totally permanently disabled with a service-connected rating determined by the VA. Apply with the county property appraiser. Additional requirements apply; confirm with the county property appraiser. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Property Tax Exemption for Deployed Service Members
Florida can exempt part of the property tax of military members deployed in support of designated operations, in proportion to the time deployed during the prior year.
Who it may help: Current or former members of the U.S. military, Reserves, Coast Guard, or Florida National Guard may qualify if deployed outside the continental U.S., Alaska, and Hawaii in support of an operation designated by the Legislature. Apply with the county property appraiser. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Local Business Tax Fee Exemption for Veterans and Military Spouses
State law exempts certain people from local business taxes and related fees, including honorably discharged veterans, their spouses or unremarried surviving spouses, and spouses of servicemembers who moved under a permanent change of station order.
Who it may help: A signed request for fee exemption under penalty of perjury and written supporting documents are required through the local government. A business with fewer than 100 employees in which the exempt person holds a majority interest may also be exempt. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
Homestead Exemption for Wheelchair-Using Veterans with Adapted Housing
Florida exempts the homestead of an honorably discharged veteran with a service-connected total disability who needs a wheelchair and has VA-certified assistance for specially adapted housing.
Who it may help: The home must be the veteran's owned homestead, and the VA certificate is presented to the county property appraiser. If the home was held with the spouse as tenants by the entirety, the exemption may carry to a surviving spouse who lives there until remarriage or sale. The page sets no income limit. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
Prorated Property Tax Refund When a Disabled Veteran Buys a New Homestead
Certain permanently and totally disabled veterans and their surviving spouses who buy a new homestead mid-year may receive a prorated refund of the prior year's taxes once the exemption is granted on the new property.
Who it may help: The new property must be acquired within the window on the page and the exemption must be granted for the next tax year. The property appraiser verifies eligibility and computes the refund. This FAQ is dated August 2024. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
Keeping Homestead While Renting and Filing by Proxy for Servicemembers
Servicemembers who own and use a homestead may rent it out while deployed without losing the exemption, and a next of kin or authorized person may file for a member who cannot file in person because of service.
Who it may help: The page applies to servicemembers who own and use the property as homestead. Filing by a representative requires written authorization. This Department of Revenue brochure is dated August 2024. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
Financial Frontlines (Department of Financial Services)
A state resource section offering financial guidance for servicemembers and veterans on topics such as scams, credit, budgeting and benefits.
Who it may help: Aimed at military servicemembers and veterans; the page does not list eligibility limits. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
Soldiers and Airmen Assistance Program (Florida National Guard)
State law creates assistance for certain Guard members and their families with expenses such as housing, living costs, vehicle and health care when other assistance is unavailable.
Who it may help: Applies to traditional drilling Guard members on state active duty or Title 32 duty who do not qualify for Title 10 assistance and show financial need; beneficiaries may also apply. Funding is limited and a foundation board approves requests. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
Healthcare
Florida State Veterans' Homes
The Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs runs skilled nursing homes and one assisted living domiciliary for veterans, with some memory care units.
Who it may help: Applicants need an honorable discharge, Florida residency before admission, and certification from a VA physician of the need for assisted living or skilled nursing care. Eligible spouses may be admitted on a space-available basis. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Florida Veterans Support Line
A statewide confidential phone line, funded by the state veterans department, offering emotional support and referrals for Florida veterans.
Who it may help: The 2018 announcement says help is available regardless of discharge status. This page is a 2018 press release, so confirm current services and number with FDVA. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
Housing
County and City Permit Fee Exemption for Home Modifications
A totally and permanently disabled veteran is exempt from county or city license or permit fees for certain home modifications such as ramps and wider doors.
Who it may help: The veteran must be a Florida resident who was honorably discharged and who owns and lives in the home. The work must be limited to improvements that make the home habitable or safe. This page shows the 2017 statute, so confirm current rules with your local building office. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program
Down payment and closing cost help for first-time, income-qualified homebuyers, open to certain workers, military members and full-time employed veterans in Florida.
Who it may help: Members of the military, Reserve, Coast Guard and Florida National Guard, and veterans employed full time by a Florida employer, may qualify, along with other listed workers. Borrowers must be first-time, income-qualified buyers. The assistance is a deferred second mortgage that is not forgivable. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
State Homeless Veterans Coordinator and Housing Resources
FDVA points homeless veterans to housing help, including a state homeless veterans coordinator and links to federal supportive housing programs.
Who it may help: The page is for homeless veterans and does not list specific eligibility rules. It gives phone contacts and resource links. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
Legal
Free Claims Assistance from State and County Veteran Service Officers
FDVA State Veterans' Service Officers and County Veteran Service Offices help veterans file and follow up on state and federal benefit claims at no charge.
Who it may help: The page lists no formal requirements beyond seeking help with veterans' programs. Offices are at the Bay Pines VA Regional Office, VA medical centers, many outpatient clinics, and in counties. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Concealed Weapon License Provisions for Servicemembers and Veterans
State law directs the agricultural department to issue a concealed weapon or firearm license to a qualifying servicemember or veteran discharged under honorable conditions, and to accept fingerprints taken by law enforcement or military units with law enforcement duties.
Who it may help: Applicants must be a servicemember as the statute defines it or a veteran discharged under honorable conditions. Additional requirements apply; confirm with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The page does not state a fee or timeline. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
Veterans Treatment Court Programs
Florida law lets criminal courts run veterans treatment court programs that pair court supervision with treatment for veterans and servicemembers who have service-related conditions.
Who it may help: The defendant must be a veteran or servicemember charged with or convicted of a crime who has a service-related mental health condition, TBI, substance use disorder, psychological problem or military sexual trauma, and the court decides on admission. The statute says there is no right to participate, and programs vary by county. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
Attorney General Military and Veterans Assistance Program
The Attorney General's consumer protection division educates military members and veterans about scams and helps resolve consumer complaints.
Who it may help: The program serves active-duty members, reserve members and veterans. Complaints can be filed online, by phone or by printed form. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
Other
Hope Florida: A Pathway for Patriots
An FDVA initiative where Hope Navigators help Florida veterans and their families build plans toward financial independence and connect with support.
Who it may help: Open to Florida veterans and their families per the page. The page (dated March 2025) does not describe an enrollment process; contact FDVA. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
Recreation
Military Gold Sportsman's License
Florida offers a reduced-fee annual license combining hunting, saltwater fishing, and freshwater fishing privileges plus many common permits for qualifying military members.
Who it may help: Open to active duty and retired members of the Armed Forces, Reserves, Florida National Guard, or Coast Guard who are stationed in or claim Florida as primary residence. A current military ID is required, and hunter education rules still apply. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans
Florida law provides hunting and fishing licenses and permits without a fee to qualifying disabled veterans. Licenses are reissued on request after a set period.
Who it may help: Applicants must be Florida residents with an honorable discharge and a certified service-connected disability rating of 50 percent or more. Proof of the rating is required. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Florida State Parks Annual Pass Discount for Service Members
Florida State Parks offers a discount on annual entrance passes for current and retired service members.
Who it may help: The page identifies current and retired service members. It does not list proof requirements; ask the park or the Florida State Parks site. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
Free Lifetime Military Pass for Florida State Parks
Veterans with service-related injuries, and surviving spouses and parents of veterans who died in combat, may receive a free lifetime pass that waives entrance fees at Florida state parks.
Who it may help: Eligibility is tied to a service-related injury or to a combat death of the veteran. Additional requirements apply; confirm with Florida State Parks. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
Military and Veteran Waterfowl Hunts
Limited-entry waterfowl hunt permits on designated public waterfowl areas are available at no charge to veterans and active-duty members, awarded mainly by random drawing.
Who it may help: Veterans and active-duty members, including Guard and Reserve, who attest to that status may apply. Applicants generally need a Management Area Permit and must carry proof of status plus standard waterfowl licenses and a federal duck stamp where required. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
Hunting and Fishing License Exemptions for Military Members on Leave and at Permitted Events
Florida-resident armed forces members home on short leave are exempt from recreational license requirements, and disabled veterans and service members taking part in a permitted event may also be exempt.
Who it may help: Residents stationed outside Florida must be on leave for a short stated period and show orders. The event exemption applies only when the event organizer holds the commission's special permit. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
Transportation
Free Disabled Veteran License Plate
Florida provides a free license plate to qualifying disabled veterans. Other registration service charges still apply, and veterans may instead choose a paid military or specialty plate.
Who it may help: Applicants must be honorably discharged Florida residents (with a stated residency period) who own or lease the vehicle, and meet one of the disability or VA-assistance criteria. A VA ID card or 100 percent rating letter serves as proof. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-22
Veteran Designation on Driver License or ID Card
Florida can add a veteran designation to a driver license or ID card with no extra designation fee, using proof such as a DD-214 or VA identification card.
Who it may help: You need an accepted proof of veteran status (physical DD-214, VA identification card, or another form the VA accepts) and must visit a service center to add it. A tax collector convenience fee may still apply. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
Military and Veteran Specialty License Plates
Florida offers special plates for veterans and decorated service members, including Veteran, Combat-wounded, Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Pearl Harbor Survivor and several campaign-based plates. Most are issued on payment of the regular license tax.
Who it may help: Florida residents who own or lease a qualifying private vehicle and can provide proof of service, membership or award may apply. A Pearl Harbor Survivor or Purple Heart applicant who also qualifies for a disabled veteran plate may get that plate without the license tax. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
Former Prisoner of War License Plate
Former prisoners of war and their unremarried surviving spouses may get a special plate, and some qualifying U.S. and allied service members may receive it without the license tax.
Who it may help: Florida residency and a qualifying former POW status (or unremarried surviving spouse status) are required. The statute separates U.S. citizens in U.S. or allied forces held during U.S. combat (license tax waived) from other categories such as civilians and non-citizen servicemembers (tax paid). Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
Initial Vehicle Registration Fee Exemption for Military Members
A state form lets certain military members, former members and some family members claim an exemption from the initial registration fee on a vehicle.
Who it may help: The form lists several situations, such as members stationed in Florida who are becoming residents, Florida-resident members who bought a vehicle while stationed elsewhere, and certain Florida-resident family of a member who died or is missing. Proof such as orders or a DD-214 is required, and some situations have time limits. Check the official page for current rules.
Official source ↗ (opens in a new tab)Reviewed 2026-10-23
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