Information relating to veterans benefits for any discharged veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces and their dependents may be obtained from the Lake County Veterans Service Office located at 1300 S. Duncan Drive (S. Hwy 19), Building B in Tavares. Office hours are 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. For more information, call (352) 742-6585.

The Lake County Veterans Service Office was organized in 1945 and is an advocate for the veterans of the State of Florida. The Office has a single purpose — service to the more than 30,000 veterans and/or their dependents at no cost, with no discrimination. The office serves as the advocate to the veteran and/or dependent for claims processing and other benefits to which they may be entitled. Highlights of the many services provided by our skilled and compassionate office staff include:

• Request for Form DD 214 (discharge from service);
• Preparation/coordination of claims for Veterans Disability Benefits;
• Burial/death benefits;
• Assistance with enrollment in Veterans Affairs (VA) health benefits; and
• Applications for the VA Home Loan Program, educational and vocational training, and awards and medals.

The Office professional staff coordinates with the VA and other federal and state agencies on benefit entitlements in order to meet the need of each individual veteran and/or dependent. All information conveyed is privileged and will be held in strict confidence.

Services to the Community

The Lake County Veterans Service Office conducts community outreach meetings to insure adequate service coverage is maintained. Outreach meetings are held by trained veteran benefits counselors. Site locations are:

• Clermont
  Chamber of Commerce
  691 W. Montrose St.
  Second Thursday of each month from 1 to 4 p.m.
  
• Leesburg
  VA Clinic
  711 W. Main St.
  Second, third and fourth Tuesday of each month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  
• Sumter County Office
  The Villages Annex Office
  8033 East County Road 466, Suite B, Box 9, Lady Lake, Fla.
  (352) 753-2686
  
  In addition, nursing home and private home visits are conducted in order to reach those veterans and dependents who are unable to travel to the local office.

Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs (FDVA)

The Sumter County Board of County Commissioners provides veterans services at:
The Villages Annex Office
8033 East County Rd 466 Suite B Box 9
Lady Lake Fl
(352) 753-2686