Veterans in Florida and beyond understood the risks they would shoulder the moment they entered service, while their families also bore quietly the weight of that commitment alongside them. They dedicated themselves entirely to missions that demanded courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment, often placing the needs of the nation above their own well-being. For this reason, Americans across the country set aside November each year to celebrate Veterans Day and National Military Family Month—a time meant to recognize their service and silent endurance in carrying out their mandate. Yet acknowledgment alone is not enough; proper recognition requires addressing the ongoing challenges numerous veterans and their loved ones continue to face. Among the most pressing issues is the persistent threat of toxic exposures pervasive in military installations as well as nearby communities in Florida, especially those surrounding Lake Okeechobee. Confronting these hazards is a critical step toward ensuring that veterans and their families do not just receive mere gratitude for their service—they are assured concrete protection for their health and future.

Florida Veterans and Military Families At Risk of Toxic Exposure

Florida is home to a significant military presence, with decades of training, operations, and support infrastructure spread across coastal and inland areas. That history has shaped the lives of over 1.3 million veterans now living with their families in different regions, including Okeechobee, Glades, Hendry, and Palm Beach County. For far too many of them, the danger did not end when their service did. This is because the toxic legacy of past military activities still lingers in their communities, quietly exposing personnel and their loved ones to risks they were never aware of or prepared to face. Such an issue primarily stemmed from the heavy use of hazardous chemicals, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), synthetic chemicals once widely used in firefighting equipment for their heat and water resistance. While these substances have been beneficial, they are also notorious for accumulating in soil and groundwater—causing severe pollution at military sites and in neighboring communities. Notably, Okeechobee was among the most drastically affected, with PFAS levels of 37 parts per trillion (ppt). 

Even more troubling is that these findings capture only one layer of the contamination that veterans and families continue to live with. Unknown to many, asbestos—previously prized for its durability and low cost—was also utilized extensively on Navy ships, in aircraft hangars, tanks, trucks, weapons, and military installations like Avon Park Air Force Range, just 60 miles away from Lake Okeechobee. As such, veterans who worked in maintenance, construction, or aboard older vessels were often exposed to asbestos fibers that, when inhaled or ingested, can lead to a myriad of serious illnesses such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. The human toll of this crisis has unfortunately become apparent in Florida. In fact, between 1999 and 2017, the Sunshine State witnessed over 18,206 asbestos-associated deaths, with Okeechobee, Hendry, Martin, and Palm Beach Counties accounting for a total of 1,912 fatalities. Worse, the danger extends to families as well. Spouses, children, and neighbors living near contaminated facilities can also be exposed through dust, household fibers, or soil—creating a generational health burden that continues long after active duty ends.

Protecting Florida’s Military Communities Requires Tackling Toxic Exposure

Recognizing veterans and military families in Florida requires moving beyond ceremonies to meaningful protections that address the risks they have endured. Thousands continue to deal with illnesses linked to in-service toxic exposure. But access to healthcare and specialized treatment remains uneven across the state. Fortunately, efforts to address such challenges have begun with the passage of the Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022—groundbreaking legislation that aims to expand medical services and disability benefits for those exposed to harmful substances. Based on the latest count, nearly three million veterans nationwide have already submitted their claims to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), of which over 268,000 were from Florida. Of these, almost two million applications were verified, and more than $6.8 billion had already been distributed to confirmed victims in 2024. 

Federal measures have also extended beyond healthcare to provide critical support for families. Among these is the VA Home Loan Program Reform Act, which aims to help veterans manage their monthly mortgage payments and secure and maintain stable housing. At the same time, major reforms to survivor benefits are bound to extend aid to families of service members who are sadly lost in the line of duty. Together, these initiatives represent meaningful progress in advancing the care and support that veterans and their families have long needed. However, even with all these, they constitute only the beginning of a much larger effort.

By committing to sustained remediation in military and adjacent communities, Florida and the nation can finally provide sturdy support to military communities, who have already sacrificed so much to protect our liberty.

About the Author
Cristina Johnson is a Navy veteran advocate for Asbestos Ships Organization, a nonprofit whose primary mission is to raise awareness and educate veterans about the dangers of asbestos exposure on Navy ships and assist them in navigating the VA claims process. For more information, please visit our page.