DAV Department of Florida Annual Convention 2026

The DAV Department of Florida Annual Convention 2026, hosted at the Marriott Tampa Westshore June 18–21, 2026, is the premier gathering of Florida's disabled veteran community and their most dedicated advocates. The Disabled American Veterans Florida Department represents tens of thousands of disabled veterans across the Sunshine State — one of America's largest veteran populations — and this annual convention is where the department conducts its most important business: electing leadership, passing resolutions, receiving updates on VA benefits and legislative priorities, honoring outstanding volunteers and advocates, and renewing the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood that define the DAV family. Florida veterans face distinctive challenges related to hurricane preparedness and disaster recovery, access to care in rapidly growing metros and rural counties, and navigating a VA healthcare system that is simultaneously one of the nation's most active and most strained. This convention directly addresses those challenges with workshops on VA claims and appeals, benefits access, mental health resources, survivor benefits, and transportation services for disabled veterans who struggle to reach VA facilities. The Marriott Tampa Westshore provides excellent facilities for the convention's business sessions, committee meetings, social events, and the formal awards banquet that caps each year's gathering. DAV members and Auxiliary members from across Florida's 67 chapters are encouraged to attend. Community supporters, VSO partners, and elected officials are also welcome. This is where Florida's disabled veterans speak with one voice — and that voice has changed lives, policies, and the direction of VA care for decades.