California SB 694 prohibits unaccredited paid VA claims assistance starting January 2027. Florida SB 910 kept real options open with consumer safeguards. Here's exactly what it means depending on where you live — and what Monte thinks about it.
In early 2026, two major states passed legislation affecting how US veterans can get paid help with their VA disability claims. California went restrictive. Florida went regulated. The difference matters significantly depending on where you live or where your VA claims helper is based.
Signed by Governor Newsom in February 2026. Effective January 1, 2027.
Florida kept non-accredited paid help legal — with strict consumer safeguards.
| Issue | 🏴 California (SB 694) | 🌴 Florida (SB 910) |
|---|---|---|
| Unaccredited paid help | Restricted Jan 2027 | Allowed with rules |
| Remote/virtual help from Philippines | Generally restricted | Allowed if rules followed |
| Accredited VSOs and lawyers | Fully allowed | Fully allowed |
| Fee structure | Fees prohibited for unaccredited | Contingency only — win-based |
| Written contract required | N/A (fees prohibited) | Yes — required |
| Veteran choice | Limited | Broader |
| Effective date | January 1, 2027 | Already in effect |
Starting January 1, 2027, you'll need to use free accredited VSOs (DAV, VFW, American Legion, County VSOs) or accredited paid representatives (VA-accredited attorneys or agents) for official VA claims work. Remote unaccredited help — including services based in the Philippines — will likely no longer be a legal option for paid claims preparation. Accredited free VSO help remains fully available and is always Monte's recommendation for official representation regardless of this law.
You still have flexibility to hire experienced non-accredited help — just make sure they follow SB 910's rules: written contract, win-based fees only, within the fee cap. Florida's approach is consumer-protective without eliminating veteran choice. Remote and virtual assistance remains available under the right structure.
Monte's take: California's law follows the same playbook the state has used in autism services, childcare, hospice, and IHSS — where significant fraud and waste problems emerged under regulated systems. The intent is legitimate but the execution limits veteran choice in ways that may not serve veterans well. Florida's approach — regulating rather than banning — is the smarter model. That said: free accredited VSO help is always my first recommendation for official VA representation, regardless of state law. That hasn't changed.
VCAnalytics.ai provides educational resources and self-service tools to help veterans understand how the VA system and C-File review work in general — not official VA representation, not claims filing, not accredited advocacy. This is the same position regardless of California or Florida law. Veterans use these educational tools to understand the landscape before working with a VSO or accredited representative. That structure is not what either state law restricts.
Always use a free accredited VSO for official VA representation — Monte says this on every page because he means it.
Want to understand how these state laws affect your options? Our free educational resources explain the landscape, and a free accredited VSO is always the right path for official representation in your area.
Free VA Understanding Tool → Message MonteRetired Texas CPA and Certified Fraud Examiner. Founder of VCAnalytics.ai. Has helped over 1,000 veterans understand their situations through educational analysis — not official VA representation. He always recommends free accredited VSO help for official claims work.
This article is for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice. State laws change — always verify current requirements with a licensed attorney in your state. Monte Fisher is not VA-accredited and does not represent veterans before the VA. Always use a free accredited VSO or VA-accredited representative for official VA claims work.