U.S. vets have easier license requirements in Fla.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – June 18, 2013 – As a way to thank U.S. military veterans for their service and entice them to live in the Sunshine State once their service ends, Florida government generally – and the Department of Business and Professional Regulations (DBPR) specifically – have eased some licensing rules for veterans. Gov. Rick Scott has pushed state agencies to develop veteran-friendly programs.

At DBPR, Secretary Ken Lawson says in an email that means “helping (veterans) obtain professional licenses, and encouraging them to remain in Florida to build a career or business once their military obligation has been completed.”

Lawson outlines three major initiatives to help Florida’s military veterans:

• DBPR waives the initial licensing fee, initial application fee and unlicensed activity fee for any honorable discharged veteran who applies for a state professional license within three years of leaving the Armed Forces. Find more information here.

• Any active military personnel with a Florida professional license can apply for Military Exemption Status. If they’re outside the state on active duty and not practicing their profession in the private sector for profit, they’re exempt from all license renewal requirements. The exemption lasts for the duration of active duty outside Florida and for six months following honorable discharge. Find more information here.

• Military spouses also benefit. Through DBPR, the spouse of an active duty service member stationed in Florida may request a temporary license. The temporary license is based on the professional license they held in their home state and is valid for six months. Find more information here.

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