Military Personnel, Veterans & Military Spouses Licensing Fee Waiver Program

Under House Bill 615, which went into effect July 1, 2017, the Department now has the ability to waive the initial licensing fee for any individual that is currently serving, or has formerly served, as an active duty member of the Armed Forces of the United States, or a spouse or surviving spouse of such member that was married to the member during a period of active duty who applies to the Department for a state professional license.

Application Requirements

Military Personnel/Veterans: Applicants that are currently serving as an active duty member of the United States Armed Forces must submit a copy of his/her military orders. Applicants that formerly served as an active duty member of the United States Armed Forces must submit a DD-214 or NGB-22.

Military Spouses: Applicants that are spouses of a current for former active duty member of the United States Armed Forces must submit a copy of your spouse’s military orders if your spouse is currently serving or a copy of your spouse’s DD-214 or NGB-22 if your spouse formerly served. Applicants must also submit a copy of your marriage certificate to the military service member.

Surviving Spouses of Military Personnel: Applicants that are surviving spouses of a former active duty member of the United States Armed Forces must submit a copy of your marriage certificate to the military service member and a copy of your spouse’s DD-1300.

How to Apply: Complete the Military Member/Veteran/Spouse Fee Waiver and Military Service Verification Form and submit the request along with your application for licensure.

Mail your completed application, documentation and application for licensure to:
Department of Business and Professional Regulation
2601 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, FL 32399-2203

Professional Licensure for Military Personnel, Veterans and Military Spouse

The Department now offers professional licensure to any individual that is currently serving, or has formerly served and received an honorable discharge, as an active duty member of the Armed Forces of the United States, or a spouse or surviving spouse of such member; and currently holds a valid license for the corresponding profession in another state, the District of Columbia, any United States territory or possession, or a foreign jurisdiction. Applicants meeting these requirements will not be required to pass a Florida examination.

Application Requirements

Military Personnel/Veterans: Applicants that are currently serving as an active duty member of the United States Armed Forces must submit a copy of his/her military orders.  Applicants that formerly served as an active duty member of the United States Armed Forces must submit a DD-214 or NGB-22 as proof of honorable discharge.

Military Spouses: Applicants that are spouses of a current for former active duty member of the United States Armed Forces must submit a copy of your spouse’s military orders if your spouse is currently serving or a copy of your spouse’s DD-214 or NGB-22 if your spouse formerly served.  Applicants must also submit a copy of your marriage certificate to the military service member.

Surviving Spouses of Military Personnel: Applicants that are surviving spouses of a former active duty member of the United States Armed Forces must submit a copy of your marriage certificate to the military service member and a copy of your spouse’s DD-1300.

Certificate of Licensure: Applicants must hold a valid license for the profession in another state, the District of Columbia, any United States territory or possession, or a foreign jurisdiction. Applicants are required to submit a copy of the certificate of licensure and a copy of the statutes and/or rules that define the scope of work for the current license.

Fingerprints: An applicant must have a background check as part of the licensing process. To learn more about fingerprinting, please visit our Fingerprint FAQs.

Fingerprint Privacy Act

Insurance/Bonding Requirements: If applicable, applicants must comply with all insurance and/or bonding requirements as required by the Florida laws and rules governing the license sought.

Fee: Fees are waived for all professions with the exception of the federally required $80.00 national registry fee for Certified General Appraiser and Certified Residential Appraiser applicants.  This $80 fee should be made payable to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, and included with your application.

Please note that once a license is issued, the license holder will be responsible for meeting the renewal requirements including any applicable fees.

Registered Trainee Appraiser must submit evidence of completion of 100 hours of approved qualifying education courses in subjects related to real estate appraisal within 5 years of the date the application is received by the Department. See Rule 61J1-10.002, FAC. The 100 hours includes completion of the 15-hour National Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice course within 2 years of the date the application is received by the Department.

Application: Complete the application by clicking on the “Apply For/Update Licenses” link above, selecting the applicable profession for the license sought and then clicking on the “Initial Military-Veteran Application for Professional Licensure” link.

Veterans Fee Waiver Program

Under House Bill 7015, which went into effect July 1, 2014, the Department now has the ability to waive the initial licensing fee, the initial application fee, and the initial unlicensed activity fee for military veterans and their spouses at the time of discharge who apply to the Department for a state professional license. The application must be submitted within 60 months after the veteran has been honorably discharged from any branch of the United States Armed Forces, including the Florida National Guard. Please note, this waiver does not include examination fees or other incidental fees.

Please note, this fee waiver only applies to professional licenses and does not apply to business licenses issued by the Division of Hotels and Restaurants; Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco; Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes; or the Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering.

Application Requirements
  • The applicant or the applicant’s spouse must have served in a branch of the United States Armed Forces, including Florida National Guard units.
  • The applicant or the applicant’s spouse must have been honorably discharged in the past 60 months prior to the date of application. The applicant must have been married to the military veteran at the time of discharge if claiming eligibility as a veteran’s spouse.
  • The applicant must provide a DD-214 or NGB-22 form as proof of honorable discharge.
  • The Military Veteran Fee Waiver Request must be submitted with your application for licensure.

How to Apply
Complete the  Waiver Request Application.

Mail your completed application, documentation and application for licensure to:
Department of Business and Professional Regulation
2601 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, FL 32399-2203

Reimbursement for Active Florida National Guard Members' Professional Exam and Continuing Education Costs

The Florida Department of Military Affairs may now reimburse eligible guard members for licensing and certification examinations fees and continuing education costs necessary to maintain a professional license or certification as a part of the Educational Dollars for Duty program.