FloridaCommerce Launches Spousal License Reciprocity Matrix to Support Military Spouses Relocating to Florida

Tallahassee, FL-Today, FloridaCommerce launched the Spousal License Reciprocity Matrix, a one-stop reference source for helping military spouses transfer, renew, or reissue professional licenses they need for work after relocating to Florida. Find the Spousal License Reciprocity Matrix here.

Florida is the most military-and veteran-friendly state in the nation. FloridaCommerce recognizes the important role military spouses and family members play in the overall success and well-being of these families and the military missions they support and is committed to helping simplify relocation to the Sunshine State. This undertaking was initiated by and funded through the Florida Defense Support Commission.

"Transferring, renewing, or reissuing professional licenses and certifications after a move to another state can be a difficult, complicated and burdensome process," said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. "Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis Florida continues to be the most veteran and military-friendly state in the nation, this tool will maximize the ease and efficiency of licensure portability for military spouses and families."

"As a proud advocate for our military families, I am thrilled to see the launch of the Spousal License Reciprocity Matrix. This tool will provide much-needed support to military spouses, ensuring that their professional careers continue seamlessly as they transition to Florida. By reducing the obstacles they face, we are not only empowering these individuals but also strengthening the fabric of our communities and supporting the vital missions of our armed forces," said Senator Tom Wright, Chairman, Florida Defense Support Commission.

"FloridaCommerce's Spousal License Reciprocity Matrix will help military families expedite their transition to Florida - cutting down barriers so they can focus on the move, getting to work and supporting their loved ones, "said Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Melanie S. Griffin. "Thanks to Governor DeSantis' business friendly policies, Florida is the best state in the nation to be a licensed professional and DBRP is proud to welcome military families to join our more than 1.7 million DBPR licensees."

"Military spouses face challenges re-entering the workforce in a new city when their servicemember spouse changes duty station or is separating from the service," said Joe Marino, Executive Director of Veterans Florida. "The success of a family's transition requires access for tools to assist them, ensuring their skills and experience are transferable to new careers. The Spousal License Reciprocity Matrix will help smooth the transition toward meaningful employment that matches their skills and passion. The leadership of Gov. DeSantis and FloridaCommerce continues to find ways to serve our veterans, keeping Florida the best state in the nation for veterans to work and live."

"Florida is the State of choice for providing earned services and benefits for our Veterans and their families," ‎said retired Marine ‎Corps Major General James ‎S. Hartsell, Executive ‎Director of ‎the ‎Florida Department of ‎Veterans' Affairs. "Connecting the spouses of our active Military and Veteran community with vital license and certification information is another great step that keeps Florida the most Veteran friendly and sought after state in ‎the Nation."

"CareerSource Florida is proud to support this effort, furthering Florida's leadership as the most military-friendly state in the nation," said Adrienne Johnston, President and CEO of CareerSource Florida. "This new Spousal License Reciprocity Matrix will provide invaluable assistance to military spouses as they transition into Florida's workforce, ensuring they can continue their careers with minimal disruption. By streamlining the process for transferring professional licenses, we are helping these dedicated individuals contribute their skills and expertise to our state's economy, while also strengthening the support system for our military families."

This one-stop reference is searchable, sortable, and alphabetically lists more than 320 Florida licenses and certifications, contact information for the respective licensing agencies, and notes regarding applicable Florida statutes, interstate compacts, reciprocity eligibility requirements, fee waivers, and more.

Other available resources for veterans, military spouses, and families:

• Military Family Employment Advocacy Program - Delivers priority workforce services to active-duty military spouses and family members through Military Family Employment Advocates located in local career centers throughout Florida.
• CareerSource Florida Network Career Centers - Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) Specialists and Local Veterans Employment Representatives (LVER) are available at Florida's career centers to provide priority workforce services to veterans.
• Employ Florida Vets - This program helps with creating a compelling resume, job searching, applying for jobs, and more through Florida's labor market exchange system, Employ Florida.
• Continue the Mission - An innovative partnership to actively recruit veterans, military spouses, and former law enforcement officers who still have a desire to serve their communities. Career opportunities include child protective investigators, adult protective investigators, case managers, and mentors for the professionals who are filling these positions.
• Women Veterans - A program through the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs that connects the state's female veterans to the Rolodex of state and federal resources.
• Education Opportunities - Veterans Affairs education benefits help Veterans, service members, and their qualified family members with needs like paying college tuition, finding the right school or training program, and getting career counseling. Veterans can also apply for and manage the training benefits that they've earned during their service.
• Military Veterans Certification Pathway - Through the Florida Department of Education, talented veterans can obtain a 5-year temporary teaching certificate for qualified candidates who have not yet earned their bachelor's degree. Veterans who successfully obtain their 5-year temporary teaching certificate will be assigned a mentor teacher for a minimum of two years to support their classroom teaching endeavors. This pathway helps veterans begin a career in Florida's top-ranked education system while bringing unique value to school districts.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.