09/11/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/11/2024 15:09
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: