Florida Veteran Health Heroes

Page 10 RENEWAL EXEMPTION Renewal Exemption You may be eligible for exemption from certain license requirements if you meet the following requirements: • You are an active duty member, or the spouse of an active duty member, of the Armed Forces of the United States • You hold a Florida license as a health care practitioner who is in good standing • You were entitled to practice or engage in your profession prior to joining the Armed Forces If exempt, you will not be required to renew your license, pay license renewal fees, update your address, or perform any other license maintenance act. The exemption extends through the duration of your active duty service and for a period of six months after discharge. The spouse of an active duty member of the Armed Forces of the United States may be exempt from all license renewal requirements as long as the licensee is absent from the state because of his/her spouse’s active duty assignment. This license does not permit you to practice your profession in the private sector for profit. Initial Licensure Fee Waiver for Military Spouses If you are a spouse of a military veteran, you may be eligible for a waiver of the initial application and licensure fees for all health care professions. This year, veterans and their spouses who used the fee waiver system saved more than $120,000. Your application must be submitted within 60 months after your spouse’s honorable discharge from any branch of the United States Armed Forces. The initial license fee, initial application fee, and initial unlicensed activity fee will be waived for you at the time of your spouse’s discharge, provided you apply for licensure within 60 months after your spouse is discharged from any branch of the United States Armed Forces. This waiver does not include examination fees. Temporary License for Military Spouses If you are a spouse of an active duty member of the Armed Forces of the United States, you may be issued a temporary license to practice your health care profession in Florida. The purpose of the temporary license is to allow you the opportunity to work in your respective profession while your spouse is assigned to a duty station in Florida. If you desire to practice beyond the expiration of the “temporary license,” you should begin the regular licensing application process as soon as possible. The temporary military spouse license is valid for one year. To qualify for a temporary license, your spouse must be on active duty and assigned to a duty station in Florida and you must hold a valid license as a health care professional in another state, the District of Columbia, any United States territory or possession. To apply for a license or learn more about licensing option for veterans, members of the military, and their families, visit www.floridahealth.gov/licensing-and-regulation/armedforces/active-duty/index.html.