Tallahassee, FL—Today, FloridaCommerce launched the Spousal License Reciprocity Matrix, a comprehensive reference tool designed to assist military spouses in transferring, renewing, or reissuing professional licenses necessary for employment after relocating to Florida. The matrix can be accessed online.
Florida has been recognized as the most military- and veteran-friendly state in the nation. FloridaCommerce acknowledges the critical role that military spouses and family members play in supporting both their families and military missions. This initiative was spearheaded 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 of the 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 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 this 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 CEO CareerSource "This new Spousal License Reciprocity Matrix will provide invaluable assistance to military spouses as they transition into workforce ensuring they can continue careers minimal disruption By streamlining process transferring professional licenses helping these dedicated individuals contribute skills expertise economy while also strengthening support system for our military families."
The reference tool lists over 320 licenses certifications contact information respective licensing agencies notes regarding applicable statutes interstate compacts reciprocity eligibility requirements fee waivers
Other resources available:
Military Family Employment Advocacy Program – Delivers priority workforce services through Military Family Employment Advocates located at local career centers throughout CareerSource Network Centers – Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) Specialists Local Veterans Employment Representatives (LVER) available at career centers provide priority workforce services veterans Employ Vets program helps creating compelling resume job searching applying jobs labor market exchange system Continue Mission innovative partnership actively recruit veterans former law enforcement officers who desire serve communities Career opportunities include child protective investigators adult case managers mentors professionals filling positions Women Veterans program connects state's female Rolodex Education Opportunities education benefits help service members qualified family members needs paying college tuition finding right school training program getting career counseling apply manage training benefits earned during service Military Certification Pathway talented obtain temporary teaching certificate qualified candidates not yet earned bachelor’s degree successfully assigned mentor teacher minimum two years support classroom endeavors pathway helps begin career top-ranked education system bringing unique value school districts
###