DBPR Military Fee Waivers - FAQs

Under legislation which passed during the 2012 Legislative Session, the Department has the ability to waive the initial licensing fee, the initial application fee, and the initial unlicensed activity fee for military veterans who apply to the Department for a state professional license. The application must be submitted within 24 months after an honorable discharge from any branch of the United States Armed Forces.

Please visit our Military Services webpage for further information about DBPR programs available for military personnel, military spouses and veterans.

I am a military veteran. What are the conditions of the fee waivers to apply for a state license?

If you were honorably discharged from any branch of United States Armed Forces, you can file your licensing application within 24 months of the discharge date to be eligible for fee waivers.

What do you need as proof of honorable discharge?

You must submit your DD-214 or NGB-22 form along with your licensing application.

Is the 24 months counted from the postmark date, or the date of receipt of the application?

The postmark date on the envelope will be used to determine the application date.

What is the total amount that will be waived on my application?

The fee for each professional license is different based on the type of license and the board. The Department will make a one-time waiver of the initial application, license and unlicensed activity fees.

Will there be any fees other than the application and license fees?

Yes. For most of the professional licenses, the applicant will be required to take a state or national examination. Any fee associated with taking the examination will be the responsibility of the applicant.

The VA will reimburse eligible applicants for the cost of licensing and certification examinations, not to exceed $2,000 per test. These licensing and certification exams must be generally deemed necessary to pursue a trade or profession.

Please see http://www.floridavets.org/saa/LiCert.asp for potential reimbursement of examination cost(s).

Once I receive my license, am I required to pay for license renewal?

Yes. The fee exemption does not apply for license renewal. Once a license is issued, you have to meet the renewal requirements including any applicable fees.

I am in the National Guard. Do I qualify for the same fee waiver?

Yes. The National Guard discharge document is known as NGB-22.

Is there an application that I need to file for fee waivers?

Yes. Along with your state licensing application for the particular profession you are interested in obtaining a license you must submit Military Veteran Fee Waiver Request - Form #DBPR MVL 002