Military on Active Duty

Section 455.02, Florida Statutes, applies to licensees who are members of the Armed Forces on active duty who are not practicing their profession or vocation in the private sector for profit. 

This statute applies to the following professions regulated by DBPR: Architects and Interior Designers, Asbestos Consultants, Athlete Agents, Auctioneers, Barbers, Building Code Administrators and Inspectors, Certified Public Accountants, Community Association Managers, Construction Industry, Cosmetology Professionals, Electrical Contractors, Employee Leasing Companies, Geologists, Home Inspectors, Landscape Architecture, Mold Assessors and Remediators, Real Estate Professionals, and Veterinarians.

The member/licensee is exempted from all license renewal requirements for the duration of active duty and for a period of six months after discharge. 

The licensee's license must be or have been in good standing at the time the member began active duty to qualify for the military exemption. 

The same opportunity may be afforded a spouse as long as they are absent from the state because of their spouse's active duty assignment, depending on each board’s rules.

By requesting military status, licensees may prevent their license from progressing to null and void status. Send a signed statement requesting military status to:

DBPR
1940 North Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783

No other forms are required at that time, but please be sure to list all license numbers held.

Upon return to civilian life, a DD-214 form may be obtained from their commander or reserve unit office and submitted to DBPR at the address above. In some instances, a letter from the commanding officer or unit reserve officer may be substituted.

For more information on these provisions, please call DBPR’s Customer Contact Center at 850.487.1395 or email callcenter@dbpr.state.fl.us.