Military on Active Duty

Section 455.02, Florida Statutes, applies to licensees who are members of the armed forces on active duty who are absent from the state and 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 Design, Asbestos Consultants, Athlete Agents, Auctioneers, Barbers, Building Code Administrators and Inspectors, Certified Public Accountants, Community Association Managers, Construction Industry, Cosmetology, Electrical Contractors, Employee Leasing Companies, Geologists, Landscape Architecture, Pilot Commissioners, Real Estate, Surveyors and Mappers, and Veterinary Medicine.

The member/licensee is exempted from all license renewal requirements for the duration of active duty while absent from the state of Florida, and for a period of six months after discharge or return to the state, and not practicing the profession or vocation in the private sector for profit. 

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. 

Military status may continue for the duration of active military duty (while absent from the state) and up to six months following discharge. 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. Individuals in apprentice programs should contact their board to discuss options.

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.

A licensee may request renewal of their license, even if it has moved to a null and void status, by evidencing that their license was in good standing at the time they began active duty. Upon return to civilian life or practicing a profession in the State of Florida, 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 most other industries regulated by DBPR, any individual on active military duty whose license moved to null and void status must simply renew or reapply for licensure upon return, without penalty, before performing any work requiring licensure or certification.

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