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Quality of Life for Service Members, Veterans & Family

Florida offers opportunity and a high quality of life for all of our military-affiliated people.

One of the Most Military-Friendly States in the U.S.

Florida helps ease the burden on service men and women, veterans and their families offering resources and networking possibilities that help everyone feel their value in the sunshine state.

Florida considers the military service members, veterans and their families as part of our state DNA. It is a priority to Florida to remain the most military-friendly state in our Nation by showing our appreciation and real support for those who serve our country at home and abroad. Florida continues to find ways through policies, programs and benefits to make sure our service members, veterans and their families are welcomed and successful during their time in Florida, whether for one assignment or the rest of their lives.

Spouse License Portability/Reciprocity

Spouse License Portability/Reciprocity

Florida is the nation’s leader in providing licensure reciprocity for military spouses. Through the VALOR Program, the Florida Department of Health honors all valid and current medical licenses from other states and will issue the same license from Florida for no fee. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation honors all valid and current professional licenses from other states and will issue the same license for the corresponding profession from Florida. The Florida Department of Education honors all valid and current standard or professional teaching certificates from other states and will issue a corresponding Florida certification. The Florida Bar allows active-duty military spouses who are members of the bar of other states to practice law in Florida when they accompany a military member stationed in Florida.

Care for children
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Care for children

Being the child of a service member can be difficult, but organizations all across Florida help connect and engage these children growing up in unique situations.

Education
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Education

For children and spouses, there are options available to earn licenses and education that would be otherwise difficult for these military families. Additionally, the MIC3 initiative helps military children who move frequently transition more seamlessly into new centers of education. These programs help students transfer classes and navigate circumstances surrounding enrollment and absences to keep them on the right path towards graduation.

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Contact Us

Tim MacGregor Director of the Office of Military and Defense 850.717.8976 MilDefInfo@commerce.fl.gov
Contact Us