FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 23, 2013

Contact: Communications Office
(850) 245-4111

TALLAHASSEE—During the 2013 legislative session, Chapter 456, F.S., was amended authorizing the Department of Health (DOH) to waive initial licensing, application and unlicensed activity fees for military veterans applying for a health care practitioner license. Military veterans applying for licensure will now have these fees waived if they apply within 24 months of being honorably discharged.

“The Department recognizes and appreciates the sacrifices made by our armed forces. This waiver is our attempt to make their return to the workforce a smooth transition,” said J. Martin Stubblefield, Deputy Secretary for Administration at the Florida Department of Health. “We will do everything we can to make their licensure experience one that reflects our gratitude for their service.”

There are four application requirements that must be met to get the fee waiver: the applicant must have served in a branch of the United States Armed Forces, must have been honorably discharged in the 24 months prior to date of application, must provide a DD-214 or NGB-22 form, and the Military Veteran Fee Waiver Request must be submitted with an application for licensure.

To apply online, applicants should visit https://ww2.doh.state.fl.us/DOHInitialApp/login.aspx, or complete the Military Veteran Fee Waiver Request Form and mail a completed application and documentation to the Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance, P.O. Box 6330, Tallahassee, FL, 32314-6330. Applicants can also access other information relating to Armed Forces licensing by visiting www.floridahealth.gov/licensing-and-regulation/armed-forces/veterans/index.html.

Although the fee waiver does not apply to examination fees, the United States Department of Veterans’ Affairs will reimburse eligible applicants for the cost of licensing and certification examinations, not to exceed $2,000 per test. Please visit http://www.fdva.org/saa/LiCert.asp for more information.

The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, & community efforts.

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