Reciprocity for U.S. Armed Service Members

Reciprocity for U.S. Armed Service Members.While the term "reciprocity" is often used broadly, Section 455.02, F.S. specifically grants exemptions from license renewal requirements to military personnel to protect their license status while they are serving the country.Any member of the U.S. Armed Forces who is on active duty is exempt from all license renewal requirements (including fees and continuing education) for the duration of their active duty service and for a period of 2 years after discharge. This exemption applies as long as the licensee is not engaging in the practice of real estate in the private sector for profit during this period.The spouse of an active duty member is also exempt from license renewal requirements (fees and continuing education) during any period of time that the member is absent from the state of Florida due to their military duties. The spouse must also not be utilizing the license for profit in the private sector during this exemption period.Section 455.02 also typically allows for the issuance of a temporary or reciprocal license to the spouse of an active duty Military member assigned to a duty station in Florida, provided the spouse holds a valid real estate license in another state.