Florida’s Space Coast Paves the Way: Licensure Reciprocity Roadmap Supports Military Spouses’ Careers
By Space Coast Daily // July 17, 2023
Roadmap is a crucial part of the Space Coast Military Friendly Guide
Streamlined Process and Increased Employment Opportunities on Florida’s Space Coast During PCS Season
BREVARD COUNTY • FLORIDA’S SPACE COAST – Recognizing the impact of permanent change of station moves on military spouse employment, the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast proudly announces the launch of its Licensure Reciprocity Roadmap.
This initiative reinforces Florida’s position as the most military-friendly state in the nation while highlighting the challenges military spouses face with each new duty station.
The roadmap, a crucial part of the Space Coast Military Friendly Guide, aims to streamline licensure processes and facilitate seamless career transitions for military spouses on Florida’s Space Coast while educating employers about Florida legislation in place to support licensure reciprocity for military spouses.
A recent CBS news article highlighted that 39% of active-duty spouses, more than 130,000 individuals, require a license for their job. However, each PCS move often leads to under- or unemployment due to the challenges of obtaining a new license in a different state. The Licensure Reciprocity Roadmap aims
to address this issue by providing clear guidance and resources, empowering military spouses to navigate the licensure process efficiently.
“The Licensure Reciprocity Roadmap represents our unwavering commitment to the military community,” said Lynda Weatherman, President and CEO of the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast.
“We recognize the significant contributions military spouses make to our workforce, and our goal is to support them by removing employment barriers and leveraging their valuable skills within our community.”
The roadmap simplifies the process of obtaining a license by consolidating resources associated with each license type, in addition to national, state, and branch-specific resources in one easily navigable website. This tool provides military spouses across industry sectors a centralized hub of information.
Employers in Florida will greatly benefit from this roadmap. By hiring military spouses with professional licenses, employers gain access to a highly skilled and motivated workforce. These individuals bring a wealth of experience and expertise to their roles, positively impacting workplace productivity and fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment.
“With the Licensure Reciprocity Roadmap, we aim to reduce under- and unemployment among military spouses and enhance employment opportunities for them,” said Weatherman. “By streamlining the licensing process, we not only support military families but also benefit employers who can tap into a talented pool of professionals.”
Florida’s commitment to being the most military-friendly state extends beyond the Licensure Reciprocity Roadmap. The state has enacted legislation addressing the specific needs of military families, providing comprehensive benefits, educational support, and an array of resources to create a welcoming environment for those who have selflessly served our country.
As Florida continues to strive for excellence in supporting the military community, the EDC remains at the forefront of these efforts. Through ongoing collaboration with military organizations, educational institutions and employers, the EDC aims to enhance opportunities for military spouses and veterans, empowering them to build rewarding careers on Florida’s Space Coast.
For further information about the Licensure Reciprocity Roadmap and the Space Coast Military Friendly Guide, please contact info@spacecoastedc.org or visit the site online at SpaceCoastSalutes.com.
The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast is dedicated to attracting new business and investment and expanding existing industry throughout the Space Coast, influencing change on government laws and regulations affecting economic development, promoting the Space Coast to encourage new investment, supporting efforts of Space Coast military installations, and relaying new programs and procedures to assist manufacturing and high-tech companies.
The EDC is a private, not-for-profit coalition whose stakeholders are business leaders committed to the economic growth and stability of Florida’s Space Coast.
Visit www.SpaceCoastEDC.org.
