Laws and Benefits for Veterans and Military Drivers in Florida
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The State of Florida offers a number of benefits and privileges to those Americans who have either served in a branch of the armed forces in the past or are currently serving in the military.
Vehicle registration and fee exemption
Veterans who are found to be 100% disabled as a result of their military service are exempt from driver's license fees as well as veteran designation fees. They can also get a disabled veteran's license plate for free. Department of Veterans Affairs documentation proving 100% service-related disability is required. The DV license plate also entitles veterans to free parking throughout the state.
Military residents and non-residents, whether in Florida or out of state, are exempt from the initial one-time registration fee of $225. You must submit Form 82002 along with all other documents required for standard vehicle registration in order to claim this exemption.
In addition, current members of the Florida National Guard are eligible for a free license plate by completing Form 83030.
Veteran driver's license badge
Florida veterans are eligible for a military designation on their driver's license in the form of a simple blue "V" in the lower right corner of their license or state ID. To obtain this designation, you must provide DD 214 and pay a one-time fee of one dollar in addition to regular renewal fees. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles recommends visiting this website to determine what else you will need during your visit.
Military badges
Florida offers many veteran and military numbers. For those who qualify and provide documentation of the relevant services, the following services are available:
- Veteran
- veteran woman
- National guard
- US reserve
- Operation Enduring Freedom
- US paratrooper
- Pearl Harbor Survivor
- Former prisoner of war
- Korean conflict veteran
- Veteran of the Vietnam War
- Fighting icon
- Combat Tape
- Combat medical badge
- Air Force Combat Action Medal
- Navy submariner
- Purple Heart
- Honorary medal
- Air Force Cross
- Navy Cross
- Distinguished Service Cross
- Silver Star
- Distinguished Flying Cross
- Veteran of World War II
- Badge of combat infantry
- Veterans of Operation Desert Shield
- Veterans of Operation Desert Storm
- Golden Star
- Disabled Veteran (car or motorcycle)
- Disabled veteran (wheelchair symbol)
- Paralyzed Vets of America (car or motorcycle)
The following plates are available to any FL car enthusiast:
- Florida Welcomes Veterans
- Support our troops
- American Legion
- US Air Force
- The US Army
- US Coast Guard
- US Marine Corps
- US Navy
Most numbers require the completion of form HSMV 83034, with the exception of the National Guard and US Reserves, which require form HSMV 83030.
Waiver of military skills exam
The more military skills you can apply to your civilian life, the better, and thanks to the commercial training permit rule, you can use your experience driving a heavy military vehicle to avoid passing the CDL skills test when you get home. This rule was enacted in 2011 by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and gives states, including Florida, the power to waive the road test requirement if you meet the requirements. You must have two or more years of experience driving military commercial vehicles and this must be one year prior to applying (if you are still active) or leaving the military.
Certain traffic violations can result in a waiver, so be sure to read the disclaimer here. You will still have to take the written CDL test.
Military Commercial Driver's License Act of 2012
Being outside your home state does not mean you no longer have to waive your CDL. If you are temporarily or permanently in Florida, this law allows you to apply for a CDL even if it is not your state. Active servicemen of all branches of the armed forces are entitled to this benefit.
Driver's license and registration renewal during deployment
If you intend to travel overseas or be outside of Florida at the time your driver's license expires, you can either extend to 18 months, extend by mail, or request an extension. This extension is available to members of the military and their spouses and children for 90 days after you return to Florida or are discharged. You can find the extension application here.
Florida residents serving in the military must renew their vehicle registration just like any other resident. This can be done online at GoRenew.com.
Driver's license and vehicle registration of non-resident military personnel
Nonresident military personnel stationed in Florida may retain their state of residence driver's license and vehicle registration.
Active or veteran service members can read more on the State Automotive Division website here.
