Columbia county tax collector
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Columbia County Tax Collector’s Office
COLUMBIA COUNTY • MILITARY & VETERANS
Military & Veterans Services
Find driver license, vehicle and benefit resources for service members, veterans and their families. Prepare for a visit or handle eligible transactions while stationed away from Florida.
Driver licenses & identification
Stationed outside Florida?
Check MyDMV Portal for eligible renewal and replacement services. Confirm your mailing address and delivery arrangements before submitting a transaction.
Open MyDMV Portal →Military extension options
Eligible active-duty personnel and qualifying family members residing with them outside Florida may apply for a Class E driver license extension. An extension requires an application and supporting military orders. Commercial driver licenses are not eligible for this extension.
Military extension instructions and application (PDF) →Review the state’s instructions before your credential expires. Ask FLHSMV how an extension ends when your duty status or residence changes, and what you must carry with your license.
Add a veteran designation
Qualifying veterans may add a veteran designation to a Florida driver license or ID card. Bring proof of veteran status, such as a DD-214 or another approved document. Confirm the accepted documentation for your record before visiting.
A designation-only transaction with no other changes may be available at no charge. Renewal, replacement or other changes may have separate fees.
Service-connected disability fee benefits
Veterans with a qualifying 100% total and permanent service-connected disability may be eligible for a no-fee driver license or ID card. Bring the appropriate Department of Veterans Affairs documentation and ask the office to review eligibility.
Vehicles, registration & military plates
Use the state military packet
Your home of record, duty station, vehicle location and residency affect the documents needed for titling, registration and insurance. The FLHSMV military packet includes forms and instructions for military transactions. Contact the office before mailing an application so we can confirm the documents, total fees and delivery arrangements.
Download the FLHSMV military forms packet (PDF) →
Ask about registration and insurance provisions
Eligible military applicants may qualify for an exemption from the $225 initial registration fee. This is a specific fee exemption; other title, registration and plate charges may still apply.
Florida-resident military members stationed outside the state may also qualify for special insurance provisions. Have your duty orders, out-of-state address and proof of coverage ready. The military packet includes the affidavit for an eligible vehicle kept at your duty station and driven in Florida only during temporary visits. Ask the office to confirm the documents needed before changing coverage.
Service-related license plates
Florida offers military service-related plates with eligibility based on the plate selected. Bring the completed application and supporting service, award or disability documents. Fees and available benefits vary. An eligible Florida veteran may receive one tax-free Disabled Veteran or Disabled Veteran Wheelchair plate. Additional plates generally carry regular registration taxes and fees. Review the state eligibility and documentation guide (PDF).
Military service-related plate application — HSMV 83034 (PDF) →
Other benefits & local resources
Property-tax exemptions
Veterans, qualifying surviving spouses and eligible deployed service members may qualify for property-tax exemptions or discounts. The Columbia County Property Appraiser determines eligibility and processes exemption applications. Contact that office about required records, filing deadlines and any late-filing options.
Columbia County property-tax exemption information →
Hunting & fishing
FWC offers a reduced-fee Military Gold Sportsman’s License to eligible active-duty and retired service members stationed in Florida or claiming Florida as their primary residence. FWC lists the annual license at $20. The license includes hunting, freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing and several permits. It does not include a federal duck stamp, tarpon tags or limited-entry hunt permits. Hunter education requirements still apply. Check FWC’s full list and eligibility verification instructions before purchasing.
FWC Military Gold Sportsman’s License →
Hunting & Fishing Licenses guide →
Business tax receipts
Under section 205.055, Florida Statutes, honorably discharged veterans, their spouses or unremarried surviving spouses, and spouses of active-duty service members who relocate here under permanent change of station orders may qualify for a local business tax exemption. An eligible person who owns a majority interest in a business with fewer than 100 employees may also qualify for the business exemption. Ask our office for the exemption request form and what supporting documents to submit.
Concealed weapon license services
Review our local service guide for application preparation, documents and appointment information.
Common military & veteran questions
What should I gather before contacting the office?
Have your current credential, vehicle information if applicable, military orders or discharge records, and any benefit-specific VA documentation available. Ask which originals or copies are needed and how to submit documents for your transaction.
Does military service automatically waive every fee?
No. Each exemption or benefit has its own eligibility and documentation requirements. Tell the office which transaction you need and ask which fees remain due before making payment.
Can I use an extension for a commercial driver license?
No. The military Class E extension does not extend a CDL. Contact the office or FLHSMV before expiration to plan the commercial license renewal requirements.
Can my spouse or dependent use the military extension?
Qualifying immediate family members residing with an active-duty member outside Florida may be eligible. Review the state’s application instructions for family eligibility and supporting orders before applying.
Where do I apply for a property-tax benefit?
Apply through the Columbia County Property Appraiser. The Tax Collector handles tax collection after the assessment and approved exemptions are reflected on the tax roll. A military plate or veteran designation does not replace a property-tax exemption application.
Information reviewed November 8, 2026. Benefits depend on eligibility and supporting documents. Confirm current requirements with the agency administering each benefit.
Services
Kids Tag Art
Kids Tag Art is a fundraising project that inspires elementary grade art students and raises money for the school's art program. A special thanks goes out to our Platinum Sponsor- Nutrien and our Gold Sponsors- Edward Jones, Baya Pharmacy, Walmart Transportation, First Federal Bank, & LKQ!
