Florida Insurance License

Getting an insurance license in Florida is not as complicated as it may seem. Whether you want to become an insurance agent or adjuster in the state of Florida, the licensing process is straightforward. This article will guide you through all the necessary procedures to obtain your Florida insurance license, what you should expect, and what you need to do before you can start working as an insurance professional in Florida.

Types of Florida Insurance Licenses

Florida offers five different types of insurance licenses:

1. Life insurance (including annuities and variable contracts)2. Health insurance3. Property insurance (including homeowner’s and car insurance)4. Casualty insurance (including liability and worker’s compensation insurance)5. Personal lines insurance

Life Insurance License

If you plan to sell life insurance policies in Florida, then you need to obtain a life insurance license. The prerequisite for obtaining a life insurance license is completing a 40-hour course approved by the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS). This course covers the fundamentals of life insurance policies, including annuities and variable contracts. You may complete the required course through a classroom setting or an online course.

After completing the course, you need to pass the state exam administered by Pearson Vue. Pearson Vue provides the state exam for all types of insurance licenses in Florida. The life insurance exam consists of 150 questions, and you need to achieve a minimum score of 70% to pass.

Once you have passed the exam, you need to apply for your license through the DFS. You also need to submit your fingerprints for a background check. After the DFS has processed your application, you will receive your license, and you can start selling life insurance policies in Florida.

Health Insurance License

If you plan to sell health insurance policies in Florida, then you need to obtain a health insurance license. The prerequisites for obtaining a health insurance license are the same as a life insurance license, which includes completing a 40-hour course and passing the state exam. The exam consists of 165 questions, and you need to achieve a minimum score of 70% to pass.

After passing the state exam, you need to apply for your health insurance license through the DFS. You also need to submit your fingerprints for a background check. Once the DFS has processed your application, you will receive your license, and you can start selling health insurance policies in Florida.

Property and Casualty Insurance License

If you plan to sell property and casualty insurance policies in Florida, including homeowner’s and car insurance, you need to obtain a property and casualty insurance license. The prerequisites for obtaining a property and casualty insurance license are the same as the other two insurance licenses, which include completing a 40-hour course and passing the state exam. The exam consists of 160 questions, and you need to achieve a minimum score of 70% to pass.

After passing the state exam, you need to apply for your property and casualty insurance license through the DFS. You also need to submit your fingerprints for a background check. Once the DFS has processed your application, you will receive your license, and you can start selling property and casualty insurance policies in Florida.

Personal Lines Insurance License

If you plan to sell personal lines insurance policies in Florida, you need to obtain a personal lines insurance license. Personal lines insurance covers policies designed for individuals such as car, homeowner’s and renter’s policies. The prerequisites for obtaining a personal lines insurance license are the same as the other three insurance licenses. The exam consists of 75 questions, and you need to achieve a minimum score of 70% to pass.

After passing the state exam, you need to apply for your personal lines insurance license through the DFS. You also need to submit your fingerprints for a background check. Once the DFS has processed your application, you will receive your license, and you can start selling personal lines insurance policies in Florida.

FAQ

How long does it take to get a Florida insurance license?

It typically takes three to four weeks to get your Florida insurance license after submitting your application to Florida’s Department of Financial Services.

What is the cost of getting a Florida insurance license?

The cost of getting a Florida insurance license varies depending on the type of license and the courses you choose to take. On average, you should expect to pay about $200 to $300 for the required course and the state exam. You also need to pay a licensing fee, which varies depending on the type of license you want to obtain. Currently, the licensing fee ranges from $55 to $79.

Do I need an insurance license to work as an insurance agent in Florida?

Yes. To work as an insurance agent or adjuster in Florida, you need to obtain an insurance license through the Florida Department of Financial Services.

What happens if I fail the state exam?

If you fail the state exam, you may retake the exam after waiting at least 24 hours. However, you need to retake the exam within two years of your first attempt. If you fail the exam again, you need to complete another 40-hour course and pay another exam fee.

How long is my Florida insurance license valid for?

Your Florida insurance license is valid for two years. After two years, you need to renew your license by completing a specific number of continuing education credits and paying the renewal fee.

Conclusion

If you plan to become an insurance agent or adjuster in Florida, you need to obtain an insurance license. The licensing process is straightforward, and the prerequisites are the same for all types of insurance licenses. You need to complete a 40-hour course, pass the state exam, and submit your fingerprints for a background check. Once you have obtained your Florida insurance license, you can start selling insurance policies in Florida.