FL Insurance License: What You Need to Know

Getting a Florida insurance license is a crucial step for anyone looking to pursue a career in the insurance industry in the state. This license allows you to legally sell and market insurance products to businesses and individuals alike. Although the requirements for obtaining a Florida insurance license can vary depending on the type of license you want to obtain, this guide will help you understand the process and what you need to do to get started.

Types of FL Insurance Licenses

There are a number of different types of Florida insurance licenses, each of which allows you to sell different types of insurance products. The most common types of Florida insurance licenses include:

License Type
Description
2-15 Life, Health, and Annuities Agent
This license allows you to sell life insurance, health insurance, and annuities to businesses and individuals.
2-20 Property and Casualty Agent
This license allows you to sell property insurance, such as homeowners and renters insurance, and casualty insurance, such as auto insurance, to businesses and individuals.
2-14 Personal Lines Agent
This license allows you to sell personal lines insurance, such as homeowners and auto insurance, to individuals only.
4-40 Customer Representative
This license allows you to work as a customer service representative for an insurance agency, but you cannot sell insurance products.

Before you can apply for a Florida insurance license, you must decide which type of license you want to obtain.

FL Insurance License Requirements

The requirements for obtaining a Florida insurance license vary depending on the type of license you want to obtain. However, there are some general requirements that apply to all types of Florida insurance licenses:

Age Requirement

You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a Florida insurance license.

Background Check

You must pass a background check conducted by the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) in order to obtain a Florida insurance license.

Pre-Licensing Education

You must complete a state-approved pre-licensing education course for the type of license you want to obtain. The length of the course varies depending on the type of license, but generally ranges from 20 to 40 hours.

Licensing Exam

You must pass a state licensing exam for the type of license you want to obtain. The exam consists of two parts: a general knowledge portion and a state-specific portion. You must pass both parts with a score of at least 70%.

Fingerprinting

You must have your fingerprints taken by an approved vendor and submitted to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) for a criminal background check.

How to Apply for an FL Insurance License

Once you have met all of the requirements for the type of Florida insurance license you want to obtain, you can apply for your license through the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS). Here are the steps you need to take:

Step 1: Create an Account with the DFS

Before you can apply for a Florida insurance license, you must create an account with the DFS. This account will allow you to apply and pay for your license online.

Step 2: Submit Your Application

Once you have created your account, you can submit your application for your Florida insurance license. You will need to provide your personal information, such as your name and address, as well as information about your pre-licensing education and licensing exam.

Step 3: Pay the Application Fee

You will need to pay an application fee when you submit your application. The fee varies depending on the type of license you are applying for, but generally ranges from $50 to $250.

Step 4: Schedule Your Licensing Exam

After your application has been approved by the DFS, you will need to schedule your licensing exam. You can do this through the state-approved testing provider, Pearson Vue.

Step 5: Complete Your Fingerprinting and Background Check

You will need to complete your fingerprinting and background check before your license can be issued. You can do this through an approved vendor, such as IdentoGO.

Step 6: Receive Your FL Insurance License

Once you have completed all of the above steps, you will receive your Florida insurance license in the mail. Congratulations!

FAQs

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

The length of time it takes to get a Florida insurance license depends on how quickly you are able to complete the requirements, such as your pre-licensing education and licensing exam. However, the entire process generally takes between 4 and 8 weeks.

Do I need to renew my Florida insurance license?

Yes, you must renew your Florida insurance license every two years. You must also complete continuing education courses during each renewal period to maintain your license.

Can I work as an insurance agent without a Florida insurance license?

No, you cannot legally sell or market insurance products in Florida without a valid Florida insurance license.

Can I apply for multiple Florida insurance licenses?

Yes, you can apply for multiple types of Florida insurance licenses. However, you will need to meet the requirements for each type of license individually.

What happens if I fail the licensing exam?

If you fail the licensing exam, you can retake it as many times as necessary until you pass. You will need to pay an additional fee each time you retake the exam.

Obtaining a Florida insurance license is a crucial step toward starting a successful career in the insurance industry. By understanding the requirements and process for obtaining your license, you can ensure that you are properly prepared to take on this exciting and rewarding career path.