Florida Insurance Licenses Explained

Florida is known for its beautiful beaches, warm weather and theme parks, but it’s also home to a diverse and thriving insurance industry. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in insurance in Florida, you’ll need to obtain the proper licenses. In this article, we’ll explore the various types of insurance licenses available in Florida, the steps you need to take to obtain them, and the ongoing requirements for maintaining them.

Types of Florida Insurance Licenses

There are a variety of insurance licenses available in Florida, depending on the type of insurance you wish to sell. The most common licenses include:

Life Insurance License

A life insurance license in Florida allows you to sell life insurance policies, annuities, and variable contracts.

To obtain a life insurance license in Florida, you must:

1. Complete a pre-licensing course
2. Pass a licensing exam
3. Submit fingerprints for a background check
4. Apply for the license through the Florida Department of Financial Services (FDFS)

There are ongoing requirements for maintaining your life insurance license in Florida, including completing continuing education courses and renewing the license every two years.

Health Insurance License

A health insurance license in Florida allows you to sell health and accident insurance policies.

To obtain a health insurance license in Florida, you must:

1. Complete a pre-licensing course
2. Pass a licensing exam
3. Submit fingerprints for a background check
4. Apply for the license through the FDFS

Ongoing requirements for maintaining your health insurance license in Florida include completing continuing education courses and renewing the license every two years.

Property and Casualty Insurance License

A property and casualty insurance license in Florida allows you to sell policies related to homeowners, automobile, and commercial insurance.

To obtain a property and casualty insurance license in Florida, you must:

1. Complete a pre-licensing course
2. Pass a licensing exam
3. Submit fingerprints for a background check
4. Apply for the license through the FDFS

Ongoing requirements for maintaining your property and casualty insurance license in Florida include completing continuing education courses and renewing the license every two years.

Personal Lines Insurance License

A personal lines insurance license in Florida allows you to sell policies related to auto insurance, motorcycle insurance, and homeowner’s insurance.

To obtain a personal lines insurance license in Florida, you must:

1. Complete a pre-licensing course
2. Pass a licensing exam
3. Submit fingerprints for a background check
4. Apply for the license through the FDFS

Ongoing requirements for maintaining your personal lines insurance license in Florida include completing continuing education courses and renewing the license every two years.

Adjuster License

An adjuster license in Florida allows you to investigate and settle insurance claims.

To obtain an adjuster license in Florida, you must:

1. Complete a pre-licensing course
2. Pass a licensing exam
3. Submit fingerprints for a background check
4. Apply for the license through the FDFS

Ongoing requirements for maintaining your adjuster license in Florida include completing continuing education courses and renewing the license every two years.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get an insurance license in Florida?

The amount of time it takes to obtain an insurance license in Florida varies based on the type of license you’re seeking, how quickly you complete the pre-licensing course, and how long it takes to pass the licensing exam. In general, the entire process can take anywhere from several weeks to a few months.

How much does it cost to get an insurance license in Florida?

The cost to obtain an insurance license in Florida varies based on the type of license you’re seeking and the provider you choose for your pre-licensing course. In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $400 for the pre-licensing course, and up to $200 for the licensing exam. There are also fees associated with submitting fingerprints, applying for the license, and renewing the license every two years.

Do I need to complete continuing education courses to maintain my insurance license in Florida?

Yes, there are ongoing continuing education requirements for maintaining your insurance license in Florida. Depending on the type of license you hold, you’ll need to complete a certain number of continuing education hours every two years. For example, life insurance agents must complete 24 hours of continuing education, while adjusters must complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years.

Can I sell insurance in Florida with an out-of-state license?

It depends on the type of insurance you wish to sell and the state where you obtained your license. Florida has reciprocity agreements with several states, which allows agents with a valid license from another state to obtain a Florida license without taking the licensing exam. However, if your home state doesn’t have a reciprocity agreement with Florida, you’ll need to complete the licensing requirements in Florida to sell insurance in the state.

How many times can I take the insurance licensing exam in Florida?

You can take the insurance licensing exam up to three times in Florida. If you don’t pass after three attempts, you’ll need to wait six months before taking the exam again.

Conclusion

Obtaining an insurance license in Florida is a process that requires completing a pre-licensing course, passing a licensing exam, submitting fingerprints for a background check, and applying for the license through the Florida Department of Financial Services. Once you obtain your license, there are ongoing requirements for maintaining it, including completing continuing education courses and renewing the license every two years. By understanding the types of insurance licenses available in Florida and the steps required to obtain and maintain them, you’ll be well on your way to a successful career in the insurance industry.