Florida Insurance Licensing Q&A
TL;DR:
A practical, beginner-friendly FAQ that walks you through exactly what it takes to get and keep a Florida insurance license—who qualifies, what it costs, how to pass the exam, and how to stay compliant long term.
1. What are the basic steps to get an insurance license in Florida?
Generally, you must: meet age (18) and residency requirements, complete any required pre-licensing education, submit fingerprints for a background check, then apply through the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS), receive eligibility, schedule, and pass the state exam, and then obtain an insurer or agency appointment before transacting insurance.
2. Which specific license do I need?
Florida offers different licenses by line of authority, such as 2-15 Health & Life (including annuities), 2-20 General Lines (property and casualty), 20-44 personal lines, 2-14 life-only, 2-40 health-only, and multiple adjuster licenses. The right one depends on what you plan to sell—for example, 2-15 for life and health products or 2-20 for property and casualty.
3. Do I have to be a Florida resident?
To hold a resident Florida producer license, you must be a bona fide Florida resident and usually designate Florida as your home state. Non-residents can apply separately for a Florida non-resident license if they already hold an equivalent home-state license and meet Florida’s requirements.
4. How many hours of pre-licensing education are required?
Pre-licensing hours vary by license type. For example, Florida requires 30 hours for a Life license, 40 for a Health or Personal Lines license, and about 60 hours for a combined Life and Health license, 200 hours for the General Lines property and casualty licenses. At the same time, adjuster and other lines have their own training requirements. Florida Insurance Schools have pre-approved their licensing and designation courses with the state and only advertise courses that meet the requirements. If the course as a state Offering/Approval number, it is approved for the listed number of hours and will meet at least the minimum guidelines.
5. Are there exemptions from the pre-licensing course requirement?
Some applicants may be exempt if they hold certain professional designations or relevant degrees, such as CPCU for property and casualty or specific life and health designations, provided they meet recent work experience conditions. Documentation is required, and exemptions are granted under Florida statute and DFS rules.
6. How much does it cost to get licensed?
Costs typically include: pre-licensing course tuition, the state exam fee, a DFS license application fee, and electronic fingerprinting charges, which together often total a few hundred dollars. Exact amounts vary by provider and county taxes, so check current fee schedules before budgeting. Please view the state Fees list, cost of licensing courses can be viewed here: Pre-licensing courses list
7. How do I schedule and take the Florida state insurance exam?
After the Department of Financial Services (DFS) grants eligibility, you schedule the computer-based exam with the approved testing vendor, selecting your license line and a convenient test center or online proctoring slot. You must present proper identification, follow exam rules, and complete the timed multiple-choice exam to receive an on-screen pass or fail result.
8. What score do I need to pass?
Florida insurance licensing exams typically require a minimum passing score of 70 percent, exact thresholds are defined in the current exam content outlines and candidate handbook for each license type. Always confirm the required score and topic breakdown for your specific exam beforehand.
9. How should I prepare for the exam?
Effective preparation usually includes completing an approved pre-licensing course, thoroughly reviewing state-specific laws, using practice exams, and following an organized study schedule. Many candidates benefit from exam prep providers that offer simulated tests, topic summaries, and instructor support focused on Florida rules.
10. How long does the licensing process usually take?
Time frames vary, but many candidates complete education, background checks, application, and exam within several weeks to a few months. Processing of applications and background results can take roughly one to two weeks after fingerprints, assuming no issues, so starting early helps avoid delays.
11. What happens if I fail the exam, and how soon can I retake it?
If you do not pass, you receive a score report showing your performance by content area, which you can use to guide further study. You may reschedule another attempt through the testing vendor, but you must pay another exam fee and follow any waiting periods or limits specified by Florida’s testing policies.
12. What are the fingerprinting and background check requirements?
Florida requires all applicants to submit electronic fingerprints through an approved vendor using the correct Florida insurance ORI code. The background check reviews criminal and certain regulatory history, and DFS will evaluate whether any issues disqualify you or require additional documentation before granting eligibility.
If you currently hold a valid Florida insurance license in good standing, fingerprint results are valid for 48 months from when they were initially processed. If you do not currently hold a valid, in-good-standing Florida insurance license and are applying for an insurance agent/adjuster license, the fingerprint results are valid for 12 months.
13. Can I get a Florida license if I have a prior criminal history?
A prior record does not automatically bar you, but certain felonies, financial crimes, or recent serious offenses can lead to denial or mandatory waiting periods under Florida law. DFS reviews each case individually, and you may need to provide court documents, rehabilitation evidence, and explanations before a decision. Please visit Prior Criminal History for more specific guidance.
14. Does Florida have reciprocity with other states?
Florida often allows licensed producers from other states to obtain a non-resident license without repeating pre-licensing education or exams if they hold a good-standing home-state license in an equivalent line. You still must apply through the designated system, pay fees, and meet any background or administrative requirements.
15. Can non-residents obtain a Florida non-resident insurance license?
Yes, qualified non-residents can apply for a non-resident producer or agency license if they hold an active home-state license and submit the required application and fees. Non-resident licensees must maintain their home-state license and comply with Florida’s laws when transacting insurance in the state.
16. What are the continuing education (CE) requirements after I am licensed?
Most Florida resident agents must complete a set number of CE hours every renewal period, commonly 24 hours for major lines, including a 5 hour Law and Ethics update course. If you have been licensed for a minimum of 6 years, you may only need 20 hours of CE. Don’t forget to meet your required Law and Ethics CE requirements. Additional product-specific training may be required for annuities, long-term care, or flood insurance if you sell those products.
17. How often do I need to renew my Florida insurance license, and what is the process?
Resident licenses generally renew every two years, provided you complete the required CE and submit your renewal through the DFS system by the deadline. Failing to renew on time can lead to license expiration and possible reinstatement fees or additional steps to regain active status.
18. Can I start selling insurance immediately after passing the exam?
Passing the exam alone is not enough; you must also have an active Florida license on record and be appointed by at least one authorized insurer or agency for the lines you will sell. Only after the appointment is processed can you legally solicit, negotiate, or bind coverage. No person may be, act as, or advertise or hold himself or herself out to be an insurance agent, insurance adjuster, or customer representative unless he or she is currently licensed by the department and appointed by an appropriate appointing entity or person.
19. What is the difference between being an individual licensed agent and having an agency license?
An individual agent license authorizes one person to solicit and sell insurance, while an agency license authorizes a business entity that employs or contracts licensed agents. Agencies must designate an agent-in-charge responsible for supervising transactions and ensuring compliance with Florida insurance laws.
20. Where can I check the status of my application and verify my license?
You can track application status and view license details through the DFS online portal, which shows eligibility, exam results postings, and license issuance. Public license lookup tools also allow employers and consumers to verify that your license and appointments are active and in good standing.
