Florida
Florida Insurance Prelicensing Requirements
Provider Number: 1015
How to Obtain a Florida Insurance License
Becoming a licensed insurance agent in Florida requires completing several essential steps, including prelicensing education, passing the state exam, undergoing fingerprinting, applying for your license, and fulfilling continuing education requirements. This guide outlines each step in detail to help you navigate the licensing process efficiently.
Step 1: Fulfill Prelicensing Education Requirements
Before taking the Florida insurance licensing exam, you must complete a state-approved prelicensing education course. The required study hours vary based on the line of authority you choose:
| Line of Authority | Required Hours |
| Life & Variable Annuity | 30 hours |
| Health Insurance | 40 hours |
| Life, Health, & Variable Annuity | 60 hours |
| General Lines Property & Casualty | 200 hours |
| Personal Lines Property & Casualty | 60 hours |
Key Notes:
- Prelicensing courses are available online and may include web classes, study manuals, and flashcards.
- You must pass a Certification Exam with a 70% or greater score to receive a Certificate of Completion.
- Approved providers send proof of completion to the Bureau of Licensing within 21 days of passing.
- Certificates of Completion are valid for 4 years. The state exam must be passed within this period.
Step 2: Complete Fingerprinting
The Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) requires fingerprinting for all unlicensed applicants.
Fingerprinting Process:
- Register and schedule an appointment through the DFS website or call (800) 528-1358.
- Fingerprints must be submitted before applying for a license.
- Both residents and non-residents must complete fingerprinting.
Step 3: Pass the Licensing Exam
Once you complete the prelicensing education, you must pass the Florida insurance licensing exam.
Exam Details:
- Administered by Pearson VUE.
- Register online at Pearson VUE or call (888) 274-2020.
- Exams are computer-based and multiple-choice.
- A 70% or higher score is required to pass.
- Test results are provided immediately after completion.
- As of February 16, 2024, remote exams are no longer offered. Exams must be taken in person.
Exam Length & Question Breakdown:
| Exam Code | Exam Type | Time Limit | Number of Questions |
| InsFL-LHA05 | Life, Variable Annuity & Health Agent Exam | 2 hrs 45 min | 150 |
| InsFL-Life01 | Life including Variable Annuity Agent Exam | 2 hrs | 85 |
| InsFL-Health02 | Health Agent Exam | 2 hrs | 85 |
| InsFL-PC06 | General Lines Property & Casualty Agent Exam | 3 hrs | 165 |
| InsFL-Pers55 | Personal Lines Agent Exam | 2 hrs | 100 |
| InsFL-ALJ16 | All Lines Adjuster Exam | 2 hrs | 100 |
| InsFL-PubAdj20 | All Lines Public Adjuster Exam | 2 hrs | 100 |
Exam Policies:
- Arrive 30 minutes early at the testing center.
- Bring a valid government-issued photo ID.
- No personal items (phones, watches, calculators, etc.) are allowed in the testing room.
- If you fail the exam, you can reschedule immediately. Florida allows a maximum of 5 attempts per license type within 12 months.
Step 4: Apply for Your Insurance License
After passing the state exam, you must apply for your Florida insurance license through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) at www.nipr.com.
Application Process:
- Submit your application via NIPR and pay the required fee.
- Submit your fingerprints and undergo a background check.
- Applications must be submitted within 12 months of passing the exam, or you will need to retake it.
Step 5: Maintain Your License with Continuing Education (CE)
To keep your Florida insurance license active, you must complete continuing education (CE) every two years.
CE Requirements:
- First 6 years of licensure: 24 hours of CE every 2 years.
- After 6 years: 20 hours of CE every 2 years.
- 4 hours must be in law and ethics training per renewal period.
- Title agents, customer representatives, and industrial fire agents: 10 hours of CE every 2 years, with 4 hours in Florida Law and Ethics.
- Nonresident agents: Must adhere to their home state’s CE requirements.
For the latest CE updates, visit the Florida Department of Financial Services Division of Insurance Agent and Agency Services website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where can I take the Florida licensing exam?
- Exams must be taken in person at a Pearson VUE testing center. Remote exams are no longer available as of February 16, 2024.
How do I schedule my licensing exam?
- You can schedule your exam through Pearson VUE by visiting their website or calling (888) 274-2020. Exam fees must be paid at the time of reservation.
What happens if I fail my exam?
- You can reschedule immediately. Review your diagnostic report and use additional study materials to improve your score before retaking the exam. Florida allows 5 exam attempts within 12 months.
What entity oversees licensing in Florida?
- The Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) manages agent licensing, renewals, and continuing education. For inquiries, visit their website or call (800) 528-1358.
Contact Information
Florida Department of Financial Services:
- Phone: (800) 528-1358
- Website: www.myfloridacfo.com
Pearson VUE:
- Phone: (888) 274-2020
- Website: home.pearsonvue.com
Start Your Insurance Prelicensing Training
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Disclaimer
The information provided here is based on current Florida state regulations and may be subject to updates. We strive for accuracy but recommend verifying requirements with the Florida Department of Financial Services for the latest licensing details.