How to Get Your Insurance License in Florida

  • Pre-licensing education: 40 to 200 hours, depending on license type, completed through a state-approved provider
  • State exam: Administered by Pearson VUE with a 70% passing score required and $44 exam fee
  • Timeline: Most candidates complete licensing in 4–8 weeks; fast-track learners can finish in 2–3 weeks

What Are the Basic Requirements for a Florida Insurance License?

Before starting the licensing process, you need to meet Florida's basic eligibility requirements. According to the Florida Department of Financial ServicesDivision Agents Licensing Agents And Adjusters Qualifications Myfloridacfo.com, applicants must be at least 18 years old, be a Florida resident (for resident licenses), and be a United States citizen or legal alien with valid work authorization.

Florida does not require a college degree or prior insurance experience to become licensed. This accessibility makes insurance an attractive career path for career changersPre License How To Become An Insurance Agent With No Experience Resources and those seeking flexible work opportunities.

What Types of Insurance Licenses Does Florida Offer?

Florida offers several license types, each authorizing you to sell different insurance products. The most common licenses include:

Life, Health & Variable Annuity (2-15): This combined license lets you sell life insurance, health insurance, annuities, and variable contracts. It requires 60 hours of pre-licensing education and is the most popular choice for agents focused on financial protection products.

General Lines Property & Casualty (2-20): This license covers auto, homeowners, commercial property, liability, and workers' compensation insurance. It requires 200 hours of pre-licensing education and appeals to agents interested in protecting assets and businesses.

Personal Lines (20-44): A more limited license covering personal auto, homeowners, and related coverage for individuals and families. It requires 60 hours of education and works well for agents who want to focus exclusively on personal insurance needs.

Understanding what you can doPre License What Can You Do With A Property And Casualty Insurance License Resources with each license type helps you choose the right path for your career goals.

How Many Hours of Pre-Licensing Education Does Florida Require?

Florida requires pre-licensing education before you can sit for the state exam. The hours vary by license type:

Life & Health (2-15): 60 hours, including 3 hours of ethics

Life Only (2-14): 40 hours

Health Only (2-40): 40 hours

General Lines P&C (2-20): 200 hours

Personal Lines (20-44): 60 hours

Pre-licensing courses must be completed through a provider approved by the Florida Department of Financial Services. Upon passing your course's certification exam with 70% or higher, you receive a Certificate of Completion that remains valid for four years.

Quality preparation makes a significant difference in exam success. Learning effective study strategiesPre License How To Study Insurance Licensing Exam Resources helps you retain information and pass on your first attempt.

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How Do I Register for and Pass the Florida Insurance Exam?

After completing pre-licensing education, schedule your state exam through Pearson VUEEn Fl Insurance.html Us, Florida's official testing vendor. You can register online or by calling 888-274-2020.

The exam fee is $44 per attempt. Florida allows up to five exam attempts within a 12-month period. Appointments can be made as close as one day before your desired test date, depending on availability.

Exam format by license type:

The Life, Health & Variable Annuity (2-15) exam contains 165 questions (150 scored, 15 pretest) with a time limit of 2 hours and 45 minutes. You need at least 105 correct answers to pass.

The General Lines (2-20) exam covers property, casualty, and Florida-specific regulations across multiple sections totaling approximately 175 questions over 3 hours.

All exams require a 70% passing score. You receive results immediately after completing your exam at the testing center.

What to bring on exam day:

Bring one current, unexpired government-issued photo ID with a signature. Arrive at least 30 minutes early to complete check-in. No personal items, phones, or study materials are permitted in the testing room.

What Can Slow Down the Florida Licensing Process?

  • Incomplete fingerprinting: Delays in submitting fingerprints through IdentoGO can add weeks to your timeline
  • Background issues: Criminal history requiring additional documentation and review extends processing time
  • Application errors: Name mismatches between your ID, exam registration, and application cause rejections
  • Expired certificates: Waiting too long after completing education means retaking courses
  • Missing appointments: Licenses require carrier appointments within 48 months to remain active

How Do I Complete Fingerprinting and Background Check?

Florida requires fingerprint-based background checks for all new license applicants. Schedule your fingerprinting appointment through IdentoGOFl.state.identogo.com before or shortly after passing your exam.

Fingerprint results typically process within a few business days. Minor criminal history does not automatically disqualify you, but felonies involving dishonesty, fraud, or breach of trust may impact eligibility. If you have background concerns, the Florida DFS reviews each case individually based on factors including time elapsed and rehabilitation evidence.

How Do I Apply for My Florida Insurance License?

Once you pass your exam, apply for your license through MyProfileDice.fldfs.com on the Florida DFS website. You must apply within 12 months of passing your exam, or you will need to retake it.

The application process includes:

Creating a MyProfile account if you do not already have one. Completing all required fields accurately, ensuring your name matches your ID exactly. Paying applicable license fees. Confirming your fingerprints have been submitted and processed.

After submitting your application, the Florida DFS sends approval notification by email. You can then print your license directly from your MyProfile account.

How Does Florida Compare to Other States?

Florida's licensing requirements are more extensive than many states. The 200-hour requirement for General Lines is among the highest nationally, while states like Texas, Arizona, and Washington have eliminated mandatory pre-licensing education entirely. However, Florida's thorough preparation requirements often result in better-prepared agents who pass exams at higher rates.

The 70% passing score aligns with most states, and Florida's use of Pearson VUE for exam administration provides convenient scheduling options including multiple testing centers throughout the state.

What Continuing Education Does Florida Require?

After obtaining your license, Florida requires ongoing continuing education to maintain it. For the first six years of licensure, agents must complete 24 hours of CE every two years. After six years, the requirement drops to 20 hours every two years.

All agents must complete a 4-hour Law and Ethics Update course specific to their license type during each compliance period. CE is due by the last day of your birth month every two years.

Non-resident agents who complete CE in their home state and hold licenses in states reciprocal with Florida may be exempt from Florida-specific CE requirements.

What Career Opportunities Exist for Florida Insurance Agents?

Florida's large population and unique insurance market create strong demand for licensed agents. The state's exposure to hurricanes, floods, and other weather events means property and casualty insurance remains essential for residents and businesses.

According to the Bureau of Labor StatisticsSales Insurance Sales Agents.htm Ooh, insurance sales agents earn a median annual wage of approximately $60,370 nationally, with top performers exceeding $135,000. Florida's competitive market and high property values can support strong earning potential for motivated agents. Understanding first-year earningsPre License What Insurance Agents Actually Earn In Their First Year Resources helps you set realistic expectations as you launch your career.

New agents often start with captive agencies that provide training, leads, and structured support. As you gain experience, opportunities expand to include independent agencies, specialized markets like Medicare or commercial lines, and eventually agency ownership. Understanding high-paying insurance careersPre License What Are The Best Paying Jobs In Insurance Resources helps you map your long-term path, while developing success habitsPre License Tips Becoming A Successful Insurance Agent Resources from day one accelerates your growth.

Start Your Florida Insurance Career

Florida offers a robust insurance market with real opportunities for agents willing to invest in proper preparation. The licensing process, while thorough, creates a foundation of knowledge that serves you throughout your career.

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