What to Look for in a Florida Insurance School
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Quick Answer:
- Florida requires pre-licensing education before you can take the state insurance exam—hours range from 40 to 200, depending on license type
- Courses must be approved by the Florida Department of Financial Services to count toward licensing requirements
- Online courses offer flexibility while meeting all state requirements, but you must also purchase the official FAIA study manual
Florida offers one of the largest insurance markets in the country, with high demand for licensed agents across property and casualty, life, and health insurance. Before you can tap into this opportunity, you must complete state-approved pre-licensing education. Choosing the right Florida insurance school can make the difference between passing your exam on the first attempt and wasting time and money on retakes.
Florida Insurance License Requirements
Florida requires all resident insurance license applicants to complete pre-licensing education through a provider approved by the Florida Department of Financial ServicesDivision Agents Licensing Agents And Adjusters Myfloridacfo.com. After completing education, you must pass a state licensing exam administered by Pearson VUE, complete fingerprinting for a background check, and submit your license application through the MyFloridaCFO portal.
Education hour requirements vary significantly by license type. Florida has some of the highest education requirements in the country for certain licenses, particularly the comprehensive 2-20 General Lines license.
| License Type | Pre-Licensing Hours | Exam Questions |
|---|---|---|
| 2-20 General Lines (P&C) | 200 hours | 175 questions |
| 2-15 Life, Health & Variable Annuity | 60 hours | 165 questions |
| 2-14 Life Only | 40 hours | 95 questions |
| 2-40 Health Only | 40 hours | 95 questions |
| 20-44 Personal Lines | 60 hours | 108 questions |
Types of Florida Insurance Licenses
Florida uses a numerical designation system for insurance licenses. Understanding what each license authorizes you to sell helps you choose the right education path.
The 2-20 General Lines license is the most comprehensive Property and Casualty license in Florida. It authorizes you to sell property insurance, casualty insurance, surety bonds, marine insurance, and health insurance sold as part of P&C packages. This license requires 200 hours of pre-licensing education, the most of any Florida insurance license.
The 2-15 Life, Health and Variable Annuity license covers life insurance products, health and disability insurance, Medicare supplements, and fixed annuities. This combined license is popular for agents who want to specialize in the life and health market.
The 2-14 Life Only license is a narrower license covering life insurance and annuities without health insurance authority. This works for agents who want to focus exclusively on life products.
The 2-40 Health Only license covers health, disability, and long-term care insurance without life insurance authority. This suits agents specializing in the growing Medicare and ACA marketplace.
The 20-44 Personal Lines license is an entry point for agents who want to sell personal auto and homeowners insurance without the full 200-hour 2-20 requirement. Agents with one year of experience can convert to a full 2-20 with a 40-hour conversion course.
What to Look for in a Florida Insurance School
Not all pre-licensing providers deliver the same quality of education. Choosing carefully can significantly impact your exam success and career readiness.
State approval is mandatory. Verify that your chosen provider is approved by the Florida Department of Financial Services. Unapproved courses will not qualify you to take the state exam. Check the provider's approval status on the MyFloridaCFO website.
Exam prep should be included. The best courses integrate practice questions, flashcards, and mock exams throughout the curriculum. Since Florida exams are challenging, built-in exam preparation is worth the investment.
Mobile-friendly access matters for busy schedules. Look for platforms that work seamlessly on phones and tablets so you can study during commutes, lunch breaks, or any spare moment.
Student support should be accessible. Questions will arise during your studies. Providers that offer instructor support, live chat, or comprehensive FAQ resources help you move through the material efficiently.
Pass guarantees demonstrate confidence. Some schools offer money-back guarantees if you do not pass your exam. This indicates the provider stands behind their curriculum quality.
Online vs In-Person Insurance Courses in Florida
Florida allows both online and classroom-based pre-licensing education. Each format has advantages depending on your learning style and schedule.
| Factor | Online Courses | In-Person Courses |
|---|---|---|
| Schedule Flexibility | Study anytime, anywhere | Fixed class times |
| Pace | Self-paced, complete faster | Set curriculum timeline |
| Interaction | Limited live interaction | Direct instructor access |
| Cost | Generally lower | Often higher |
| Learning Style | Best for self-motivated learners | Best for structured learning |
Most candidates today choose online courses for the flexibility to study around work and family commitments. Quality online programs incorporate videos, interactive exercises, and progress tracking that make self-study engaging and effective.
How Much Do Florida Insurance Pre-License Courses Cost?
Course pricing varies based on license type, provider, and included features. Budget between $150 and $500 for pre-licensing education depending on your chosen license.
Basic packages typically include the required curriculum hours and course completion certificate. Premium packages add practice exams, study guides, flashcards, and sometimes live instructor support. All Florida candidates must also purchase the official FAIA study manual separately, which costs approximately $50.
Consider the total cost of licensing, not just course fees. Factor in exam fees (approximately $50-75), fingerprinting costs (approximately $50), and application fees (approximately $55) when budgeting for your Florida insurance license.
How Long Does It Take to Complete Florida Pre-Licensing?
Completion time depends on your license type and study schedule. The 200-hour 2-20 requirement obviously takes longer than a 40-hour life-only course.
At a full-time study pace of 6-8 hours per day, you can complete a 2-20 course in roughly four to five weeks. A 60-hour 2-15 course takes about one to two weeks at full-time pace. Part-time study of 10-15 hours per week extends these timelines accordingly.
After completing education, schedule your exam promptly while the material remains fresh. Most successful candidates take their exam within one to two weeks of finishing their course.
Aceable's Florida Insurance Course
Aceable Insurance is developing state-approved Florida pre-licensing courses designed for today's busy professionals. Our mobile-first approach lets you study on any device, and our course design emphasizes exam readiness with built-in practice questions and progress tracking.
Join our Florida waitlist to be notified when courses launch. You will receive early access and special offers available only to waitlist members.
Next Steps After Pre-Licensing
Completing your pre-licensing course is just the beginning. Here is what comes next on your path to becoming a licensed insurance agentPre License How To Become An Insurance Agent With No Experience Resources.
Schedule your state exam through Pearson VUE as soon as you receive your course completion certificate. Exam availability varies by location, so book early to secure your preferred date. Bring two forms of identification on test day.
Complete fingerprinting through the Florida DFS approved vendor. You can complete this before or after your exam, but your license will not be issued until background check results are received.
Submit your application through MyFloridaCFO once you pass your exam. Have your payment information ready—the application fee is approximately $55. Processing typically takes one to two weeks.
Get appointed with insurance carriers after receiving your license. Your license authorizes you to sell, but you need carrier appointments to actually write policies. Your employer or agency will guide this process.
Launch Your Florida Insurance Career
Florida's massive insurance market offers exceptional opportunities for licensed agents. High property values, a large retiree population, and ongoing development create constant demand for insurance professionals.
The right pre-licensing education sets you up for exam success and career readiness. Whether you are pursuing the comprehensive 2-20 or focused 2-15 path, invest in quality education that prepares you to serve Florida clients confidently.
Ready to Start Your Insurance Career?
Aceable makes it easy to get your insurance license online. Our state-approved courses are designed to fit your schedule and set you up for exam success.