Becoming A Licensed Auto Insurance Agent In Florida

If you're thinking about becoming an auto insurance agent in Florida, you'll need to obtain a Florida insurance license. The first step is to decide which type of insurance policies you want to sell. To sell auto insurance, you'll need a Property & Casualty (P&C) license. Once you've decided on the type of license, you'll need to meet the licensing requirements, which include being at least 18 years old, a resident of Florida, and a US citizen or legal alien with authorization to work. The next steps include completing an insurance prelicensing education course, submitting your license application and proof of prerequisites, completing a fingerprint and background check, and finally, passing the relevant Florida insurance license exam.

Complete a pre-licensing education course

To become a licensed auto insurance agent in Florida, you'll need to complete a pre-licensing education course. This is an important step as it will dramatically increase your chances of passing your exam on the first attempt, saving you time and money in the long run.

There are a variety of pre-licensing education courses available, and you should choose one that suits your needs and preferences. Some courses are offered entirely online, while others may have in-person components. You can also find courses that offer flexible learning, allowing you to complete the course at your own pace.

When selecting a course, consider factors such as flexibility, price, and the reputation of the course provider. It's important to choose a reliable course that will provide you with comprehensive resources to prepare for your exam.

The Florida Insurance 60-hour Pre-License Course is a popular option and is designed in compliance with the State of Florida. This course covers topics such as Federal and State Regulations, Legal Concepts of the Insurance Contract, Life and Health Insurance, Annuities, Health and Accident Insurance, and Disability and Medical Reimbursement.

Another option is the Florida School of Insurance, which offers a unique and conversational teaching approach. They provide personal guidance and support throughout the entire process, with various packages available, including practice tests, video libraries, and live webcasts.

The cost of pre-licensing education courses can vary, so be sure to consider your budget when making your decision. Remember that investing in a quality course can increase your chances of success on your first attempt, which may offset any higher costs.

Completing a pre-licensing education course is a crucial step towards becoming a licensed auto insurance agent in Florida. It will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to pass your exam and obtain your license.

Meet the licensing requirements

To become a licensed auto insurance agent in Florida, you must meet the following licensing requirements:

Age and Residency

You must be at least 18 years of age and a resident of the state of Florida. You must not possess a resident license from any other state.

Citizenship

You must be a United States citizen or a legal alien with authorization to work from the US Immigration and Naturalization Services.

Education

You must complete the necessary pre-licensing educational requirements. This includes a 25-hour course in Motor Vehicle Physical Damage and Mechanical Breakdown Insurance, as well as a 60-hour approved insurance course for life and health, including variable annuity insurance. The number of prelicensing hours of study can vary depending on the license you are seeking, but it must include 3 hours on ethics.

Employment

You must not be an employee of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or a state service office, as referred to in Section 626.833 of the Florida Statutes.

Fingerprinting and Background Check

You must submit to fingerprinting and a background check to confirm you meet the federal and state regulations regarding insurance agents.

Examination

After meeting the above requirements, you must pass the relevant Florida insurance licensing exam. This exam will cover the material from your pre-licensing courses and will be specific to the type of insurance license you are seeking.

Submit your application

Once you have completed your pre-licensing education, you can apply for your insurance license. In Florida, applications are submitted online through the state's MyProfile account system for a fee of $50 (plus a small $5 license ID charge). If you have completed the pre-licensing education for multiple lines of authority, you will need to submit an application (and pay the filing fees) for each of them.

Florida's MyProfile system will be your home base for all license actions from this point forward – even once you receive your license later down the line, this is where you'll complete most other actions regarding your continuing education (CE) and appointments.

To complete an application for a license with the Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Agent and Agency Services, use the MyProfile portal.

It is important to note that fingerprinting fees are not included within the filing cost of your application – these must be paid directly to the service provider.

To apply for a license, you must:

• Create an account on the DFS website. In the process of creating an account, you will complete the licensing application.
• Once DFS approves your application, they will send you an authorization notice. You must have this notice before registering for the state licensing exam.

Register for fingerprinting and a background check

To register for fingerprinting and a background check as part of your application to become a licensed auto insurance agent in Florida, you will need to follow the below steps:

Firstly, you must select your fingerprinting method. There are two options: LiveScan, which is electronic, or Fingerprint Cards, which are submitted by mail. The LiveScan method is faster, but it is only available to Florida residents. If you are an out-of-state applicant, you will need to submit your fingerprints by mail.

If you are a Florida resident, register for LiveScan and go to the nearest IdentoGo location to have your fingerprints submitted electronically. You can find your nearest location on the IdentoGo website.

If you are an out-of-state applicant, enter your zip code on the registration site to view the nearest LiveScan locations. If there isn't a location close to you, you can submit your fingerprints by mail.

Next, you will need to register and pay for fingerprinting. This costs $50.75, plus local Florida county sales tax. You can pay and register on the IdentoGO by Idemia (formerly MorphoTrust USA) website.

After registering and paying, you will be instructed to submit your fingerprints either electronically via LiveScan or by mail. If you are submitting your fingerprints electronically, a list of LiveScan locations will be presented to you. If you are submitting your fingerprints by mail, you will be sent a fingerprinting packet.

Once you have submitted your fingerprints, they will be sent to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, who will process your fingerprint-based criminal history check. Your results will then be submitted to the Florida Department of Financial Services.

If your first fingerprint submission is returned as illegible, you will need to provide another LiveScan submission at no additional charge within 90 days of the first submission. If both fingerprint results are illegible, you will not be required to submit new fingerprints. Instead, the Bureau of Licensing will submit a name check request to the FBI, which can take up to 45 days for processing.

Once your application is complete, the Florida Department of Financial Services will notify you of your license or registration status by email and your MyProfile account.

Pass the relevant Florida Insurance License Exam

To sell auto insurance in Florida, you must pass a state licensing exam. The Florida Insurance License Exam is a rigorous test that will assess your knowledge of the state's insurance laws, regulations, and practices. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you prepare for and pass the exam:

Familiarize Yourself with the Exam Format and Content:

Before you begin studying, it is crucial to understand the format and content of the exam. The Florida Insurance License Exam is a computer-based test consisting of two parts: a general knowledge section and a state-specific section. The general knowledge portion covers basic insurance concepts, while the state-specific portion focuses on Florida's unique insurance laws, rules, and regulations.

Obtain the Required Pre-licensing Education:

In Florida, you must complete a mandatory number of hours in pre-licensing education before you are eligible to take the exam. This educational course will provide you with the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to sell insurance in the state. Ensure that you choose a reputable and approved education provider, authorized by the Florida Department of Financial Services. During your pre-licensing course, take comprehensive notes and focus on topics that will be covered in the state exam. This course will cover a range of relevant topics, including insurance types, policy structure, and ethical practices, to ensure you have a solid foundation of knowledge.

Develop a Study Plan and Study Diligently:

Create a structured study plan that covers all the topics included in the exam. Refer to the exam content outline provided by the testing provider for a detailed breakdown of the subjects and topics. Dedicate sufficient time to studying, and stick to your plan consistently. Focus on truly understanding the concepts rather than simply memorizing facts. Reinforce your learning by practicing with sample questions and mock exams, which will help you identify areas that need improvement.

Understand Insurance Regulations and Practices Specific to Florida:

Pay close attention to the distinct insurance laws, regulations, and practices applicable in Florida. Familiarize yourself with the Florida Insurance Code and the rules set forth by the Florida Department of Financial Services. Understand the consumer protection laws and unfair trade practices specific to the state. By doing so, you'll ensure that your knowledge is relevant and applicable to the Florida insurance market.

Develop Effective Test-taking Strategies:

Learning effective test-taking strategies will help improve your performance during the exam. Manage your time efficiently, read and understand the questions carefully, and eliminate obviously incorrect answers. Practice answering questions under timed conditions to simulate the actual exam environment and build your confidence.

Stay Informed about Any Exam Changes or Updates:

Be vigilant for any recent changes or updates to the exam content or structure. From time to time, minor revisions may be made to reflect current laws or industry practices. Stay informed by regularly checking the Florida Department of Financial Services website or consulting with your pre-licensing education provider.

Remember, the key to passing the Florida Insurance License Exam is comprehensive preparation and a solid understanding of both insurance concepts and Florida-specific regulations. Follow these instructions, study diligently, and you'll be well on your way to becoming a licensed auto insurance agent in Florida.

Frequently asked questions