Getting your Florida insurance license is the first step to becoming an insurance agent in Florida. Whether you’re interested in selling property and casualty insurance, life insurance, health insurance, or any combination of those lines of authority, this article has the information you need to get started.
The Florida Division of Insurance Agent & Agency Services has a 6-step process on how to become an insurance agent in Florida. We’ll walk you through step-by-step; from the license application to insurance test prep, to the Florida insurance exam, and beyond.
This guide has everything you need to know to get your FL insurance license quickly and easily.
How to Get Your Florida Insurance License
Getting your insurance license in Florida is easy! Just follow our step-by-step guide. Be sure to bookmark this page so that you can visit it again throughout this process.
Step 1. Which Insurance Licenses Do You Need?
The first step to getting your insurance license is choosing which licenses you need. The most common licenses new insurance agents get are the property & casualty license (P&C), life and health insurance license (L&H).
The types of insurance products and policies you’ll be selling will determine which licenses you need. Here are some examples of the types of policies you can market with each license:
Most insurance agents and producers choose to get both P&C and L&H licenses, but if you plan on specializing in only one category then you don’t need every license.
Insurance adjusters require a separate license. You can find more information on becoming an insurance adjuster here: Florida Insurance Adjuster License
If you plan on specializing as a life insurance agent, then you may also need to hold a certain FINRA securities license.
Step 2. Florida Insurance Pre-License Education
After you’ve determined which licenses you need, you must now take your Florida insurance pre-license education courses.
Most folks choose to take their insurance pre-license course online. These courses are created specifically to give you the skills you need to pass the test. The types of licenses you choose (also known as “lines of authority”) will determine which courses you take.
Each line of authority in Florida varies in required hours of pre-license education. This means that if you wish to get a Property and Casualty 2-20 license, you must take two-hundred (200) hours of pre-licensing, and for Life and Health 2-15 (including Annuities and Variable Contracts) you must take sixty (60) hours.
You will receive a certificate upon completion of the course. Keep this certificate, as you will need it when taking your exam.
For required insurance pre-license courses and exam prep, StateRequirement recommends: ExamFX
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Step 3. Florida Insurance License Application
After you have completed all of your required pre-licensing education, the next step is to apply for your license. If you have more than one line of authority that you have taken the education for, be sure to apply for all of those lines.
The fee for an online application is $50 plus a $5 License ID fee, totaling $55.
The application process is located within Florida’s MyProfile account system. This system will essentially be your home base for all license actions from this point forward. After receiving your license, this is where you will take most other actions regarding your license and appointments.
Step 4. Fingerprinting And Background Check
The State of Florida requires that all insurance license applications provide fingerprints prior to licensing. Giving your fingerprints will initiate a background check. If you have any prior misdemeanors or felonies, this may affect the outcome of your licensing efforts. For more information on this topic, call the Florida Department of Insurance at (850) 413-3140 or email the Insurance Department or check the information on this page.
Fingerprinting must be completed through IdentoGO. You will schedule an appointment at one of the locations in Florida, and they will electronically record your fingerprint information using LiveScan (as opposed to ink and paper).
The fee for fingerprint services is $48.05 plus the local Florida sales tax. Your fingerprints will be submitted automatically to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Step 5. Florida Insurance License Exam
The next step after completing all of your pre-license coursework or self-study is to take the insurance exam. You will take one exam for each line of insurance you wish to carry. Life, Accident, & Health 2-15 (L&H) and Property & Casualty 2-20 (P&C) lines are combined lines in Florida, so you will take two exams if you wish to attain all of these lines of authority: Property, Casualty, Life, Accident, Health.
This is a proctored test, which means that you will be in a controlled environment with a person watching over you. For people who haven’t tested in a situation like this should be aware of this fact, and work on taming their nerves prior to sitting for the exam. One great way to get some experience with insurance testing is taking an insurance practice exam.
The fee for each attempt of the exams is $44 (one exam per combined lines of authority). When you show up you must have a photo ID any other documents that the testing facility has asked you to bring.
The Life & Health (including Annuities & Variable Contracts) 2-15 exam consists of one hundred fifty (150) questions, and you have two hours and forty-five minutes (2:45 hours) to complete the exam. Here is a copy of the exam content outline for the Life & Health (including Annuities & Variable Contracts) 2-15 exam.
The Property & Casualty General Lines 2-20 exam consists of one hundred sixty (160) questions, and you have three hours (3 hours) to complete the exam. Here is a copy of the exam content outline for the Property & Casualty 2-20 exam.
A total score of 70% is required to pass each exam. You have a limit of five (5) attempts at each exam per year.
Check out our Insurance Exam Guide. It’s extremely in-depth, and will hopefully help you pass the first time.
Insurance license tests are intentionally difficult, but not impossible by any means. You should study to the point of comfortability with the information before you attempt the test. Failing the exam isn’t the end of the world, but keep in mind that you will need to pay the fee each time you attempt the test.
StateRequirement recommends that you study for one exam at a time, then after passing, starting on your next line. The exams are difficult enough on their own without confusing information from one line to another.
Check out our review of the ExamFX Insurance Course.
You may register to take your exams and find more information on the Pearson VUE Florida Insurance Testing page. You may also find the Pearson VUE Florida Insurance Licensing Candidate Handbook useful.
Step 6. Application Review
Once you have submitted your application and passed your exams, your license application will be reviewed by the state. Your background check will also be reviewed.
If everything is to acceptable standards your license should be issued quickly. If there are any items from your background check that need to be reviewed, it may slow down the process of issuance. If this is the case, the state may contact you to provide context to the issues that they have run into.
Once the review has been completed, you should receive a notification in your MyProfile account. If there is any more information that you need to provide the state, you will be notified of this in your account as well.
You may also use the MyProfile account as a Florida license lookup tool and print your license.
Congratulations!
You’ve done the work, put in the time and effort, and now hold the key to your own success! We’re proud of you. Take five (5) minutes and celebrate.
After Getting Your Florida Insurance License
Once you’ve passed your exams and completed the licensing application, you are now a licensed insurance agent in Florida. A common question we hear is, “I have my insurance license, now what?” Here are a few things you can do or need to know:
Florida Department of Financial Services Contact Information
Division of Insurance Agent & Agency ServicesBureau of Licensing, Room 419200 East Gaines Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0319
Getting your Florida life insurance license is the first step toward becoming a life insurance agent. If you want to market and sell life insurance policies, follow this step-by-step guide for obtaining a life insurance license in Florida.
The Florida Division of Insurance Agent and Agency Services (IAAS) requires you to complete a five-step process to obtain your life insurance license — from taking the life insurance exam to applying for a license.
These steps will take a few weeks to complete so we recommend you bookmark this page so you can use it as a reference throughout the process.
How to Get Your Florida Life Insurance License – Quick Version
- Complete a Florida Insurance Pre-license Course (ExamFX – $189+)
- Get a Fingerprint-Based Background Check (IdentoGO – $48.05 + local Florida sales tax)
- Complete a Florida Life Insurance License Application (Florida’s MyProfile System – $50 application fee + $5 license ID fee)
- Take the Florida Life Insurance Licensing Exam (Pearson VUE – $44)
- Watch for Your Application Results
Steps to Get a Florida Life Insurance License
Obtaining your Florida life insurance license isn’t difficult. Just follow these five steps to start your journey toward becoming a life insurance agent. Once you earn this license, check out our guide on how to get your Florida property and casualty (P&C) license as well.
Step 1: Complete a Florida Insurance Pre-license Course
Before you take the Florida life insurance licensing exam, it’s important to make time to acquire the knowledge you’ll need to pass this exam on your first attempt. Completing a pre-license education course will equip you with the necessary information and tools you’ll need to prepare for your exam.
Florida requires 40 hours of pre-license education for life insurance, including courses on annuities and variable contracts. Three of the required 40 hours must focus on ethics.
A pre-license education course provides very specific industry knowledge that will be tested during the exam. There is very little information on the test that could be considered “common sense”. Pre-license education courses are self-paced and include study materials like practice exams and flashcards.
Beyond helping you effectively prepare for and pass the life insurance licensing exam on your first try, taking a pre-license education course also will give you a solid understanding of your duties as a life insurance agent.
For Florida insurance pre-license education courses and exam prep, StateRequirement recommends: ExamFX
For 10% off, use code at checkout!
Step 2: Get a Fingerprint-Based Background Check
After you complete your pre-license education course, you must get a fingerprint-based background check from IdentoGO. The fee for fingerprinting services is $48.05 plus the local Florida county sales tax to cover the costs of a fingerprint-based, criminal history record check.
You must register for LiveScan and go to the nearest IdentoGo location to electronically submit your fingerprints.
Once you submit your fingerprints via IdentoGo, that system will electronically send them to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). The FDLE will then electronically submit the results of your fingerprint-based, criminal history check to the Florida Department of Financial Services.
Once your application is complete, the Florida Division of IAAS will notify you of your license or registration status by email through your Florida MyProfile account.
Step 3: Complete a Florida Life Insurance License Application
Once you complete the fingerprint-based background check, you can apply for your Florida life insurance license. The application fee is $50 plus a $5 license ID fee for a total of $55. You must apply via your Florida MyProfile account.
After receiving your license, this is the system where you’ll take most other actions regarding your license.
The Florida Division of IAAS will issue a life insurance license to individuals who are at least 18 years old and have passed the proper licensing exam.
To apply for a life insurance license in Florida, make sure you comply with the insurance licensing requirements as defined under the State of Florida Statutes, the Florida Administrative Code, and Florida’s prelicensing rules.
Send any questions or supporting documents to .
Step 4: Take the Florida Life Insurance Licensing Exam
After you have applied for your life insurance license via your Florida MyProfile account, it’s time to take the Florida life insurance exam.
Florida uses Pearson VUE as its official testing service for delivering licensure exams.
The Florida life insurance exam outline contains a total of 85 scored questions that covers two sections: general and state-specific knowledge. The general section deals with basic life insurance product knowledge. The state-specific section covers insurance concepts and terms, rules, regulations, and practices specific to Florida.
You’ll have 120 minutes to complete the exam. The Florida life insurance exam fee is $44, which you must pay at the time of reservation by credit card, debit card, or voucher. The exam is a proctored test, meaning an official proctor will closely monitor you in a controlled environment.
If you happen to fail the Florida life insurance exam, you must reapply by visiting Pearson VUE and pay another exam fee. Florida has a limit of five attempts for the same exam type during a 12-month period.
Check out our in-depth insurance exam guide for tips to help you pass on the first attempt.
Step 5: Watch for Your Application Results
After you complete the previous four steps, the Florida Department of Financial Services will review your application and background check.
Once it completes that review, you’ll receive a notification in your Florida MyProfile account. If you need to provide any additional information to the state, you’ll receive a notification of this in that account as well.
You also may use your Florida MyProfile account as a Florida insurance license search and lookup tool as well as to print your license.
Congratulations!
You’re now ready to get started as a life insurance agent in Florida.
Next Steps After Securing Your Florida Life Insurance License
Once you complete the above steps and have your Florida life insurance license, here’s what you should pursue next.
Get Your FINRA Securities Licenses
Overview
Individuals planning to market and sell market-based life insurance products also must obtain the proper securities licenses. As a securities license holder, you can offer securities as part of your services. That’ll make you a credible authority in addressing all of your clients’ financial needs.
To learn more, check out our Securities Licensing guide.
SIE Exam
To obtain these licenses, you’ll first need to take and pass the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam. Professionals in the securities industry are required to take the SIE and a series of examinations administered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).
The SIE exam ensures every life insurance professional has a basic understanding of securities. While taking the SIE exam isn’t a requirement for all insurance professionals, those who don’t obtain at least one securities license limit their ability to work with clients. With a securities license, you can give your clients the option to invest in securities-related products as part of their life insurance plans.
To help you start preparing for the SIE exam, check out our full guide on How to Pass the SIE Exam.
Obtaining a license to sell securities also requires sponsorship from a firm, company, or organization regulated by FINRA. The sponsor will pay the testing fees required for your SIE exams and submit your personal information to FINRA’s Central Registration Depository (CRD). The Series 6 and Series 7 licenses require a FINRA exam sponsorship before you can take the exam. The exam for a Series 63 license doesn’t require any sponsoring entity.
Once you get your securities license(s), FINRA will list you as a “registered representative.” By achieving the securities licensee designation, you’ll become a highly sought-after professional and set yourself up for a successful career in the insurance industry.
Series 6, 7, and 63 Licenses
Some of the most common securities licenses for insurance agents include the Series 6, 7, and 63 licenses because they allow licensees to sell almost every type of individual security.
The Series 6 (Investment Company and Variable Contracts Products Representative) Securities License is the primary license sought by insurance sales professionals and financial advisors, allowing them to sell grouped securities related to insurance products.
Series 6 works together with Series 63 because they are the two partner licenses required to sell insurance policies tied to investments. The North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) oversees regulation of the Series 63 (Uniform Securities Agent State Law) license.
The Series 7 license allows you to buy and sell securities (e.g., stocks, bonds, and mutual funds) as part of an investment plan for your clients. To get a Series 7 license, you will first need to register as a new candidate with FINRA and pass the Series 7 exam. The Series 7 exam is commonly known as the General Securities Representative Qualification Exam, but is sometimes referred to as the “Series 7 Top-Off Exam.”
Get a Job in the Insurance Field
Once you earn your license, you can start applying for jobs in the insurance field. With a life insurance license, you can provide advice and recommend insurance products to clients, sell life insurance policies that pay a beneficiary upon an insured person’s death, and sell annuities that pay a set income at retirement.
Find life insurance job postings on our Insurance Jobs Board.
When applying for an insurance-related job, potential employers will request your license number and National Producer Number (NPN).
Complete Continuing Education and Renew Your License
In Florida, you must take 24 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years to maintain your license in good standing. Of those 24 hours, five must cover Florida law and ethics.
If you have a non-resident license with good standing in your home state, you don’t need to take CE courses in Florida. To find out if you need to take Florida CE courses, go to the Florida Department of Financial Services’ Bureau of Licensing Education Search tool.
Your Florida MyProfile account also will display this 24-hour CE requirement. You can’t renew your license until you complete your CE hours and pay any outstanding fines.
While Florida doesn’t require you to renew an insurance license, you need to keep your license current by completing the required CE credits. The CE course provider will report your course completion to the Florida Division of IAAS within 21 days of completion.
To check your CE requirement and status, go to your Florida MyProfile account, log in, and click on “CE Status.” Contact the Florida Division of IAAS at if you have any questions.
Florida Department of Financial Services’ Division of Insurance Agent and Agency Services Contact Information
Mailing Address:
Florida Department of Financial ServicesDivision of Insurance Agent and Agency ServicesBureau of Licensing200 East Gaines Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0319