Step‑by‑Step Guide to Becoming a Licensed Health and Auto Insurance Agent in Florida

Overview: What It Takes to Get Licensed

In Florida, anyone who wants to sell health or automobile insurance must first obtain a state license from the Florida Department of Financial Services (FLDFS). The process involves meeting education prerequisites, passing the appropriate licensing exams, submitting an application, and maintaining continuing education. Below is a complete, evergreen roadmap that walks you through each step, typical costs, timelines, and useful resources.

1. Verify Eligibility Requirements

Before you invest time or money, confirm that you meet the basic criteria:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Hold a valid Social Security number.
• Provide a Florida residential address (or a mailing address if out‑of‑state).
• Have no felony convictions related to fraud, embezzlement, or insurance misconduct.

If any of these items are unclear, you can check your status through the FLDFS pre‑licensing portal.

2. Choose the License Type(s)

Florida issues separate licenses for health and auto (personal lines) insurance. You can apply for one or both, but each requires its own exam and fee.

License options

• Health Insurance Agent (2‑001) – Allows you to sell health, disability, and long‑term care policies.
• Personal Lines (Auto) Insurance Agent (2‑002) – Covers private passenger auto, homeowners, and renters policies.

3. Complete Pre‑Licensing Education

Florida mandates a minimum of 40 hours of approved pre‑licensing coursework for each license type. The coursework can be taken online or in‑person through state‑approved providers such as Kaplan, ExamFX, or the American Institute of Financial Services.

4. Register for the State Exams

After completing the coursework, you must schedule the relevant exams through Pearson VUE, the official testing partner for FLDFS.

• Health Insurance Exam – 100 multiple‑choice questions, 2‑hour limit.
• Auto Insurance Exam – 100 multiple‑choice questions, 2‑hour limit.

Both exams are scored on a 70% passing threshold. You will receive a provisional pass/fail result immediately; official scores are posted within 24 hours.

5. Submit the License Application

Once you pass the exam(s), log in to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation portal and complete the electronic application.

• Upload a recent passport‑style photo.
• Provide fingerprints via a Live Scan service (required for all insurance licenses).
• Pay the licensing fee: $135 per license type.

6. Obtain a Surety Bond (If Required)

For most health and auto agents, a bond is not mandatory unless you plan to act as a producer for a captive insurance carrier. If a bond is needed, typical amounts range from $5,000 to $10,000 with annual premiums of 1‑3% of the bond amount.

7. Activate Your License and Start Selling

After FLDFS processes your application (usually 5‑10 business days), you'll receive an electronic license. You can now affiliate with an insurance carrier, set up a brokerage, or work as an independent contractor.

8. Maintain Continuing Education (CE)

Florida requires 24 CE credit hours every two years for each active license. This includes:

• 3 hours of ethics.
• 21 hours of product‑specific or general insurance education.

Failure to complete CE results in license suspension.

9. Optional: Advance Your Career

Consider additional designations to boost credibility and earnings:

• Certified Health Insurance Specialist (CHIS) – offered by the National Association of Health Underwriters.
• Chartered Property & Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) – valuable for auto and broader personal lines.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the entire process take?

From enrollment in pre‑licensing courses to receiving your license, most candidates finish in 6‑8 weeks if they pass exams on the first attempt.

Can I take the health and auto exams on the same day?

Yes, Pearson VUE allows you to schedule both exams back‑to‑back, provided you have completed the respective coursework for each.

What if I fail an exam?

You may retake any exam after a 24‑hour waiting period. The first retake costs $50, and subsequent attempts cost $75 each.