How to Get an Insurance Agent License in Florida
Last updated: March 1, 2026
Quick Facts
Education
40 hrs
Total Cost
$525
Governing Body
Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS)
Florida is a booming real estate market driven by population growth, tourism, and international buyers, making it an excellent place to start a career as a insurance agent. Licensing in Florida is overseen by the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS). The process requires 40 hours of pre-license education and costs between $350 and $700 in total. You'll need to pass the Florida Insurance Agent Exam (administered by PSI) with a score of at least 70% overall.
Florida requires just 40 hours of pre-license education — one of the lowest requirements in the nation. This is about 82% above the national average of 22 hours. The total cost is relatively affordable at $350 to $700, including education, application, and exam fees. Most aspiring insurance agents complete the entire process in 4-8 weeks, depending on how quickly they move through the coursework and exam preparation.
FloridaInsurance Agent License Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Pre-License Education | 40 hours |
| Degree Required | No |
| Exam Required | Yes — Florida Insurance Agent Exam |
| Passing Score | 70% overall |
| Background Check | Yes |
| Broker Sponsorship | Not required |
| Application Fee | $55 |
| Exam Fee | $55 |
| Governing Body | Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) |
| License Reciprocity | Full |
Reciprocity:Florida participates in NIPR reciprocity for non-resident producers. Resident applicants must complete Florida pre-license education.
Steps to Get Your Insurance Agent License in Florida
- 1
Complete 40 Hours of Pre-License Education
40 hours of pre-license education: 200-hour Life & Health or 200-hour General Lines (Property & Casualty). The 40-hour course is for each line individually. Most providers offer online self-study options.
Time: 2-4 weeks Cost: $350 - 2
Pass the Florida Insurance Agent Exam
Schedule and pass the insurance licensing exam administered by PSI. You must score at least 70% overall to pass.
Time: 1-2 weeks to schedule and take Cost: $55 - 3
Submit Your License Application
Apply through the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) or via NIPR (National Insurance Producer Registry). You'll need to pass a background check and pay the application fee of $55.
Time: 1-4 weeks for processing Cost: $55 - 4
Get Appointed by an Insurance Carrier
To sell insurance, you must be appointed by at least one insurance carrier. Research captive and independent agent opportunities in Florida.
Time: 1-2 weeks - 5
Start Selling Insurance
Once licensed and appointed, you can legally sell insurance in Florida. Consider joining professional associations for networking and continuing education opportunities.
Time: Immediate once appointed
Recommended Courses
Kaplan
Pre-license education and exam prep across real estate, insurance, financial services, and more.
Trusted name in professional education
View Kaplan Courses →Key Things to Know
- Education requirement: 40 hours of pre-license education: 200-hour Life & Health or 200-hour General Lines (Property & Casualty). The 40-hour course is for each line individually.. Many providers offer online options, giving you flexibility to study on your own schedule.
- The licensing exam: The Florida Insurance Agent Exam is administered by PSI. You'll need to score at least 70% overall to pass. Study materials and practice exams are available from most education providers.
- Already licensed in another state? Florida participates in NIPR reciprocity for non-resident producers. Resident applicants must complete Florida pre-license education.
- Background check required: Florida requires a criminal background check as part of the application process. Plan for additional processing time and fees.
- Online application available: Florida accepts online applications, which can speed up processing time.
- Ongoing requirements: Once licensed, you'll need 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years. 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years including 3 hours of ethics and 5 hours of flood insurance.
How Florida Compares
Florida requires 40 hours of pre-license education for insurance agents. This is about 82% above the national average of 22 hours. The average total cost in Florida is around $525, compared to the national average of $408.
How Much Does a Insurance Agent License Cost in Florida?
| Cost Item | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Pre-License Education | $300 - $700 |
| Application Fee | $55 |
| Exam Fee | $55 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $350 - $700 |
License Renewal
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years
- Continuing Education:24 hours
- CE Details:24 hours of continuing education every 2 years including 3 hours of ethics and 5 hours of flood insurance
- Renewal Fee: $55
Tips for Success
- Choose your education provider carefully: Compare prices, format (online vs. in-person), and reviews. Some providers offer exam prep materials bundled with the course, which can save you money. Check the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) website for a list of approved providers.
- Don't rush the exam: With only 40 hours required, you can complete the education portion quickly — some providers offer accelerated programs that finish in 2-3 weeks. Use practice exams to identify weak areas before scheduling your test date.
- Choose your lines of authority wisely: Most states let you specialize in Property & Casualty, Life & Health, or both. Starting with one line keeps costs lower and lets you focus your study time.
- Line up carrier appointments early: You'll need to be appointed by at least one insurance carrier to sell policies. Research captive vs. independent agent models — independent agents can offer more products but need more appointments.
- Budget approximately $700 for your Florida license: This includes $55 in application fees, $55 for the exam, and education costs. Once licensed, plan for $55 in renewal fees every 2 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a insurance agent license in Florida?
Most people complete the process in 2-4 weeks total. The pre-license education (40 hours) takes the longest. After completing education, the exam and application process typically adds 2-6 weeks.
How much does it cost to get a insurance agent license in Florida?
The total cost ranges from $350 to $700, including pre-license education, the application fee ($55), and the exam fee ($55).
Can I get a Florida insurance agent license with a criminal record?
The Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) evaluates criminal history on a case-by-case basis. Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you, but certain offenses may affect your eligibility. Contact the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) for guidance before applying.
Do I need a college degree to become a insurance agent in Florida?
No. Florida does not require a college degree. You only need to complete the 40 hours of approved pre-license courses.
Can I take the pre-license courses online in Florida?
Many approved education providers offer pre-license courses online, allowing you to study at your own pace. Check the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) website for a list of approved providers.
Sources
Professional Associations & Resources
Connect with these national organizations for career resources, networking, and continuing education.
Compare With Other States
Insurance Agent in Other States
From Our Blog
Cheapest States for Professional Licensing (2026)
Which states have the lowest professional licensing costs? We ranked all 50 states by average licensing cost across 49 professions.
The 10 Cheapest Professional Licenses to Get in 2026
The 10 most affordable professional licenses ranked by total cost. Get licensed for under $500 and start earning $40,000-$75,000/yr.
The Highest-Paying Licensed Careers That Don't Require a 4-Year Degree
12 high-paying licensed careers you can start without a bachelor's degree. Real salary data, licensing costs, and education requirements for each profession.