How do I get an insurance license in Florida?

Step 1. Check the basics. You must be a natural person at least 18, a Florida resident, and a citizen or a lawful alien with work authorization. You also must not hold a resident license in another state.

Step 2. Pick an approved course. General lines is a 200-hour property and casualty course. Health and life is a 60-hour course. Each must be done within four years of your application, and every attendee of a pre-licensing course must have the study manuals.

Step 3. Check for another route. A licensed and appointed 4-40, 20-44 or 0-55 with at least a year of insurance duties in the last four years can take a 40-hour course for general lines. For health and life, a 30-hour life course plus a 40-hour health course, both within the last four years, also works.

Step 4. Pass the state exam. By law, the department issues no agent license without it unless an exemption applies. For general lines, an insurance degree with at least 18 semester hours of college credit in property, casualty, health and commercial insurance exempts you, and so does a year holding an equivalent resident license elsewhere if you apply within 90 days of becoming a Florida resident.

Step 5. Get appointed, since the license needs an appointment to be valid. If you took a prelicensing course, your provider sends proof to the department within 21 days of your passing date. Plan 24 hours of continuing education every two years.