FSLSO » About FSLSO » Surplus Lines Licensing Requirements

To become a Florida licensed 120 surplus lines agent or a Florida non-resident 9120 surplus lines agent, the DFS has several requirements:

1. QUALIFICATIONS: To qualify for a Resident Surplus Lines agent, the applicant (individual) must: (120)
   
   • Be a natural person at least 18 years of age.
   • Be a United States citizen or legal alien who possesses a work authorization from the United States Immigration and Naturalization Services.
   • Be a bona fide resident of Florida.
   • Satisfy one of the educational requirements listed below:
   • Successfully completing an approved 60-hour classroom course in surplus and excess lines insurance;
   
   (or)
   • Having worked for a minimum of one year for a licensed and appointed Florida surplus lines insurance agent.
   • Take and pass the Florida Surplus Lines exam.
   • Be licensed and Appointed as a Florida resident general lines insurance agent (Type & Class: 2-20);
   
   (or)
   • Be licensed as a Florida resident general lines insurance agent (not appointed as such) and licensed and appointed as a managing general agent (Type & Class: 00-60);
   
   (or)
   • Be licensed as a Florida resident general lines insurance agent (not appointed as such) and licensed and appointed as a service representative (Type & Class: 00-55).
   • Post a Fifty Thousand Dollar ($50,000) bond, using a Bond Form provided by the Department.
   
   To qualify for a Non-resident Surplus Lines license, the applicant (individual) must: (9120)
   
   • Be a natural person at least 18 years of age.
   • Be a United States citizen or legal alien who possesses a work authorization from the United States Immigration and Naturalization Services.
   • Be licensed as a resident general lines and surplus lines insurance agent in your home state.
   • Apply for a nonresident general lines license in Florida.
   • Satisfy one of the educational requirements listed below:
   • Successfully complete an approved 60-hour classroom course in surplus and excess lines insurance;
   
   (or)
   • Work for a minimum of one year for a licensed surplus lines insurance agent within the last four years.
   • Take and pass the Florida Surplus Lines exam.
   • Post a Fifty Thousand Dollar ($50,000) bond, using a Bond Form provided by the Department.
   
   The FSLSO provides an online pre-licensing course via its website at http://www.fslso.com/education/. A list of insurance schools which offer the course in a classroom setting is also found at this site.
   
   
2. LICENSE APPLICATION AND APPOINTMENT:
   Application for the license shall be made through the Florida Department of Financial Services via their website at: https://aalf.fldfs.com/common/com_index.asp. The Application fee is $150.00 and is paid in advance.
   
   When you complete your Internet application process, a summary sheet will be provided that lists the documents and information you must submit to the Department to complete your application process. You will not be authorized for a license or authorized to take an examination until all documents have been received and your eligibility is established.
   
   The Department will notify Pearson VUE (their testing contractor) who will send you an Examination Eligibility Notice containing an expiration date. You must schedule and take your examination by the expiration date on your Examination Eligibility Notice.
   
   To schedule an examination with Pearson VUE or locate a testing facility in your area, please visit www.pearsonvue.com or call their toll free number at (888) 274-2020 to speak with a customer representative.
   
   In addition, there is an appointment fee in the amount of $150 that shall also be paid to the Department in advance. The appointment of surplus lines agents is subject to a biennial renewal or continuation by agent. You may appoint yourself using the Department of Financial Services Appointment System called "eAppoint" by visiting https://iportal.fldfs.com/eappoint/
   
3. SURETY BOND:
   File a $50,000 surety bond, using a bond form provided by the DFS at: http://www.fldfs.com/Agents/forms/forms.htm
   
   
4. FSLSO MEMBERSHIP:
   Any individual, licensed as a surplus lines agent under §626.927 and §626.9272, Florida Statute, shall be deemed a member of the Florida Surplus Lines Service Office (FSLSO), a not-for-profit, self-regulating association. Upon receiving your Florida Surplus Lines License, complete the instructions accompanying the FSLSO membership form found at: http://www.fslso.com/docspubs/forms/index.asp and return the form to FSLSO via fax or mail.

NOTE: Florida licensed resident and non-resident surplus lines agents are required to meet Florida's continuing education requirements.

You cannot transact any class of insurance business for which you are not licensed and appointed.

For further information about these requirements, visit the DFS website at: http://www.fldfs.com/agents/index.htm o r contact the Bureau of Licensing at (850) 413-3137, Ext. 1101.