Dimas Alvarez

My experience with the Florida Surplus Lines Service Office began before my first day as an intern. I first became familiar with FSLSO through its involvement in conferences, student programs, and industry events. After volunteering at the FSLSO Symposium through Gamma Iota Sigma, I became interested in learning more about the organization and the surplus lines market. Being selected to later spend ten weeks working alongside the same team made the experience feel full circle.

I entered the internship knowing that FSLSO supported Florida’s surplus lines industry, but I did not realize the full extent of its impact. Throughout the summer, I learned how the organization uses data, technology, education, and compliance reviews to promote a healthy and reputable insurance marketplace. Coming from the agency side of insurance, this experience helped me understand the bigger picture and see how regulation connects to the policies agents sell,

Through the IGNITE program, I completed the 60-hour pre-licensing course and earned my Florida 1-20 Surplus Lines Agent license. I also completed the SLICE training and learned how to use SLIP+ to properly submit policy information and remain compliant. As someone who hopes to open an insurance agency in the future, this experience prepared me not only to offer clients another insurance market, but also to understand how those policies must be processed and filed correctly.

The internship also gave me valuable hands-on experience through projects, department shadowing, and professional development opportunities. I was able to strengthen my skills in areas such as Excel, research, communication, and problem-solving while learning how the different departments work together. These experiences allowed me to apply the skills I already had while gaining a much broader understanding of what it takes to keep an organization running smoothly.

What stood out most was FSLSO’s culture of helping others. The organization is known for supporting the insurance industry, and that same commitment is reflected within the office. Everyone was willing to answer questions, share their knowledge, and help us grow. I am grateful for the experience, the relationships I built, and the opportunity to work with such a supportive team. I look forward to seeing many of my former coworkers at future conferences and industry events, and I now understand why FSLSO has been recognized as one of Florida’s top workplaces for the past four years.