A repo license, called a recovery agent license in Florida, gives you the right to legally repossess property. Recovery agents are hired by companies or private businesses, such as car dealerships and banks, to find and safely retrieve property when the buyer fails to pay. You will need to spend at least a year gaining experience as an intern before you can become a recovery agent. In Florida, you must be a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years old with a clean criminal background.
Recovery Agent Intern
You will need to apply for an EE license, which is a recovery agency intern license. You can obtain the application by visiting the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in person or online. You will also need to sign a notice of personal injury waiver in the presence of a notary public. You must consent to fingerprinting and a background check. Since you will be working under a licensed recovery agent, you will need a letter of intent from the agent sponsoring you. After applying for the license, you have 90 days to complete a minimum of 40 hours of training administered by a licensed recovery agency. As of 2014, the fees are $152, due when you submit your application.
Recovery Agent
After one year of experience working as an EE, you can apply for an E, recovery agent, license. You must complete a similar application, fingerprints and affidavit of experience. Licensing fees are are around $167, as of 2014.
