The state of Florida requires all of its insurance agents to obtain a broker's license before they can buy and sell insurance on behalf of an insured or an insurance company. If you have an interest in the insurance industry and wish to become a licensed insurance broker in Florida, there are definitive steps you need to follow. While having prior experience working at an agency or insurance company is a plus, it’s not absolutely necessary.

Meet the demographic requirements. All candidates for a Florida insurance broker’s license must be at least 18 years old, live in the state of Florida and must be a US citizen or a legal alien.

Take the pre-licensing courses. Before you can become a Florida insurance broker, you must take 200 hours of pre-licensing courses. The Florida Department of Financial Services will waive the pre-licensing requirement if you have a Chartered Property Casualty Underwriting designation (CPCU). It will also reduce the 200-hour requirement if you have worked in the insurance industry handling all lines of coverage (property, casualty, marine, health and surety) or have taken approved insurance courses at an accredited university. You must contact the Florida Department of Financial Services to see how much of a reduction you are entitled to.

Complete the insurance licensing application. Go to the Florida Department of Financial Services website and complete the “Florida Resident and Non-Resident Electronic License Application.” When you complete and submit the application, the state will send you an information packet with instructions for getting fingerprinted. Follow the instructions promptly because you must get fingerprinted before taking the state exam.

Schedule the state exam. Before you schedule the exam, make sure that you have completed your pre-licensing education (or have the appropriate waivers), have been fingerprinted and are prepared to take the exam. Once all of your papers are in order, visit the Pearson Vue website (PearsonVue.com) to schedule the exam. Pearson Vue administers all of Florida’s state licensing exams. It has testing centers scattered throughout the state of Florida. Select a location most convenient for you.

Take and pass the state exam. Once you successfully pass the state exam, your test scores will automatically be forwarded to the Florida Department of Financial Services. If you do not pass the exam, you can reschedule to take it again.