RESIDENT SURPLUS LINES LICENSE

TYPE AND CLASS:
1-20 Surplus Lines

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Common Use(s) of License:

An individual licensed to handle placement of insurance coverages with unauthorized insurers and to place such coverages with authorized insurers as to which the licensee is not licensed as an agent.

Related Florida Statutes:

626.015 and 626.927

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STEPS TO OBTAIN RESIDENT 1-20 SURPLUS LINES LICENSE:

Step 1 - You must be:

• A natural person at least 18 years of age.
• A resident of the state of Florida.
• A United States citizen or legal alien who possesses a work authorization from the United States Immigration and Naturalization Services. [Click here for more information]
• Licensed and appointed as a Florida resident general lines insurance agent (Type & Class 2-20)
  OR
• Licensed and appointed as a Florida licensed resident managing general agent (Type & Class 00-60)
  OR
• Licensed and appointed as a Florida licensed resident service representative (Type & Class 00-55)

Step 2 - Must have the following prerequisite(s) before applying:

• Successfully completed a 60-hour approved insurance course in surplus and excess lines insurance. Must be completed within four years of application date. [Click here to find a course] [Requires State Examination]
  OR
• Completed at least one year in responsible insurance duties as a full-time bona fide employee of a licensed surplus lines insurance agent. [Click here to print the Qualification and Verification of Experience Form] [Requires State Examination]
  OR
• Obtain and submit a Letter of Clearance indicating you held a surplus lines, property and casualty line of authority license for at least one (1) year in your previous home state and apply for a Florida surplus lines license within 90 days of requesting the Letter of Clearance [Transfer of License]. [Requires State Examination]
• Please note that a surety bond is no longer required for this license type as of October 1, 2012.

Step 3 - Apply:

• Answer all of the questions and pay the fees to complete online application.
  [Click here to review fees]
  [Click here to apply]
  [Fingerprinting fees are not included and must be paid directly to vendor]

Step 4 - Send prerequisite(s) to department:

• Send proof of prerequisite, as indicated in Step 2, to the Bureau.
  Note: If you have taken a prelicensing course, your prelicensing education provider will automatically send the Bureau proof within 20 days of your passing date. This does not include designations.
  
  Mail to:
  Department of Financial Services
  Bureau of Licensing, Room 419
  200 East Gaines Street
  Tallahassee, FL 32399-0319

Step 5 - Fingerprints:

• You must be fingerprinted. [Click here and follow the instructions]

Step 6 - Status notification(s):

• Once an application has been submitted, you may check your MyProfile account for the status of your application. Deficiencies will be listed under the pending license type.

Step 7 - Examination:

• Upon approval, an email will be sent to you directing you to check your messages in your MyProfile account. Messages are where you may view your notifications from the department, such as an authorization for an examination. Follow the message's instructions to schedule the examination.
  [Click here for the Exam Information page]
  

Step 8 - Print license:

• Once all the above steps have been satisfied, the department will send your approval by email. You may then go to your MyProfile account and print your license.
  
  Note: If you are required to take an examination, you will not be able to print your license until the department has received a passing result from the testing vendor.

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Special Note:

Surplus lines agents must appoint themselves after getting licensed. To do this:

1. Log in to your MyProfile account.
2. Select the "Access eAppoint" link on the right.
3. If you have never used eAppoint, you must first register and will need to select "Register to become an appointing entity".
4. Once you have completed step #2 or #3 above, you will be able to select "New Appointment" in the eAppoint Workbench. Once "New Appointment" has been selected, follow the on screen instructions and pay the $150 appointment fee to complete your self-appointment. Note: This appointment will need to be renewed during your birth month 2 years after the initial appointment effective date, and every 48 months after, to maintain this license.

FSLSO MEMBERSHIP:
Any individual, licensed as a surplus lines agent under §626.927 and §626.9272, Florida Statutes, 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, you will need to complete a New Agent Membership form by visiting: https://slip.fslso.com and selecting "Register".