NON-RESIDENT SURPLUS LINES LICENSE

TYPE AND CLASS:
91-20 Surplus Lines

Common Use(s) of License:

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:

626.914 & 626.9272

STEPS TO OBTAIN NON-RESIDENT 91-20 SURPLUS LINES LICENSE:

Step 1 - You must be:

A natural person at least 18 years of age.
A non-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]

Step 2 - License Required:

Be licensed and appointed as a Florida non-resident general lines insurance agent (Type & Class 9-20)
OR
Be licensed and appointed as a Florida managing general agent (Type & Class 00-60)
OR
Be licensed and appointed as a Florida service representative (Type & Class 00-55)
AND
Hold a license as a resident surplus lines agent license in the state of residence.

Step 3 - Must have the following prerequisite(s) before applying:

Successfully completed a 60 hour approved insurance course in surplus and excess lines insurance approved by the Florida Department of Financial Services. Must be completed within four years of application date. [Click here to find a course] [Requires State Examination]
OR
Have worked for a minimum of one year for a licensed surplus lines insurance agent. [Click here to print the Qualification and Verification of Experience Form] [Requires State Examination]
Please note that a surety bond is no longer required for this license type as of October 1, 2012.

Step 4 - 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 5 - Prerequisite:

Proof of your prerequisite, as indicated in Step 2, is verified through the National Association Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). In the event that your license can not be verified, the Bureau may request a Letter of Certification from your home state to verify you are licensed. The Letter of Certification can be obtained from your home state and it must be dated no earlier than 30 days of your date of application.

Mail to:
Department of Financial Services
Bureau of Licensing, Room 419
200 East Gaines Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0319

Step 6 - Fingerprints:

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

Step 7 - 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 8 - Examination:

Upon approval, an e-mail 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 9 - 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.

Special Note:

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

Log in to your MyProfile account.
Select the "Access eAppoint" link on the right.
If you have never used eAppoint, you must first register and will need to select "Register to become an appointing entity".
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".

ALL NONRESIDENT SURPLUS LINES APPLICANTS MUST TAKE THE FLORIDA EXAM.

Throughout the existence of the Florida non-resident license, must maintain the existence of the required home state license.