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About Us
The Division of Agent and Agency Services is comprised of the Division Director’s Office, the Bureau of Licensing and the Bureau of Investigation. Activities of the Division are authorized in Chapters 624, 626, 632, 634, 635, 642 and 648, Florida Statutes, and Chapters 69B-211 through 69B-231, Florida Administrative Code.
The Bureau of Licensing administers the insurance laws, rules and regulations relating to license qualification, pre-licensing and continuing education. The Bureau of Licensing is responsible for the licensure and appointment of all agents, customer representatives, adjusters, reinsurance intermediaries, service representative, insurance agencies, certain field insurance representatives and insurance-related entities and firms authorized to transact insurance in Florida. The bureau has 75 positions comprised of service consultants, support personnel and managers located in Tallahassee. The bureau receives and answers in excess of 440,000 customer telephone calls annually. Through execution of its programs, the bureau ensures that licensed insurance representatives are qualified and competent to engage in the business of insurance.
The Bureau of Investigation is statutorily responsible for the investigation of alleged violations of the Florida Insurance Code by licensed and unlicensed persons. The bureau has 94 positions comprised of investigators, support personnel and managers located in Tallahassee and nine (9) regional field offices strategically located throughout the state. Complaints are received primarily from consumers, insurance companies, licensees and regulatory agencies. Following an investigation, the bureau prepares a report in which formal legal action may be recommended. In fiscal year 2005-2006 the bureau completed 2,392 investigations. Suspected criminal violations uncovered during the course of investigation are referred to the Department of Financial Services’ Division of Insurance Fraud or other law enforcement agencies as appropriate. The bureau’s investigative files are considered confidential and remain exempt from Florida’s Public Records Law unless the department files a formal Administrative Complaint, Emergency Order, or other lawful order against the licensee.