Harborstone Tampa

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Do I need a separate “broker” license in Florida, or is it a life agent license?

Short answer: Florida does not issue a separate “broker” license for life insurance. You’ll be licensed as a Life (2‑14) agent or Health & Life (2‑15) agent and must be appointed by an insurer (or other authorized appointing entity) before you can transact and earn commissions.

2) What are the exact steps to get licensed, and where do you (the agency) help?
  • Choose your line of authority:
    • 2‑14 Life (including Annuities & Variable Contracts) – requires a 30‑hour pre‑licensing course.
    • 2‑15 Health & Life (including Annuities & Variable Contracts) – requires a 60‑hour pre‑licensing course.
  • Complete fingerprints & background check: Florida uses IdentoGO by Idemia (LiveScan); fee listed as $49.50 + local county tax.
  • Apply through DFS “MyProfile”: Create your account, submit the application, and pay state fees.
  • Pass the state exam: Exams are administered by Pearson VUE; you’ll receive authorization through MyProfile and then schedule with Pearson.
  • Get appointed: Your license isn’t active for transacting until an insurer (or other authorized appointing entity) files an appointment.
3) Which license should I pursue—2‑14 or 2‑15? What’s the difference?
  • 2‑14 (Life + Annuities & Variable Contracts): lets you sell life insurance and annuities with one insurer (including variable contracts). Requires a 30‑hour course.
  • 2‑15 (Health & Life + Variable Contracts): adds health (including HMO) to your authority. Requires a 60‑hour course (or certain designation/education alternatives).

If you plan to work in both life and health, 2‑15 is broader; if you’ll focus on life and annuities only, 2‑14 may be sufficient. (Both include “variable contracts” authority once you meet securities requirements—see next question.)

4) If I want to sell variable annuities or variable life, do I also need a securities license?

Yes. In addition to your Florida 2‑14 or 2‑15, selling variable products requires securities registration (typically SIE + Series 6 or Series 7) through a FINRA‑member broker‑dealer.

5) How do appointments and compensation work? Can I write business without an appointment?

No. Florida law requires a current license and an active appointment with an insurer (or other authorized appointing entity) to transact insurance and be paid. If you remain unappointed for 48 months, the license expires. (Practically, insurers usually pay the state appointment fee when they appoint you.)

6) What continuing education (CE) is required after I’m licensed?

Florida life/health agents must complete 24 hours of CE every two years (or 20 hours if licensed 6+ years), including a 4‑hour Law & Ethics Update specific to your license line. CE is due by the end of your birth month in your compliance year and is tracked in MyProfile.

7) What will this cost me to start? (High‑level)

Typical upfront expenses include:

  • State application fee: $50 (plus $5 license ID fee; credit‑card convenience fee may apply).
  • Fingerprinting: $49.50 + local tax via IdentoGO.
  • State exam fee: Paid to Pearson VUE when you schedule; see their Candidate Handbook for current pricing.
  • Appointment fee: The state charges $60 per insurer appointment (insurer or appointing entity typically pays this when filing the appointment).
  • Pre‑licensing course: Varies by provider and format (online/classroom). (Requirement and hours are set by DFS.)