Florida Property & Casualty (2-20) License Exam Overview
The Florida 2-20 General Lines Agent exam is administered by Pearson VUE on behalf of the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS / MyFloridaCFO). Florida has the most demanding pre-licensing requirement in the nation at 200 hours, reflecting the state's complex insurance landscape with hurricanes, flooding, and sinkholes. The 200-hour figure is the course requirement - do not confuse it with the exam length.
The exam itself contains 160 scored questions plus 15 unscored pretest questions (175 total) with a 3-hour time limit, per the official Florida Insurance Examination Content Outlines effective January 1, 2026. You need 70% of the scored questions correct - that is 112 of 160 - to pass.
Passing this exam earns the 2-20 General Lines license, which qualifies you to sell property, casualty, surety, marine, health, and auto insurance in Florida - the 3rd-largest state with over 22 million residents and one of the most challenging insurance markets in the nation.
Exam Format at a Glance
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Scored Questions | 160 multiple-choice |
| Pretest (unscored) Questions | 15 |
| Total Questions | 175 |
| Time Limit | 3 hours |
| Passing Score | 70% (112 of 160 scored) |
| Exam Fee | $44 (paid to Pearson VUE) |
| Retake Wait | 24 hours between attempts |
| Score Validity | 1 year |
| Pre-licensing Education | 200 hours required |
| Testing Vendor | Pearson VUE |
| License Term | 2 years |
License Scope: 2-20 vs. 2-18 vs. 20-44
Florida offers three property-and-casualty agent licenses. Choosing the right one matters because the prelicensing hours and the exam differ.
| License | What It Sells | Prelicensing | Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-20 General Lines | Full P&C: home, commercial, auto, surety, marine, plus health | 200 hours | 160 scored + 15 pretest, 3 hrs |
| 2-18 (4-40) Customer Representative | Quotes/services policies inside an agency under a supervising agent | 40 hours | Shorter state exam |
| 20-44 Personal Lines | Personal property and casualty only (home, auto, personal umbrella) | 60 hours (or 2-20 prelicensing) | 100 scored + 8 pretest, 2 hrs |
The 2-20 is the full-authority license most career agents pursue. The 20-44 Personal Lines license is a faster path if you only intend to write personal home and auto. This guide focuses on the 2-20.
Why Get P&C Licensed in Florida?
- Third-largest state - Over 22 million residents
- Unique market - Hurricane, flood, sinkhole coverage
- Citizens Insurance - State insurer specialization
- High demand - Constant coverage needs
- Year-round business - No seasonal slowdown
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Key Topics Covered on the Exam
The official 2026 content outline splits the 2-20 exam into three roughly equal blocks: property (about 31.5%), casualty and liability (about 32.5%), and Florida statutes, rules, and regulations (about 36%). The exact weights are: Types of Property Policies 14%, Property Terms 9.5%, Property Provisions & Contract Law 8%, Types of Casualty Policies & Bonds 15%, Casualty Terms 9.5%, Casualty Provisions 8%, Florida law common to all lines 15%, Florida law for General Lines 15%, and Florida health-pertinent rules 6%. The summaries below organize that outline by subject.
1. Property Insurance (~31.5%)
Homeowners Insurance:
- HO-2, HO-3, HO-4, HO-5, HO-6, HO-8 forms
- Coverage A through F breakdown
- Hurricane deductibles (2-10% of Coverage A)
- Roof coverage limitations
Citizens Property Insurance Corporation:
- Florida's insurer of last resort
- Eligibility requirements
- Coverage limitations vs. private market
- Clearinghouse process
- Citizens surcharges and assessments
Flood Insurance (NFIP):
- National Flood Insurance Program
- Flood zones and requirements
- Building and contents coverage
- Waiting periods and limitations
- Private flood alternatives
Sinkhole Coverage:
- Catastrophic ground cover collapse
- Sinkhole loss coverage (optional)
- Testing and investigation requirements
- Florida-specific regulations
2. Casualty & Liability Insurance (~32.5%)
Personal Liability:
- Homeowners liability coverage
- Personal umbrella policies
- Medical payments coverage
Commercial Liability:
- Commercial General Liability (CGL)
- Professional liability (E&O)
- Products and completed operations
- Contractual liability
Workers' Compensation:
- Florida requirements
- Construction industry rules
- Premium calculation
- Experience modification
3. Auto Insurance (within casualty + Florida law)
Florida No-Fault System:
| Coverage | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Personal Injury Protection (PIP) | $10,000 (mandatory) |
| Property Damage Liability (PDL) | $10,000 (mandatory) |
| Bodily Injury Liability | Not required |
Key Florida Auto Concepts:
- PIP covers 80% medical, 60% lost wages
- No mandatory bodily injury coverage
- Financial responsibility only after accident
- Uninsured motorist coverage optional
- Florida Motor Vehicle No-Fault Law
Additional Auto Topics:
- Stacking of UM coverage
- Non-owned auto coverage
- Florida assigned risk pool
4. Florida Insurance Code & Residual Market (~36% combined)
Key Chapters:
- Chapter 624 (General provisions)
- Chapter 626 (Producer licensing)
- Chapter 627 (Rates and contracts)
- Chapter 628 (Insurers)
Florida Residual-Market Mechanisms (heavily tested):
- Citizens Property Insurance Corporation - insurer of last resort for property
- Florida Automobile Joint Underwriting Association (FAJUA) - residual auto market
- Workers' Compensation Joint Underwriting Association (WCJUA) - residual WC market
- FIGA (Florida Insurance Guaranty Association) - pays covered claims when an insurer becomes insolvent
Florida-Specific Regulations:
- Citizens eligibility and clearinghouse rules
- Hurricane deductible requirements
- Catastrophic ground cover collapse vs. sinkhole coverage
- Surplus lines eligibility for export (Florida Surplus Lines Service Office)
- Assignment of benefits (AOB) reforms
Prohibited Practices:
- Rebating and inducements
- Misrepresentation
- Twisting and churning
- Unfair claims practices
- Unlicensed activity
5. Ethics, Producer Duties & Continuing Education
Producer Responsibilities:
- Fiduciary duties
- Premium trust accounts (separate-account requirements)
- Client disclosure requirements
- Surplus lines placement
Continuing Education (after you are licensed):
- 24 hours every 2 years (20 hours once licensed 6+ years)
- Includes a state-approved 4-hour General Lines Law & Ethics Update course
- CE due by the last day of your birth month on a biennial cycle
- DFS-approved providers only
Study Timeline for Success
| Week | Focus Area | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1-3 | Property insurance, Citizens, hurricane | 20-25 |
| Week 3-5 | Liability insurance and workers' comp | 18-22 |
| Week 5-7 | Auto insurance and no-fault | 15-18 |
| Week 7-8 | Florida Insurance Code | 12-15 |
| Week 8-10 | Practice exams and review | 15-18 |
Total recommended study time: 80-100 hours (plus 200-hour pre-licensing)
🎯 Free Practice Questions Available
Test your knowledge with free practice questions designed specifically for the Florida 2-20 P&C exam, with full answer explanations and 10 free AI-tutor questions a day.
Florida-Specific Exam Tips
1. Master Citizens Property Insurance
Citizens is heavily tested:
- Know eligibility requirements
- Understand clearinghouse process
- Coverage limits vs. private market
- Surcharges and assessments
- When Citizens must be offered
2. Understand Hurricane Deductibles
Florida's unique deductible structure:
- Separate deductible for hurricanes
- Usually 2%, 5%, or 10% of Coverage A
- Applies once per hurricane season
- Different from named storm deductibles
3. Know Florida No-Fault Auto
Florida's auto system is unique:
- PIP mandatory ($10,000)
- PDL mandatory ($10,000)
- Bodily injury NOT required
- Understand the 80%/60% PIP formula
4. Catastrophic Ground Cover Collapse vs. Sinkhole Coverage
This distinction is a classic Florida exam trap:
- Catastrophic ground cover collapse (CGCC) is mandatory in every Florida property policy. It requires all four conditions: abrupt ground collapse, a visible depression, structural damage to the covered building, and the building being condemned and ordered vacated by a government authority.
- Sinkhole loss coverage is broader, covers structural damage from sinkhole activity even without visible collapse or condemnation, is optional, and must be offered for an additional premium.
5. Key Numbers to Remember
| Topic | Florida Requirement |
|---|---|
| Passing score | 70% (112 of 160 scored) |
| Scored / total questions | 160 scored / 175 total |
| Time limit | 3 hours |
| Exam fee | $44 (Pearson VUE) |
| Pre-licensing | 200 hours |
| License term | 2 years |
| CE requirement | 24 hrs/2 yrs (incl. 4-hr Law & Ethics) |
| PIP minimum | $10,000 |
| PDL minimum | $10,000 |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Underestimating 200-hour requirement - Plan months ahead
- Missing Citizens details - Major exam topic
- Confusing hurricane deductibles - Different calculation
- Forgetting no BI requirement - Florida is unique
- Ignoring sinkhole coverage - Florida-specific
- Not practicing enough - 160 scored questions across three subject blocks is extensive
After Passing Your Exam
Your passing score is valid for 1 year, so apply promptly.
- Submit your license application to DFS through the MyProfile portal
- Pay the application fee ($50)
- Complete fingerprinting through IdentoGO by IDEMIA (about $49.50 plus local tax)
- Obtain an appointment from an insurance carrier (you cannot transact until appointed)
- Maintain CE requirements (24 hours every 2 years, including the 4-hour Law & Ethics Update)
- Begin your insurance career in Florida
2026 Florida Updates
For 2026, be aware of:
- Citizens reform updates
- AOB (Assignment of Benefits) changes
- Hurricane coverage developments
- Roof coverage limitations
Start Your Florida P&C Career Today
The Florida 2-20 General Lines license opens doors to serving one of the nation's most unique and challenging insurance markets. With proper preparation for the 200-hour pre-licensing and comprehensive exam, you can pass on your first attempt.
Our free study materials include:
- ✅ Complete topic coverage
- ✅ Practice questions with explanations
- ✅ Citizens Insurance specifics
- ✅ Hurricane deductible coverage
- ✅ AI-powered study assistance
Don't pay for expensive prep courses when everything you need is available FREE.
How to Verify the Rules Before You Schedule
Use this guide for exam strategy, then confirm the current licensing steps with official sources before you pay for an appointment. Property and casualty licensing is state-administered, and administrative details can change even when the insurance concepts stay the same. Check the Florida insurance department first, then the testing vendor candidate handbook, then the application path used after passing. The NAIC state insurance department directory is the safest way to find the current regulator site, and NIPR state requirements can help you confirm post-exam application steps where NIPR is used.
For exam content, keep two buckets separate. The national bucket includes property policies, casualty policies, liability principles, negligence, risk management, policy structure, exclusions, conditions, endorsements, and claims concepts. The Florida bucket includes regulator authority, producer licensing, unfair practices, cancellation and nonrenewal rules, state auto requirements, residual market mechanisms, and local compliance duties. When a question includes a deadline, dollar limit, filing duty, required notice, or licensing step, ask whether it is a general insurance concept or a Florida rule.
What to Master for Property Questions
Property questions reward careful reading. Know the difference between named-peril and open-peril coverage, replacement cost and actual cash value, direct and indirect loss, vacancy and unoccupancy, and first-party property coverage versus third-party liability. Homeowners forms are a frequent source of points because the forms look similar but solve different problems. Practice identifying who is insured, what property is covered, which location qualifies as the residence premises, and whether the loss is excluded before an endorsement changes the answer.
Do not treat deductibles, limits, and valuation as afterthoughts. A question may describe a covered loss but test whether the settlement is reduced by deductible, limited by a sublimit, valued at actual cash value, or excluded because the cause of loss is not covered. Commercial property questions add business personal property, business income, extra expense, equipment breakdown, inland marine, and builder's risk concepts. For commercial forms, focus on why a business would need the coverage and what exposure remains if it does not have it.
What to Master for Casualty and Liability Questions
Casualty questions often turn on liability logic. Before choosing an answer, identify the claimant, the insured, the alleged injury or damage, and the legal theory. Negligence questions usually require duty, breach, causation, and damages. Liability policy questions ask whether the policy responds to bodily injury, property damage, personal and advertising injury, medical payments, or a specifically excluded exposure.
For auto, separate personal auto policy structure from state financial responsibility requirements. You need to know liability, medical payments or personal injury protection where relevant, uninsured and underinsured motorist concepts, damage to your auto, covered auto definitions, exclusions, and endorsements. For commercial auto, pay attention to covered auto symbols, hired and non-owned autos, business use, and garage exposures. For workers' compensation, separate statutory benefits from employer liability and remember that workers' compensation is not ordinary negligence coverage.
Final Two-Week Study Plan
In the first week, rotate by coverage family: homeowners and dwelling property, commercial property, personal auto, commercial auto, general liability, workers' compensation, and Florida law. After every practice set in /study-guides/fl-property-casualty, write down whether each miss was caused by vocabulary, form structure, state rule, or careless reading. Vocabulary misses need flashcards. Form structure misses need diagrams. State-rule misses need a one-page Florida checklist. Careless reading needs slower question markup.
In the second week, stop studying by chapter only. The actual exam mixes topics, so your practice should mix them too. Use timed sets and force yourself to decide quickly whether the question is asking about coverage trigger, excluded cause, valuation, limit, condition, producer conduct, or state filing rule. Review explanations immediately. The review is where your score improves; simply taking more questions without fixing the reason for misses mostly measures the same weakness again.
Common P&C Exam Traps
One trap is choosing the coverage that sounds familiar instead of the coverage that fits the loss. A flood loss, an employee injury, a professional advice claim, a business income interruption, and a personal auto collision may all involve money damages, but they do not belong in the same policy part. Another trap is ignoring who owns the property or who is legally liable. Property insurance usually protects the insured's financial interest in property; liability insurance responds to claims made by others against the insured.
Cancellation and nonrenewal questions also deserve attention. The exam may test required notice, permitted reasons, timing, or who has authority to act. If the question is state-specific, do not rely on a generic national rule. Unfair trade practice questions work the same way: rebating, twisting, misrepresentation, false advertising, unfair claims handling, and fiduciary misuse of premiums are tested because they show whether a producer can operate lawfully after the exam.
Exam-Day Workflow
Confirm your appointment, identification, remote-proctoring rules, allowed materials, and reschedule deadline before test day. At check-in, your legal name should match the exam registration. During the test, take the easy points first. If a scenario is long, identify the policy, the insured, the covered property or claimant, the cause of loss, and the question's command word. If two answers are legally true, choose the one that answers the exact fact pattern.
If you miss the passing score, use the report as a map. Rebuild the two weakest content areas, then retest with mixed questions. Candidates often improve fastest by mastering policy architecture: declarations, insuring agreement, conditions, exclusions, definitions, and endorsements. Once you can locate where a rule lives inside the policy, unfamiliar questions become easier to reason through.


