Key Takeaways
- Florida requires 200 hours of pre-licensing education (one of the highest requirements in the nation)
- The exam has 108 questions (100 scored, 8 pretest) with a 2-hour time limit and 70% passing score
- In-person testing ONLY at Pearson VUE - online proctoring is no longer available
- Citizens Property Insurance Corporation is Florida's insurer of last resort for property coverage
- Florida has unique hurricane and sinkhole coverage requirements
Florida Property & Casualty Exam Overview
Welcome to OpenExamPrep's FREE Florida Property & Casualty Insurance exam prep guide. This comprehensive resource covers Florida-specific regulations, licensing requirements, and state insurance laws you need to know to pass your exam in 2026.
About the Florida P&C Exam
The Florida 2-20 General Lines Agent License examination is administered by Pearson VUE on behalf of the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS). Florida is the third-largest state and one of the most challenging insurance markets due to hurricane exposure.
Florida's High Pre-Licensing Requirement
Florida requires 200 hours of pre-licensing education—one of the highest requirements in the nation. This reflects the complexity of Florida's insurance market and natural disaster exposure.
Exam Structure
| Exam Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Testing Provider | Pearson VUE |
| Regulatory Authority | Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) |
| License Type | 2-20 General Lines Agent |
| Passing Score | 70% or higher |
| Total Questions | 108 (100 scored + 8 pretest) |
| Time Limit | 2 hours |
| Test Delivery | In-person ONLY (online proctoring no longer available) |
| Results | Immediate |
| Score Validity | 1 year from passing |
Important: As of 2024, Pearson VUE no longer offers online proctoring for Florida insurance exams. All exams must be taken at a physical testing center.
Pre-Licensing Education Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Hours | 200 hours |
| Ethics | 3 hours (included in 200) |
| Validity | 4 years from completion |
| Provider | Must be DFS-approved |
Course Content Areas
The 200-hour course covers:
| Topic | Description |
|---|---|
| Property Insurance | Homeowners, dwelling, commercial property |
| Casualty Insurance | Auto, liability, workers' compensation |
| Surety Insurance | Surety bonds, fidelity bonds |
| Marine Insurance | Ocean and inland marine |
| Ethics | 3 hours of professional ethics |
| Florida Regulations | State-specific laws and requirements |
Florida Insurance Market Context
Why Florida P&C Is Unique
Florida presents extraordinary challenges for P&C professionals:
-
Hurricane Exposure
- Most hurricane-prone state in the U.S.
- Hurricane season: June 1 - November 30
- Recent major storms: Ian (2022), Michael (2018), Irma (2017)
- Reinsurance market challenges
-
Property Insurance Crisis
- Many national carriers have exited Florida
- Citizens Property Insurance growth
- Rate increases and availability issues
- Legislative reforms ongoing
-
Unique Coverages
- Sinkhole coverage: Required disclosure, optional coverage
- Hurricane deductibles: Separate percentage-based deductibles
- Flood insurance: Critical for most properties (NFIP)
- Windstorm: Separate coverage in some areas
-
Auto Insurance Requirements
- No-Fault state with PIP requirement
- Minimum PIP: $10,000
- Property Damage Liability: $10,000
- No BI liability requirement (but recommended)
Step-by-Step Licensing Process
Step 1: Complete Pre-Licensing Education
Complete 200 hours of DFS-approved education:
- Enroll in approved course (online or classroom)
- Complete all 200 hours including 3 hours ethics
- Receive certificate of completion
- Certificate valid for 4 years
Step 2: Register for the Exam
Register with Pearson VUE:
- Visit pearsonvue.com or call (888) 274-2020
- Create an account
- Schedule exam at physical testing center
- Bring original certificate of completion to exam
- Bring valid photo ID
Step 3: Pass the Exam
On exam day:
- Arrive 30 minutes early
- Bring valid photo ID AND original education certificate
- Complete 108 questions in 2 hours
- Receive immediate pass/fail results
- Passing score valid for 1 year
Step 4: Complete Fingerprinting
Schedule fingerprinting through IdentoGO:
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Provider | IdentoGO |
| Cost | ~$50.75 |
| Processing | Sent directly to DFS |
| Timeline | Complete before application |
Step 5: Submit License Application
Apply through DFS MyProfile:
- Create account at MyFloridaCFO.com/Division/Agents
- Submit application for 2-20 General Lines License
- Pay $50 application fee + $5 license ID fee
- Upload required documentation
Step 6: Receive Your License
- DFS review typically takes 2-4 weeks
- License valid for 2 years
- Begin selling P&C insurance in Florida
Total Costs Summary
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pre-License Education (200 hrs) | $300-600 |
| Exam Fee | ~$50 |
| Fingerprinting (IdentoGO) | ~$50.75 |
| License Application | $50 + $5 |
| TOTAL | ~$455-755 |
Citizens Property Insurance Corporation
Citizens is Florida's state-run insurer of last resort:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Insurer of last resort |
| Eligibility | Properties unable to get private coverage |
| Coverage | Homeowners, dwelling, commercial |
| Depopulation | Actively moves policies to private market |
Why Citizens Matters for Exam
- Largest property insurer in Florida by policy count
- Understanding Citizens eligibility is exam-testable
- Depopulation programs frequently discussed
- Coastal vs. non-coastal coverage differences
Florida Auto Insurance (No-Fault)
Florida is a No-Fault auto insurance state:
| Coverage | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Personal Injury Protection (PIP) | $10,000 required |
| Property Damage Liability | $10,000 required |
| Bodily Injury Liability | Not required (but recommended) |
| Uninsured Motorist | Not required |
No-Fault System
- PIP covers your own medical expenses regardless of fault
- Limits ability to sue for minor injuries
- "Threshold" injuries allow lawsuits
- Property damage claims still fault-based
Hurricane and Windstorm Coverage
Hurricane Deductibles
Florida allows separate hurricane deductibles:
| Deductible Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Percentage | 2%, 5%, or 10% of Coverage A |
| Dollar Amount | Flat dollar deductible option |
| Trigger | National Hurricane Center declaration |
Sinkhole Coverage
| Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Catastrophic Ground Collapse | Must be included in all policies |
| Sinkhole Coverage | Must be offered; optional purchase |
| Disclosure | Required sinkhole disclosure form |
License Maintenance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| License Term | 2 years |
| CE Hours | 24 hours every 2 years |
| Ethics Hours | 4 hours (included in 24) |
| Renewal Deadline | Last day of birth month |
DFS Contact Information
| Resource | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | MyFloridaCFO.com/Division/Agents |
| Phone | (850) 413-3137 |
| Address | 200 East Gaines St, Tallahassee, FL 32399 |
| Pearson VUE | (888) 274-2020 |
What This Guide Covers
Chapter 1: Florida Insurance Regulation
- DFS structure and authority
- Florida Insurance Code
- Licensing requirements
- Producer responsibilities
Chapter 2: Florida Property Insurance
- Homeowners requirements
- Citizens Property Insurance
- Hurricane and windstorm coverage
- Sinkhole disclosure
Chapter 3: Florida Casualty Insurance
- No-Fault auto (PIP requirements)
- Liability insurance
- Workers' compensation
- Commercial lines
Chapter 4: Ethics & Consumer Protection
- Unfair trade practices
- Claims handling requirements
- Florida Insurance Guaranty Association
- Producer conduct
Key Numbers to Memorize
| Topic | Number |
|---|---|
| Pre-license hours | 200 hours |
| Exam questions | 108 (100 scored) |
| Exam time limit | 2 hours |
| Passing score | 70% |
| PIP minimum | $10,000 |
| Property damage minimum | $10,000 |
| License term | 2 years |
| CE hours | 24 every 2 years |
| Ethics CE | 4 hours |
| Education validity | 4 years |
| Exam score validity | 1 year |
Next Steps
- Enroll in 200-hour course - DFS-approved provider
- Complete this FREE study guide - Florida-specific content
- Study national P&C concepts - See our Property & Casualty exam prep
- Schedule exam - In-person at Pearson VUE
- Pass exam - 70%+ score
- Complete fingerprinting - IdentoGO
- Apply for license - MyProfile portal
Let's get started with Chapter 1: Florida Insurance Regulation!
How many hours of pre-licensing education does Florida require for the 2-20 General Lines license?
What is the minimum Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage required in Florida?
What is Citizens Property Insurance Corporation?
How long is a passing exam score valid in Florida?
What type of coverage must be OFFERED with every Florida property policy?
Can you take the Florida P&C exam online with remote proctoring?