Key Takeaways
- Florida P&C insurance licenses are valid for 2 years and must be renewed before expiration
- Renewal requires 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years, including 3 hours of ethics
- First-time licensees must complete 44 hours of CE during their first renewal period
- Licenses not renewed within 2 years of expiration require retaking the state exam
- DFS can discipline licensees including suspension, revocation, or fines
Last updated: January 2026
License Maintenance and Continuing Education
Florida P&C insurance licenses require ongoing maintenance through continuing education and timely renewal.
License Terms and Renewal
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| License Term | 2 years |
| Renewal Fee | $55 |
| Late Renewal (within 1 year) | $55 + late fee |
| Expired 1-2 Years | May reinstate with CE and fees |
| Expired Over 2 Years | Must retake exam |
Continuing Education Requirements
Florida requires continuing education (CE) every 2 years:
Standard CE Requirements (After First Renewal)
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Total CE Hours | 24 |
| Ethics (required) | 3 |
| Electives | 21 |
| CE Period | 2 years (matches license term) |
First-Time Licensee Requirements
New Florida P&C licensees have higher first-renewal requirements:
| First Renewal | Hours |
|---|---|
| Total CE Hours | 44 |
| Ethics (required) | 3 |
| Electives | 41 |
Exam Tip: Remember the 44-hour first renewal requirement. This is often tested on the Florida exam.
CE Course Requirements
- Must be completed at DFS-approved providers
- Online and classroom options available
- Cannot repeat same course within 2-year period
- CE must be completed BEFORE license expiration
- Provider reports completion electronically to DFS
Special CE Topics for P&C
Florida P&C agents should consider CE in:
- Flood Insurance: Required knowledge for coastal Florida
- Windstorm Coverage: Citizens and private market options
- Sinkhole Coverage: Florida-specific requirements
- Hurricane Mitigation: Discounts and coverage
Reporting Requirements
Florida producers must notify DFS of changes within 30 days:
- Change of business address
- Change of residence address
- Change of name
- Administrative actions by other states
- Criminal charges or convictions
Disciplinary Actions
DFS can take disciplinary action against licensees for violations:
Types of Discipline
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Letter of Concern | Minor first offense |
| Probation | License continues with conditions |
| Suspension | Temporary loss of license |
| Revocation | Permanent loss of license |
| Fine | Monetary penalty |
| Restitution | Payment to harmed parties |
Common P&C Violations
- Misrepresentation of policy terms or coverage
- Failure to disclose material information
- Unfair claims practices
- Commingling of funds
- Failure to maintain CE requirements
- Operating without valid appointment
License Status Types
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Active | License current and in good standing |
| Inactive | Not actively practicing |
| Expired | License term ended, not renewed |
| Suspended | Temporary disciplinary action |
| Revoked | License permanently cancelled |
| Surrendered | Voluntarily gave up license |
Appointing Companies
P&C agents must be appointed by insurers to sell their products:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Appointment Required | Before or within 30 days of first transaction |
| Appointment Fee | Paid by insurer |
| Termination Reporting | Insurers must report to DFS within 30 days |
| For Cause Terminations | May trigger DFS investigation |
Test Your Knowledge
How many hours of continuing education does Florida require for a first-time P&C license renewal?
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Test Your Knowledge
How many hours of ethics CE does Florida require every 2-year renewal period?
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