Key Takeaways
- Florida insurance licenses must be renewed every 2 years (biennial cycle)
- Renewal requires 24 hours of continuing education, including 3 hours of ethics and 5 hours of law updates
- Licenses not renewed within 48 months of expiration are void and require re-examination
- Address and name changes must be reported to DFS within 60 days
- Producers must complete 5 hours of Florida law updates every renewal period
License Maintenance and Continuing Education
Florida insurance licenses require ongoing maintenance through continuing education and timely renewal.
License Terms and Renewal
Biennial Renewal System
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| License Term | 2 years (biennial) |
| Renewal Fee | $55 for 2-15 license |
| Renewal Period | 90 days before expiration |
| Grace Period | Cannot sell during lapse |
Expiration Schedule
Florida licenses expire based on birth month in even-numbered years:
| Birth Month | Expiration |
|---|---|
| January-March | End of March (even years) |
| April-June | End of June (even years) |
| July-September | End of September (even years) |
| October-December | End of December (even years) |
Continuing Education Requirements
Florida requires 24 hours of continuing education (CE) every 2 years:
CE Breakdown
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Total CE Hours | 24 |
| Ethics (required) | 3 |
| Florida Law Updates (required) | 5 |
| Electives | 16 |
Florida Law Updates
The 5-hour law update requirement is unique to Florida:
- Covers changes to Florida insurance law
- Must be Florida-specific course
- Cannot be satisfied with general CE
- Updates every biennium
Exam Tip: Florida requires BOTH 3 hours of ethics AND 5 hours of Florida law updates. This totals 8 mandatory hours of the 24 required.
CE Course Requirements
- Must be completed at DFS-approved providers
- Online and classroom options available
- Cannot repeat same course within biennium
- CE must be completed BEFORE license expiration
- CE credits reported electronically by providers
Renewal Process
Steps to Renew
- Complete CE before expiration date
- Log into MyProfile at MyFloridaCFO.com
- Verify CE completion is recorded
- Submit renewal application
- Pay renewal fee ($55 for 2-15)
Late Renewal Consequences
| Timing | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Before expiration | Normal renewal |
| Up to 12 months late | Late fee + CE required |
| 12-24 months late | Additional requirements |
| 24-48 months late | May reinstate with requirements |
| Over 48 months late | Must retake exam |
Reporting Requirements
Florida producers must notify DFS of changes within 60 days:
Required Notifications
- Change of business address
- Change of residence address
- Change of name
- Change of business entity
- Administrative actions by other states
- Criminal charges or convictions
How to Report
- Update through MyProfile online portal
- Or submit in writing to DFS
- Failure to report is a violation
Disciplinary Actions
DFS can take disciplinary action against licensees for violations:
Grounds for Discipline
- Violating insurance laws or regulations
- Fraudulent or dishonest practices
- Misappropriation of funds
- Misrepresentation to clients
- Failure to maintain CE
- Failure to report required information
- Criminal conviction
Types of Discipline
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Letter of Warning | Minor first offense |
| Probation | License continues with conditions |
| Fine | Up to $5,000 per violation |
| Suspension | Temporary loss of license |
| Revocation | Permanent loss of license |
Administrative Fines
| Violation Level | Maximum Fine |
|---|---|
| Minor violation | $500 per violation |
| Major violation | $2,500 per violation |
| Willful violation | $5,000 per violation |
| Pattern of violations | Up to $20,000 |
License Status Types
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Active | License current and in good standing |
| Inactive | Not actively selling (voluntary) |
| Expired | License term ended, not renewed |
| Suspended | Temporary disciplinary action |
| Revoked | License permanently cancelled |
| Cancelled | Voluntarily surrendered |
How many hours of continuing education does Florida require for license renewal?
How many hours of Florida law updates are required for each renewal period?
Within how many days must a Florida insurance producer report an address change to DFS?