Licensing FAQs

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How do I obtain a Florida surplus lines license?

Obtaining a Florida surplus lines license is a multi-step process that includes pre-qualification, applying for the license, and an examination. For details on each of these steps, please refer to the  Agent Licensing Requirements page, which will give you step-by-step instructions. 
Who is required to file a quarterly affidavit?

All surplus lines agents who have transacted business must file a quarterly affidavit.

Per F.S. 626.931, all surplus lines agents that have transacted business during a calendar quarter shall, on or before the 45th day following the calendar quarter, file with FSLSO an affidavit on forms prescribed and furnished by FSLSO. The affidavit must state that all surplus lines business transacted by the agent during such calendar quarter has been submitted to FSLSO as required.

The quarterly affidavit can be submitted electronically via the Compliance tab in SLIP+. 

Agents who fail to file an affidavit when due may be subject to a fine by DFS up to $50 per day for each day the neglect continues, beginning the day after the affidavit was due until the date it was received by FSLSO.

AFFIDAVIT FILING SCHEDULE 

1st Quarter January 1 – March 31
Filing Deadline May 15

2nd Quarter April 1 – June 30
Filing Deadline August 14

3rd Quarter July 1 – September 30
Filing Deadline November 14

4th Quarter October 1 – December 31
Filing Deadline February 14
Where can I purchase the Study Manual for the state surplus lines insurance exam?
FSLSO maintains a contract with the Florida Department of Financial Services to produce and distribute the State's official study guide for the surplus lines licensing exam, titled  Florida Surplus Lines Insurance Study Manual. Visit the Education page to purchase the manual.
How often do I renew my self-appointment?
Surplus lines self-appointments must be renewed every two years by the end of the agent's birth month. It is the responsibility of the surplus lines agent to make sure the self-appointment is renewed. Transacting surplus lines business without being properly licensed and appointed is prohibited. To renew your appointment, visit the Department of Financial Services' MyProfile web portal. 
What should I do if my business address changes?
FSLSO should be informed within 30 days after a change of principal business or street address, mailing address, or email address so that all necessary reports and correspondence are appropriately directed. All information may be updated through SLIP+. 
I passed the Florida surplus lines exam and obtained my license. What do I do next?

The next step is to self-appoint your license through your Florida Department of Financial Services MyProfile account at https://dice.fldfs.com/public/pb_index.aspx.  

According to Florida law, once you obtain a surplus lines license, you are considered a member of the Florida Surplus Lines Service Office and, therefore, must register with FSLSO via SLIP+ at fslso.slipplus.com.
Should I notify FSLSO if I leave my agency?
If you are leaving an agency with active surplus lines policies, you must transfer the policies to a new broker of record. A Transfer of Business Form is available here. You must also update your agency information in SLIP+. 
How do I terminate my surplus lines license?

To voluntarily terminate/surrender your license, please log in to your Florida Department of Financial Services MyProfile account. You will need to terminate your appointments first, and then you may surrender your license(s).

Alternatively, you may send a letter to the Bureau of Licensing stating that you wish to surrender your license. Please include the following:

  • Name
  • Florida License ID Number
  • Mailing address
  • Telephone number
  • Enclose your Florida insurance license ID or a statement indicating that you do not have the ID
  • Signature of the licensee
  • Copy of government-issued photo identification
The letter can be emailed to the Department at AgentLicensing@MyFloridaCFO.com or mailed to:

Florida Department of Financial Services
Division of Agent and Agency Services
Bureau of Licensing
200 East Gaines St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0319
Where can I find a list of eligible surplus lines insurers?
To view the surplus lines companies eligible to do business in the State of Florida, please visit our Eligible Insurers page.
What information is required on the face page of a policy? Is the face page required for endorsements?

Florida law (F.S. 626.922 and 626.924) mandates specific information to be included on a surplus lines contract. FSLSO provides a Sample Face Page that contains all the required information.

The face page is required for new and renewal policies but not endorsements or cancellations as long as the necessary financial information (premium, tax, fees, and applicable assessments) is disclosed.
Who do I contact if I have additional questions about regulatory requirements and compliance?
If you have additional questions about regulatory requirements and compliance, please contact Agent Services at 800-562-4496, option 1 or email agent.services@fslso.com.