Scope of Licenses
The license of a life agent covers all classes of life insurance business. At any time while a license is in force, an insurer may apply to the department on behalf of a licensee for an appointment. On receipt of the appointment application, taxes and fees, the department may issue the additional appointment without further investigation of the applicant. [Source: §626.311, §626.311(2), §626.311(3)]
All appointment renewal fees and taxes must be submitted via the department’s online appointment system at https://iportal.fldfs.com/eappoint/ and paid by electronic payment prior to any appointments being renewed.
An individual not a resident of Florida may be licensed and appointed to represent an authorized life insurer domiciled in Florida or an authorized foreign life insurer which maintains a regional home office in Florida, provided the individual represents the insurer exclusively at a U.S. military installation located in a foreign country. [Source: §626.322]
Except as otherwise advised, the same individual can, at any one time, hold all categories of appointments as to which he or she has qualified and been licensed. However, a title agent or title agency is limited to selling title insurance only for the appointing title insurer.
An agent is required to have a separate appointment for each insurer by whom he or she is appointed as an agent. An agent must appoint himself or herself before performing the functions of a viatical settlement broker.
The department may issue a single appointment covering life and health insurances to an individual licensed in both insurances and appointed as agent of both by the same insurer. [Source: §626.331]
While a licensee’s license is in force, an insurer may apply for an additional appointment for the licensee as a general lines, life, or health agent for additional insurers. The application for appointment must contain all the required information and fees. The department can then issue the additional appointment without, in its discretion, further investigation. [Source: §626.341]
An insurer, a managing general agent, an insurance agency, or an agent, directly or through a representative, may not furnish any blank forms, applications, stationery, or other supplies to be used in soliciting, negotiating, or effecting contracts of insurance on its behalf unless such supplies relate to a class of business for which the agent is licensed and appointed. [Source: §626.342]
All initial appointments must be submitted to the department on a monthly basis no later than 45 days after the date of appointment and become effective on the date requested on the appointment form.
- Failure to notify the department within the required time period results in the appointing entity being assessed a delinquent fee of $250 per appointee.
- Failure to timely renew an appointment prior to the expiration date results in the appointing entity being assessed late filing, continuation, and reinstatement fees. Fees must be paid by the appointing entity and cannot be charged back to the appointee.
Appointment Renewal Procedure
The purpose of rule §626.381 is to establish procedures for those seeking the biennial renewal of appointments to transact insurance according to the Florida Insurance Code. This applies to all individuals or entities submitting a request for renewal of appointments as an agent, customer representative, adjuster, service representative, managing general agent, title insurance agent, sales representative, or reinsurance intermediary.
An appointment continues in force until suspended, revoked, or otherwise terminated, but is subject to a renewal request filed by the appointing entity every 24 months, accompanied by payment of the renewal appointment fee and taxes. Each appointing entity may appoint only those persons who have met the continuing education requirements of the license for such appointment. [Source: §626.381]
Upon the expiration of any person’s appointment, the person shall be without any authority conferred by the appointment and shall not engage or attempt to engage in any activity requiring an appointment. When a licensee’s last appointment has been terminated or not renewed, the department must notify the licensee that his/her eligibility for appointment will expire unless appointed prior to expiration of the 48-month period. [Source: §626.431]
- For individuals: new or continued appointments effectuated in a licensee’s birth month expire 24 months later on the last day of the licensee’s birth month and are subject to renewal every 24 months thereafter.
- For entities: new or continued appointments effectuated in the same month a licensee was first licensed will expire 24 months later on the last day of the licensee’s license issue month and are subject to renewal every 24 months thereafter.
- Appointments effectuated during any other month are valid for not less than 24 months and no longer than 36 months, expiring the last day of the licensee’s birth month or license issue month.
When an appointing entity terminates the appointment of an appointee and files written notice with the department, the date of termination on department records will be the effective date of the termination as indicated by the appointing entity’s filing or, if no date is indicated, the date on which the department received the filing. [Chapter 69B-211.007]
A license or appointment is valid only as to the person named and is not transferable to another person. No licensee or appointee shall allow any other person to transact insurance by utilizing the license or appointment issued to such licensee or appointee. [Source: §626.441]
Appointment of Agent or Other Representative
Each entity or person designated to administer the appointment process appointing an agent, adjuster, service rep, customer rep, or managing general agent in Florida must file the appointment and pay the applicable appointment fee and taxes. Every appointment is subject to the prior issuance of the appropriate license.
By authorizing an appointment for a licensee, the appointing entity is certifying to the department that an investigation of the licensee has been conducted and in the appointing entity’s opinion, the licensee is of good moral character and reputation, and fit to engage in the insurance business.
- Each appointing entity must advise the department in writing within 15 days after becoming aware that an appointee is the defendant of a felony after being appointed.
- Each licensee must advise the department in writing within 30 days after having become the defendant of a felony or crime punishable by imprisonment of one year or more.
Subject to renewal or continuation, the appointment of the agent, adjuster, service representative, customer representative, or managing general agent will continue in effect until the person’s license is revoked or otherwise terminated, unless written notice of earlier termination is filed. [Source: §626.461]
Termination of Appointment
Subject to an appointee’s contract rights, an appointing entity can terminate its appointment of any appointee at any time. Except when termination is on grounds that subject the appointee to suspension or revocation of his or her license and appointment, the appointing entity must give at least 60 days’ written notice of its intention to terminate.
As soon as possible, and in any event within 30 days after terminating the appointment of an appointee, the appointing entity must file written notice together with a statement that it has given the appointee written notice as required and must file an addendum stating the reasons and facts resulting in termination.
An appointee may terminate the appointment at any time by giving written or electronic notice to the appointing entity. The department immediately terminates the appointment and notifies the appointing entity. [Source: §626.471]
An insurer terminating the appointment of an agent is required to file a statement of the reasons, if any, for and the facts relative to the termination. Any information, document, record, or statement furnished to the department or office is confidential. [Source: §626.511]
If a licensee is convicted by a court for violating Florida code or committing a felony, the licenses and appointments of the person are immediately revoked. The licensee may subsequently request a hearing, and the department will expedite such requests.
The papers, documents, reports, or evidence of the department relative to a hearing for revocation or suspension are confidential and exempt from the provisions of Public Records until after they have been published at the hearing. [Source: §626.631]