Florida 214 vs 215 License

Navigating Florida's Insurance License Landscape: 214 vs 215 Licenses

Florida's insurance industry requires specific licensing and education to ensure professionals are qualified. Two commonly confused insurance licenses are the 214 and 215. While both allow a person to sell insurance, they cover distinct areas, impacting the types of products a licensee can sell. Licensed are issued and managed by the Florida Department of Financial Services.

214

The Florida 214 license, officially termed the "Life (Including Variable Annuities)" license, authorizes individuals to sell life insurance and variable annuities. This license is essential for those specializing in individual or group life insurance plans, life policies, and investment-linked annuities. Essentially, a licensee can offer comprehensive protection against risks and provide financial security through life insurance and investment vehicles.

215

Conversely, the Florida 215 license, known as the "Life, Health, and Variable Annuities" license, is a more comprehensive credential. It encompasses everything covered by the 214, but with two crucial additions: the ability to sell health insurance plans and pre-need contracts. Pre-need contracts, also referred to as funeral service contracts or final expense, are agreements where individuals pre-arrange and pre-pay for their funeral services.

Distinction

Therefore, the key differentiator lies in the scope of selling authority. A 214 licensee focuses on life and variable annuities, catering to immediate and future financial needs. A 215 licensee, while possessing the same capabilities, extends their services to include health insurance and pre-planning for end-of-life arrangements.

Summary

Choosing between the two depends on career goals. Those interested in offering a broader range of services, including health plans and funeral pre-arrangements, should pursue the 215 license.

For those primarily focused on life and investment-related insurance products, the 214 is a great choice. Understanding this distinction is crucial for insurance professionals seeking to operate legally and effectively within Florida's regulatory framework.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements to obtain a 214 or 215 license?
Be at least 18 years old, reside in Florida, complete a pre-licensing course, submit fingerprints, pass the licensing exam. That's it.
Can I take the licensing exam online?
Yes. Pearson Vue is Florida's licensing provider and offers online exams.
Is the licensing exam hard to pass?
The exam is considered moderately difficult, but with study and preparation you can pass the exam with confidence. We help people pass every day.
Do I have to complete a pre-licensing course?
Yes. Florida DFS requires you to complete a pre-licensing course as part of the licensing process to obtain the 214 or 215 license. Scroll down to see enrollment options.