Insurance Agent & Adjuster License

Our Firm helps Insurance Agents and Adjusters with:

• Applications for Licensure
• Disqualification from Licensure
• Defense against Administrative Complaints
• Representation before the Department of Financial Services’ Hearing Officers
• Representation in Formal Administrative Proceedings

Let the Attorneys at HBS assist you with your Insurance Agent and Adjuster Licensure needs.

The process by which the State of Florida regulates insurance agents and adjusters is complex.

The Department of Financial Services (DFS) regulates insurance agents and adjusters who are governed by the rules and regulations of Chapters 624 and 626 of the Florida Statutes. Howell, Buchan & Strong has extensive experience in representing agents and adjusters throughout the State of Florida, with knowledge of state government, state regulations, administrative law, and licensing law.

Applications for Licensure

Our Firm will guide you in meeting the specific requirements for attaining an insurance agent or adjuster license. The application process is a nuanced and sometimes difficult process, and the assistance of experienced counsel can increase your chances of success. The Attorneys at Howell, Buchan, & Strong can help you submit an accurate and complete licensure application to DFS, communicate with the DFS analyst reviewing your application, and help explain why you meet the legal qualifications for licensure. If you have a criminal history or other background problems, we can assist in providing the necessary documentation to DFS. Our Attorneys understand the application process and how to advocate for your best interests.

Disqualifications from Licensure

If you have applied for a license from DFS and you have a criminal record, you may receive a letter indicating that you are disqualified from licensure. Howell, Buchan & Strong assists applicants in proving entitlement to licensure. The Florida DFS has specific rules that outline how long an applicant is disqualified from licensure based on the applicant’s criminal history. These rules also provide circumstances that can reduce the disqualification period. Click here to learn more about how DFS defines crimes and moral turpitude. Click here to learn how we can help you reduce the disqualifying period.

Representation before the DFS Hearing Officers

The Department of Financial Services, Office of Financial Regulation’s Hearing Officers are responsible for holding informal hearings. Once an Order has been signed by the Commissioner and issued, an Informal Hearing Officer has been appointed. Informal hearings give applicants and licensees the opportunity to explain their situation, present mitigating information, or provide legal argument as to why the Agency should side with them. In some cases, you may be called to testify before an informal hearing. The attorneys at Howell, Buchan & Strong have over 30 years of combined experience and understand the intricacies of these hearings. DFS has attorneys on its side; you deserve to have an experienced attorney advocating for you too.

Representation in Formal Administrative Proceedings

If you contest material facts in the case against you by the Department of Financial Services, it may be in your best interest to file a Petition for a Formal Hearing. Formal administrative hearings are referred to Florida’s Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH) where an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) will preside over your case. Our Attorneys have extensive experience representing clients’ interests in front of Administrative Law Judges in formal proceedings. If you contest the facts charged against you by DFS, contact us to assist you in a formal proceeding.