How to Get a Travel Agent License in Florida

Who Needs a Florida Travel Agent License?

Technically, Florida doesn�t license travel agents, it registers them. It�s one of only a small handful of states that has a formal process for licensing or registering travel agents. It�s understandable that it does because of the importance of tourism to Florida�s economy.

To operate as a travel agent in Florida, you must register as a Florida �seller of travel,� even if your business is based in another state.

You may qualify for an exemption from the registration requirement if you work as an independent contractor and don�t issue tickets or travel documents yourself. Exemptions are also approved for travel agents under contract to the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) for a certain length of time.

What Does the Registration Process Involve?

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) handles the registration of travel agents within the state. The process is relatively simple. It can be completed by mail or by creating an online consumer services account with FDACS. In both cases, you�ll need to take the following steps:

1.�Complete the registration application.

2.�Purchase a Florida Seller of Travel surety bond.

3.�Pay the application fee (currently $300).

4.�If you offer vacation certificates (wholesale or retail), you�ll need to provide additional documents and pay a document fee (currently $100).

5.�Submit all documents and fees to FDACS.

Your Florida seller of travel registration must be renewed annually.

Why Is a Surety Bond Required?

The surety bond is your guarantee that you will do business in compliance with all applicable statutes. It also guarantees that you will compensate any party with a legitimate claim against the bond. This provides financial protection for the state of Florida and for consumers who might suffer a financial loss if you act in an unlawful or unethical manner in conducting your business.

Understanding How Travel Agent Licensing Works in Florida

A Florida Seller of Travel surety bond is a legally binding contract among:

-������ FDACS�the �obligee� requiring the bond

-������ The travel agent�the �principal� purchasing the bond

-������ The surety bond company�the �surety� underwriting and issuing the bond

If, as the principal, you violate any of the terms of the surety bond agreement, any party suffering a financial loss as a result of that violation is entitled to file a claim against the bond and be compensated. The surety will attempt to negotiate a settlement, but if that�s unsuccessful, the claim will be paid.

The legal responsibility for paying claims belongs entirely to the principal. However, if you incur a claim that can�t be settled, the surety will most likely go ahead and pay it and then collect reimbursement from you.

What Does It Cost?

When you purchase or renew a Florida Seller of Travel surety bond, you�ll pay an annual premium that is a small percentage of the required bond amount (also known as the bond�s penal amount). FDACS has established that bond amount at $10,000 or $25,000 for agents who don�t sell vacation certificates and $50,000 for those who do.

The surety sets the premium rate based primarily on the principal�s personal credit score. If your credit is very good, the standard market rate can be as low as 0.9%. You should still be able to get bonded if your credit score is poor, but you�ll pay a much higher premium rate.

Get Bonded Today

Request an online quote today for the Seller of Travel surety bond you will need to become registered as a travel agent in Florida. Or, call and discuss your surety bond needs with one of our seasoned professionals.