What You Need to Do to Get an Auction License in Florida
To get an auction license in Florida, you must complete a pre-licensing course, pass the state exam, and submit your process to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). The entire process typically takes four to eight weeks, depending on how quickly you complete the coursework and schedule your exam. You will also need to pay process and licensing fees, which total around $150 to $250 depending on the license type you pursue.
Florida offers two main auction license types: an auctioneer license (to conduct auctions yourself) and an auction company license (to operate an auction business). Most people start with an auctioneer license. The steps are the same for both, but an auction company license requires you to have an auctioneer on staff or be one yourself.
Key Takeaways
- You must complete a DBPR-approved pre-licensing course before you can sit for the state exam.
- The state exam covers Florida auction law, ethics, and general auction practices, and you must score at least 75 percent to pass.
- Your process goes to the DBPR, which processes it within two to four weeks if everything is complete.
- You will need to provide proof of identity, your course completion certificate, and exam results when you submit your process.
- Some auction companies offer in-person or online courses that can be completed in one to three days.
Finding and Completing a Pre-Licensing Course
The DBPR maintains a list of approved course providers on its website. You can search for courses by provider name or location. Most courses are offered by auction schools, community colleges, and online education companies. In-person courses typically run one to three days and cost $200 to $500. Online courses take longer (usually one to two weeks of self-paced study) but often cost less, between $150 and $350.
When you choose a course, make sure it is listed as DBPR-approved—the provider should display this clearly on their website or course materials. The course covers Florida Statutes Chapter 468, Part II (the auction law), ethics, trust account management, and how to conduct an auction legally. At the end, the provider gives you a completion certificate. Keep this certificate—you will need it to register for the state exam.
Some providers bundle the course with exam registration or study materials. If you are new to auctions, ask whether the course includes practice exams, because these help you understand the test format and identify weak areas before you sit for the real thing.
Registering for and Passing the State Exam
After you finish your course, you register for the state exam through the DBPR's testing vendor, Pearson VUE. You will need your course completion certificate number to register. The exam costs about $100 and can be scheduled at a Pearson VUE testing center near you, or you may be able to take it online depending on current DBPR rules.
The exam has 100 multiple-choice questions and you have two hours to complete it. You must score at least 75 percent (75 correct answers) to pass. The test covers Florida auction law, trust accounts, advertising rules, prohibited conduct, and how to handle disputes. Most people who complete the course material pass on their first attempt. If you do not pass, you can retake the exam, but you will need to pay the exam fee again.
After you pass, Pearson VUE sends your results to the DBPR electronically. You do not need to print or mail anything—the DBPR receives your passing score automatically within one business day.
Submitting Your process to the DBPR
Once you have your passing exam score, you submit your process to the DBPR. You can explore online through the DBPR's licensing portal or by mail. The online route is faster—most online applications are processed within two weeks. Mail applications can take three to four weeks.
Your process packet must include your completed process form (available on the DBPR website), a copy of your government-issued ID, your exam passing score (sent automatically by Pearson VUE, but you can request a copy for your records), and proof of your course completion. Some applicants also include a check or money order for the process fee, though online applications can be paid by credit card.
The DBPR will contact you by email or phone if anything is missing from your process. Respond quickly—if you do not reply within 30 days, your process may be denied and you will have to start over. Once the DBPR approves your process, they mail your license to the address you provided. Your license is valid for two years from the date of issue.
Fees and Renewal Information
The total cost to get your first auctioneer license is typically $400 to $700, broken down as follows: pre-licensing course ($150 to $500), state exam ($100), and process fee ($150 to $200). Some providers offer package deals that reduce the total cost. If you are on a tight budget, look for online courses, which are usually cheaper than in-person options.
Your license expires two years after issue. To renew, you must complete a continuing education course (usually 14 hours) and pay a renewal fee of about $150 to $200. The renewal process is simpler than the initial licensing—you do not have to retake the state exam. Many auctioneers renew online through the DBPR portal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common mistake is taking a course that is not DBPR-approved. Some auction schools advertise heavily but are not on the state's approved list. Before you enroll, check the DBPR website or call the DBPR directly to confirm the provider is approved. Taking an unapproved course means your certificate will not be accepted and you will have wasted time and money.
Another mistake is not reading the exam carefully. Many test-takers rush through questions about trust accounts or prohibited conduct and miss details that change the answer. The exam is not difficult if you studied the course material, but it does require attention to Florida-specific rules that differ from other states.
A third mistake is submitting an incomplete process. Missing documents or a wrong address can delay your license by weeks. Before you submit, use the DBPR's checklist to verify you have everything. If you explore online, the system will flag missing items before you submit, so online applications have fewer errors.
What Happens After You Get Your License
Once you receive your license, you can conduct auctions in Florida. If you plan to operate an auction business (rather than work for someone else), you will also need to register your business with the Florida Department of State and obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. Some auctioneers also carry errors and omissions insurance, which protects them if a buyer or seller sues over a transaction.
Your license is public record, and the DBPR maintains a searchable database of all licensed auctioneers. Clients and employers can look you up to verify your license is current and in good standing. If you violate Florida auction law (for example, by mishandling trust account funds or making false claims in advertising), the DBPR can suspend or revoke your license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the pre-licensing course online?
Yes. Many DBPR-approved providers offer online courses that you can complete at your own pace. Online courses typically take one to two weeks and cost less than in-person courses. You still take the state exam in person at a Pearson VUE testing center (or online if the DBPR allows it at the time you test).
What if I fail the state exam?
You can retake the exam as many times as you need. You will have to pay the exam fee each time you test. Most people who studied the course material pass on the second attempt if they failed the first time. You do not have to retake the course—just register for the exam again through Pearson VUE.
Do I need a business license in addition to my auctioneer license?
If you work as an auctioneer for someone else's auction company, you only need your auctioneer license. If you own and operate your own auction business, you also need to register your business with the Florida Department of State and obtain an EIN from the IRS. Your auctioneer license alone does not allow you to operate a business.
How long does it take to get my license after I pass the exam?
If you explore online, the DBPR usually processes your process within two weeks. If you explore by mail, allow three to four weeks. The DBPR will contact you if your process is incomplete. Once approved, they mail your license to you, which takes another few days depending on your location.
Can I use my Florida auctioneer license in other states?
No. Each state has its own licensing requirements and exam. If you want to conduct auctions in another state, you will need to get a license in that state. Some states recognize reciprocity, but Florida does not have reciprocal agreements with most other states, so you will likely have to take that state's course and exam.