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 a state exam, and submit an process to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). The process takes roughly four to eight weeks from start to finish, depending on how quickly you complete the coursework and schedule your exam. You will also need to be at least 18 years old, have a valid Social Security number, and pass a background check.
Florida recognizes two types of auction licenses: a Class A license (which allows you to conduct auctions of any property) and a Class B license (which restricts you to auctions of personal property only, not real estate). Most people starting out pursue the Class A license because it offers broader authority, though the requirements are the same for both.
Key Takeaways
- You must complete a 72-hour pre-licensing course from a DBPR-approved school before you can sit for the state exam.
- The state exam costs around $100 to $150, and you must score at least 75 percent to pass.
- Your process to DBPR requires proof of the completed course, your exam passing score, and a background check clearance.
- You cannot conduct auctions until DBPR issues your license, which arrives by mail after your process is approved.
The 72-Hour Pre-Licensing Course Requirement
Florida law requires all auction license applicants to complete a 72-hour pre-licensing course from a school approved by DBPR. This course covers auction law, ethics, procedures, and the rules specific to Florida. You can take the course in person at a classroom or online, depending on which school you choose. Most schools offer both formats, and the online option typically allows you to work at your own pace.
The course is not free. Prices vary by school but typically range from $300 to $600 for the full 72 hours. When you enroll, ask the school whether they provide study materials and whether the course includes practice exams. Some schools bundle exam prep into the tuition; others charge separately. Upon completion, the school will issue you a certificate of completion, which you will need to submit with your license process.
A current list of DBPR-approved schools is available on the DBPR website under the Auctioneers section. Before enrolling, confirm that the school you choose is on that list, because DBPR will not accept certificates from unlicensed providers.
Passing the Florida Auction License Exam
After you finish the 72-hour course, you are may be able to access to take the state exam. The exam is administered by a testing vendor contracted by DBPR, not by DBPR itself. You schedule your exam date directly with the testing vendor, and you can usually find an available slot within one to three weeks.
The exam costs between $100 and $150, depending on the testing vendor. It covers Florida auction law, the rules and regulations in Chapter 468, Part II of the Florida Statutes, and practical scenarios you may encounter as an auctioneer. You must score at least 75 percent to pass. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake the exam, but you must pay the fee again for each attempt.
Your testing vendor will provide your passing score electronically to DBPR, so you do not need to print or mail anything yourself. Keep a copy of your score report for your records.
Submitting Your process to DBPR
Once you have your course completion certificate and your passing exam score, you are ready to submit your process to DBPR. You can explore online through the DBPR website or by mail. The online route is faster and allows you to track your process status in real time.
Your process must include your personal information, proof of the completed 72-hour course, your passing exam score, and authorization for a background check. DBPR will run a criminal background check as part of the review. If you have a felony conviction or certain misdemeanors on your record, you may be denied, though DBPR reviews each case individually. The process fee is typically $150 to $200, though you should confirm the current fee on the DBPR website before submitting.
After you submit, DBPR usually takes two to four weeks to review your process and issue your license. You will receive your license by mail. Do not conduct any auctions until you have the license in hand.
Background Check and Disqualifying Factors
DBPR conducts a background check on every applicant. The check includes a review of your criminal history, civil judgments, and any prior licensing actions in Florida or other states. Most applicants with clean records are approved without issue.
Certain convictions can disqualify you. Felonies involving fraud, theft, dishonesty, or moral turpitude are grounds for denial. Some misdemeanors also disqualify you, particularly those involving dishonesty or financial crimes. If you have a criminal history, contact DBPR before you explore to ask whether your specific record would disqualify you. DBPR staff can give you a preliminary answer without requiring you to pay the process fee.
Class A vs. Class B License: Which One to Choose
A Class A license allows you to conduct auctions of any type of property, including real estate, vehicles, equipment, and personal goods. A Class B license restricts you to auctions of personal property only and excludes real estate and certain other asset classes.
Most new auctioneers pursue the Class A license because it opens more business opportunities. The requirements and exam are the same for both classes, so there is no additional cost or time to get Class A instead of Class B. If you think you may ever want to auction real estate or vehicles, explore for Class A from the start. You can always choose to conduct only personal property auctions even with a Class A license; the license straightforward gives you the authority to do more.
Renewal and Continuing Education
Your auction license is valid for two years from the date DBPR issues it. Before it expires, you must renew it. Renewal requires you to complete 14 hours of continuing education during the two-year period and pay a renewal fee (typically $150 to $200).
The continuing education must come from DBPR-approved providers. Topics usually include updates to Florida auction law, ethics, and industry best practices. You can take these courses online or in person, and many are offered by the same schools that provide the initial 72-hour course. Keep your course completion certificates and submit them with your renewal process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start my auction business while I am waiting for my license to arrive?
No. You cannot conduct any auctions or hold yourself out as an auctioneer until DBPR has issued your license and you have it in hand. Conducting auctions without a license is illegal in Florida and can result in fines and criminal charges.
What if I took the pre-licensing course in another state? Do I have to take it again in Florida?
Yes. Florida requires the 72-hour course to be completed through a DBPR-approved school in Florida. Courses taken in other states do not transfer, even if you were licensed as an auctioneer elsewhere. You must complete the full Florida course before you can sit for the Florida exam.
How much does it cost to get an auction license in Florida?
The total cost is typically $600 to $900, including the pre-licensing course ($300–$600), the state exam ($100–$150), and the process fee ($150–$200). Prices vary by school and testing vendor, so contact schools directly for their current rates.
Can I get my license if I have a misdemeanor on my record?
It depends on the type of misdemeanor. Crimes involving dishonesty, fraud, or financial crimes usually disqualify you. Other misdemeanors may not. Contact DBPR before you explore to ask about your specific situation.
How long does the entire process take from start to finish?
Most people complete the process in four to eight weeks. This assumes you enroll in a course when ready, finish it within a few weeks, schedule your exam within one to three weeks after that, pass on the first attempt, and submit your process promptly. If you need to retake the exam or if DBPR takes longer to review your process, the timeline extends.