What You Need to Do to Get Licensed as an Auctioneer in Florida
To become a licensed auctioneer in Florida, you must complete a state-approved auction school, pass the Florida auctioneer exam, and submit your process to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). The process takes roughly two to four months from start to finish, depending on how quickly you complete the school requirement and schedule your exam.
Florida does not require you to have prior auction experience, but you do need to be at least 18 years old and a Florida resident or have a Florida business address. You cannot hold a license if you have been convicted of certain felonies or have an active suspension or revocation on any professional license.
Key Takeaways
- You must attend a state-approved auction school for a minimum number of hours before you can sit for the exam.
- The Florida auctioneer exam covers state law, auction procedures, and ethical conduct; you must score at least 75 percent to pass.
- Your process goes to the DBPR, which processes it after you submit proof of school completion and exam passage.
- The license is valid for two years and requires renewal every two years with continuing education hours.
- Some auctioneers also pursue a sales associate license if they plan to sell real estate at auction.
Finding and Completing an Approved Auction School
The DBPR maintains a list of schools approved to teach the auctioneer curriculum. These schools must cover Florida auction law, bidding procedures, conduct and ethics, and the auctioneer's role in different types of auctions. Most schools offer courses in classroom format, though some offer online or hybrid options. The school must provide at least the minimum instructional hours set by the state.
When you enroll, the school will give you course materials and schedule your instruction. After you complete all required hours, the school issues a certificate of completion. Keep this certificate—you will need to submit it with your license process. Some schools also offer exam preparation sessions or practice tests to help you study for the state exam.
Costs vary by school, typically ranging from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars depending on the format and length of the program. Search the DBPR website or contact the department directly to confirm which schools are currently approved.
Registering for and Passing the Florida Auctioneer Exam
Once you have your school completion certificate, you can register for the exam through the testing vendor contracted by the DBPR. The exam is computer-based and covers Florida Statutes Chapter 468, Part II (the auctioneer licensing law), auction procedures, and professional conduct. You will have a set amount of time to complete it, typically two to three hours.
The exam includes multiple-choice questions that test your knowledge of state law, your duties as an auctioneer, how to handle client funds, and ethical situations you may face on the job. You must score at least 75 percent to pass. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake the exam after a waiting period, usually 30 days.
Register for the exam well in advance, as testing centers may have limited availability. Bring a valid government-issued ID to the testing center on exam day. The testing fee is separate from your school tuition and process fee.
Submitting Your process to the DBPR
After you pass the exam, submit your process to the DBPR along with the required documents. You will need your school completion certificate, proof of exam passage, a completed process form, and payment of the process fee. The DBPR provides the process form on its website or you can request it by phone.
Include your full legal name, Florida address or business address, date of birth, and Social Security number on the process. If you have ever been convicted of a felony or had a professional license suspended or revoked, you must disclose this on the form. The DBPR will review your background during processing.
Submit your process by mail or in person at the DBPR office. Processing typically takes two to four weeks. The department will contact you if it needs additional information or clarification on any part of your process.
Understanding License Renewal and Continuing Education
Your auctioneer license is valid for two years from the date of issuance. Before your license expires, you must renew it and complete continuing education hours as required by the DBPR. The number of hours varies—check the current requirement with the department when your renewal period approaches.
Continuing education courses must be approved by the DBPR and cover topics related to auction law, ethics, or professional practice. Some schools that offer initial auctioneer training also offer renewal courses. You can complete these courses online or in person, depending on what is available.
Submit your renewal process, proof of continuing education completion, and the renewal fee before your license expires. If your license lapses, you may need to reapply and pay additional fees to restore it.
Additional Licenses You May Need
If you plan to auction real estate, you may also need a Florida real estate sales associate license in addition to your auctioneer license. Real estate auctioneers must be licensed under both the auctioneer and real estate licensing laws. This requires separate training, exam, and process through the Florida Real Estate Commission.
If you plan to handle client funds—such as holding deposits or earnest money—you must comply with Florida's trust account rules. The DBPR provides guidance on how to set up and maintain these accounts. Failure to handle client funds correctly is a serious violation and can result in license suspension or revocation.
Some auctioneers also obtain bonding or insurance to protect themselves and their clients. While not required by law, bonding can increase your credibility with clients and may be required by certain auction houses or platforms you work with.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During the Licensing Process
One frequent mistake is enrolling in a school that is not on the DBPR's approved list. Always verify the school's approval status before paying tuition. Another common error is submitting an incomplete process—missing documents or unsigned forms will delay processing and may result in rejection.
Do not wait until your license is about to expire to start your continuing education. Many auctioneers wait too long and then rush to complete hours before the important date, which can lead to missed important date and license lapses. Plan your renewal at least three months before expiration.
If you have a criminal history, disclose it fully and honestly on your process. The DBPR will discover it during background checks, and failing to disclose it can result in denial of your process or revocation after you are licensed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a Florida resident to get an auctioneer license?
You do not have to be a Florida resident, but you must have a Florida address—either a home address or a business address where you can be reached. If you live out of state, you can use a Florida business address, such as an office or a registered agent address.
How long does it take to get licensed after I pass the exam?
Processing time is typically two to four weeks after the DBPR receives your complete process. If the department needs additional information, processing may take longer. You can contact the DBPR to check the status of your process.
Can I auction items before I get my license?
No. You must have an active auctioneer license before you conduct any auction. Operating without a license is illegal in Florida and can result in fines and criminal charges.
What happens if I fail the auctioneer exam?
You can retake the exam after a waiting period, usually 30 days. There is no limit on the number of times you can retake it. You may want to study additional materials or take a prep course before your next attempt.
Do I need to renew my license every year?
No. Your license is valid for two years. You renew it every two years by submitting a renewal process, proof of continuing education, and the renewal fee before your license expires.