What You Need to Do to Get an Auction License in Florida
To get an auction license in Florida, you must complete a pre-auction 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 from start to finish, depending on how quickly you complete the coursework and how fast DBPR processes your paperwork.
Florida requires anyone conducting auctions for compensation to hold an active license. This includes auctioneers who work for auction houses, real estate auctions, vehicle auctions, or any other type of property sale. The state does not allow unlicensed individuals to conduct auctions, and violations can result in fines and legal action.
Key Takeaways
- You must complete a 72-hour pre-auction course from a DBPR-approved school 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 to DBPR requires proof of the completed course, your exam passing score, and a $250 process fee.
- Once approved, your license is valid for two years and must be renewed by completing continuing education and paying a renewal fee.
- Some auction companies will hire you before you have your license if you commit to obtaining it within a set timeframe, typically 90 days.
Find and Complete an Approved Pre-Auction Course
Florida law requires all auction license applicants to complete a 72-hour pre-auction course from a school approved by DBPR. You cannot skip this step or substitute online learning for classroom hours—the 72 hours must be completed in person or through a live instructor format that DBPR has specifically authorized.
To find an approved school, visit the DBPR website and search their list of registered auction schools. Most schools are located in major Florida cities like Miami, Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville, though some offer courses in multiple locations. The course covers Florida auction law, bidding procedures, ethics, trust account management, and consumer protection rules. Expect to pay between $400 and $800 for the course, depending on the school.
When you enroll, ask the school whether they provide exam preparation materials and whether they offer the state exam on-site or direct you to a testing center. Some schools bundle exam registration into the course fee; others charge separately. Confirm the exact dates and times before you commit, since you must attend all 72 hours to receive your certificate of completion.
Register for and Pass the Florida Auction License Exam
After you finish your 72-hour course, you will receive a certificate of completion from the school. You then register for the state exam through the testing vendor that DBPR uses. As of now, DBPR contracts with Pearson VUE to administer the auction license exam, though you should confirm this on the DBPR website since vendors can change.
The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and covers Florida Statutes Chapter 468, Part II (the auction law), ethical standards, and practical auction procedures. You have three hours to complete it. You must score at least 75 percent to pass. If you fail, you can retake the exam, but you must wait at least one week before your next attempt, and you will pay the exam fee again (typically $75 to $100).
Study materials are usually provided by your pre-auction course school. Review the Florida Statutes Chapter 468, Part II directly—it is the source document for most exam questions. Many people find it helpful to take practice exams offered by their course provider or to form a study group with other course participants.
Submit Your process to DBPR
Once you pass the exam, gather your process materials and submit them to DBPR. You will need your certificate of completion from the pre-auction course, your passing exam score (the testing vendor sends this to DBPR automatically, but confirm it arrived), a completed process form, and a check or money order for the $250 process fee.
You can submit your process by mail to the DBPR address listed on their website, or you may be able to submit it online through their licensing portal—check their current procedures before you prepare your materials. Include a cover letter with your name, contact information, and the date you passed the exam so DBPR can match your process to your test results.
DBPR typically processes applications within two to four weeks. You can call their licensing section to confirm receipt of your process and ask for an estimated approval date. Do not assume your process arrived just because you mailed it; follow up after one week if you have not heard back.
Understand License Validity and Renewal Requirements
Your Florida auction license is valid for two years from the date DBPR issues it. Before your license expires, you must renew it by completing continuing education and paying a renewal fee. Florida requires 14 hours of continuing education every two years to renew your license.
The continuing education must be taken through DBPR-approved providers, and at least four of the 14 hours must cover ethics and trust account management. The remaining 10 hours can cover other auction-related topics. You can take these courses online or in person, depending on what your provider offers. Renewal fees are typically $250 to $300, though you should confirm the current amount on the DBPR website.
Submit your renewal process and proof of completed continuing education at least 30 days before your license expires. If your license lapses, you cannot conduct auctions until you renew it, and you may face penalties if you auction while unlicensed.
Know What Disqualifies You from Getting a License
Florida law bars certain people from holding an auction license. You cannot be licensed if you have been convicted of a felony involving dishonesty, fraud, or theft within the past 10 years. You also cannot be licensed if you have had a previous auction license revoked by DBPR or another state.
If you have a criminal history, contact DBPR before you enroll in the pre-auction course to ask whether your specific conviction will disqualify you. DBPR staff can review your record and tell you whether you are may be able to access to pursue a license. Do not assume you are disqualified—many convictions do not bar you from licensing, and the rules depend on the specific crime and how long ago it occurred.
You must also be at least 18 years old and a resident of Florida or have a place of business in Florida. If you are not yet a resident but plan to move to Florida, you can complete the course and exam before you move, then submit your process once you have established residency or a business address in the state.
Explore Your Options if You Cannot Complete the Course when ready
If you want to start working in the auction industry before you have your license, some auction companies will hire you as an apprentice or assistant auctioneer while you complete the licensing process. You typically must commit to obtaining your license within 90 days of hire, and you cannot conduct auctions or take bids yourself—you can only information a licensed auctioneer.
Working as an apprentice lets you earn income, learn the business, and understand whether auctioneering is right for you before you invest time and money in the course and exam. Ask potential employers whether they offer this arrangement and what their timeline expectations are. Some companies will even pay for your course as part of your employment package.
If you are relocating to Florida from another state where you already hold an auction license, contact DBPR to ask about reciprocity or license transfer options. Some states have reciprocal agreements with Florida, which may allow you to obtain a Florida license more quickly, though you will still need to pass the Florida exam and pay the process fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the pre-auction course online?
No. Florida requires the 72-hour course to be completed in person or through a live instructor format that DBPR has specifically authorized. Self-paced or recorded online courses do not meet the requirement. Some schools offer hybrid formats with some live instruction and some online material, but you must confirm with DBPR that the specific format is approved before you enroll.
How long does it take to get a license from start to finish?
Most people complete the process in four to eight weeks. The pre-auction course typically runs one to two weeks (depending on whether it is full-time or part-time), the exam can be scheduled within days or weeks, and DBPR processing takes two to four weeks. If you delay between steps or if DBPR has a backlog, it can take longer.
What happens if I fail the state exam?
You can retake the exam after waiting at least one week. You will pay the exam fee again. There is no limit on the number of times you can retake it, so you can keep trying until you pass. Most people pass on their first or second attempt if they studied the course materials and Florida Statutes Chapter 468, Part II.
Do I need a business license in addition to my auction license?
That depends on how you work. If you are an employee of an auction company, you typically do not need a separate business license. If you plan to operate as an independent auctioneer or start your own auction business, you will need a Florida business license from your county or city. Contact your local business licensing office to confirm what you need for your specific situation.
Can I get a temporary or provisional license while I complete the course?
No. Florida does not issue temporary or provisional auction licenses. You must complete the full course, pass the exam, and submit your process before DBPR will issue you a license. You cannot conduct auctions or take bids until your license is active.