Florida · State Reference
Florida Auctioneer License Requirements
To become a licensed auctioneer in Florida, you must be at least 18 years old and qualify through one of two paths: completing a Florida-approved pre-license auction education course, or serving a one-year apprenticeship under a licensed Florida auctioneer. Either path requires passing the state's written exam, administered by Pearson VUE.
Requirements Checklist
- Must be at least 18 years of age
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Must qualify through one of two paths:
- Complete Florida approved pre-license auction education course,
or - Serve as a licensed apprentice auctioneer for at least one year under a sponsoring Florida auctioneer
- Complete Florida approved pre-license auction education course,
- Must pass the Florida auctioneer written examination (covers relevant Uniform Commercial Code provisions, laws of agency, and Chapter 468, Florida Statutes)
- Must not have committed acts that would be grounds for disciplinary action under Florida law
- A separate license is required to operate an auction business, in addition to the individual auctioneer license
- License must be renewed every two years (see Renewal below)
Step-by-Step Process
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Choose your qualifying path. Most candidates complete a pre-license auction education course from an auction school; the alternative is a one-year sponsored apprenticeship under a licensed Florida auctioneer.
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Complete a Florida-approved auctioneer education program. Missouri Auction School's Florida Auction Course is an officially approved pre-license auction education course.
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Submit your license application to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Board of Auctioneers, with the required fees and documentation.
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Register for and pass the exam, administered daily at testing sites by Pearson VUE.
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Receive your license and begin practicing as a Florida auctioneer.
Timeline and Cost
| Education Path Steps | Typical Timeframe (after completion of pre-license education) | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Application processing | Approximately 3 to 4 weeks on average | Application fee: $50.00 Initial licensing fee: $150.00 Recovery Fund surcharge: $100.00 |
| Examination (Pearson VUE) | Offered daily at testing sites | $233.50 exam fee (exam by Pearson VUE) |
Fees are set by the Florida Board of Auctioneers and Pearson VUE and are subject to change. The Recovery Fund surcharge in particular is reset periodically by the Board. Verify current fees at MyFloridaLicense.com before applying.
License Renewal
Florida auctioneer licenses are renewed in November of odd-numbered years, with licenses expiring November 30. The renewal fee for a current, active license is $155.00, and a recovery fund surcharge may be added pursuant to Florida Statutes § 468.393. According to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, there are no continuing education requirements to renew a standard individual auctioneer license.
Reciprocity
Florida has reciprocal agreements with the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
This means a Florida auction license can open the door to licensing in a number of other states without repeating the full process from scratch. Most western states do not require a state auction license at all.
Florida offers a reciprocal auction license for applicants who already hold a valid auctioneer license in another state, provided that state's licensing requirements are substantially equivalent to or more stringent than Florida's.
Source: National Auctioneer License Law Officials Association
Sources
- Florida DBPR — Auctioneers: www2.myfloridalicense.com/auctioneers
- Florida DBPR — Auctioneers FAQ: www2.myfloridalicense.com/auctioneers/faqs
- Florida Statutes § 468.385, Licenses required; qualifications; examination: flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2024/0468.385
- National Auctioneer License Law Officials Association — Reciprocity: nalloa.org/licensing-state-requirements/#florida
Ready to meet Florida's education requirement? Missouri Auction School's Florida Auctioneer License Course covers the full Florida pre-license education requirement, delivered online from home.
See Course Dates & Enroll →Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get an auctioneer license in Florida?
After completing the auction education requirement and submitting a completed application, the process may normally take 3 - 5 weeks, though timelines can vary. Persons completing the Florida pre-license education requirement path can typically apply and sit for the exam once their course and application are complete. Apprenticeship candidates must complete a full year under a sponsoring auctioneer before becoming eligible.
Do I need to take an exam to become a licensed auctioneer in Florida?
Yes, for an initial license. The written exam covers relevant Uniform Commercial Code provisions, the laws of agency, and Florida's auctioneer statute, Chapter 468, Part VI. Licensed auctioneers from other states seeking a Florida auction license by reciprocity or endorsement from a state with substantially equivalent standards may not need to retake the exam.
Can I complete the pre-license education requirement online?
Yes, as long as the provider is a Florida-approved school. The Missouri Auction School is a Florida approved pre-license education provider. Missouri Auction School's Florida course is delivered through a combination of live Zoom sessions and on-demand lessons, and satisfies the state's education requirement without requiring travel.
Do I need to be a Florida resident to get licensed?
Florida's core requirements center on age, the education-or-apprenticeship path, and passing the exam, not residency alone. Out-of-state applicants for an auction license should confirm any additional documentation directly with the Board of Auctioneers.
How often do I need to renew my license, and are there continuing education requirements?
Florida auctioneer licenses expire every two years, on November 30 of odd-numbered years. According to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, there are no continuing education requirements to renew a standard individual auctioneer license.
Does a Florida auctioneer license work in other states?
Florida participates in reciprocal licensing with a number of states whose requirements are substantially equivalent to or stricter than Florida's, which can simplify getting licensed elsewhere. Florida has reciprocal agreements with the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Source: National Auctioneer License Law Officials Association.