Florida Collection Agency License Guide

In the state of Florida, a Consumer Collection Agency License is required for agencies which collect consumer debt owed or due to another person. Authorized agencies can also collect third party consumer debt if less than 50% of their collection revenue comes from collection of commercial claims.

Agencies that collect or solicit collection for commercial claims require a Commercial Collection Agency License.

The application process for both type of licenses is regulated by the Office of Financial Regulation (FLOFR), more specifically the Division of Consumer Finance.

1

You can find the registration forms on the FLOFR applications page. Depending on the nature of your business, you can choose between two license forms:

  • Consumer Collection Agency License form available here.
  • Consumer Collection Agency License form available here.

Note: Document links may have expired, as they are updated regularly. If this occurs, go directly to:

2

Fulfill Requirements and Obtain Required Documents

Consumer Collection Agency License Requirements

  • Provide Information about Yourself and Your Business:
    • Business Name - Your full legal name (if sole proprietor) or registered legal business name.
    • Fictitious or DBA Name - Provide only if your business will operate under a different name.
    • IRS Employee Identification Number (FEID) - If you are a sole proprietor, you can enter your social security number.
    • Main Business Address - Include the physical address of your main office.
    • Address Where Records are Stored - The location where all books and records will be kept. This may be the same as the business address.
    • Mailing Address - Your preferred mailing address. May be the same as the business address.
    • Business Telephone Numbers - Telephone and fax numbers of the main business location.
  • Provide Contact Information
    • Biographical Summary - This form must be completed by each person listed in the organization management section.
    • Live Scan Fingerprints - Required for all people listed in the organization section of the form. More information available here.
  • Answer All Disclosure Questions: If you answer with “yes” to any of the questions in this section, you will need to provide an explanation and upload all relevant documents.

Commercial Collection Agency License Requirements

  • Provide Information about Yourself and Your Business:
    • Business Name - Registered legal business name
    • Fictitious or DBA Name - Provide only if the agency will operate under a different name.
    • IRS Employee Identification Number(FEID) - If you are a sole proprietor, you can enter your SSN.
    • Principal Place of Business - Main business location address
    • Mailing Address - May be the same as the principal place of business
    • Type of Agency
      • Domestic Corporation
      • Foreign Corporation
    • Date of Incorporation and State of Incorporation - Include relevant documentation of incorporation.
    • List of all Florida branch offices - If applicable, include the business address of each office.
  • Provide Information About the Agency’s Management: Answer the additional questions related to the agency’s structure.
  • Answer All Disclosure Questions: If you answer “yes” to any of the questions in this section, you’ll need to provide an explanation and upload all relevant documents.
  • Provide Information about Other Offices in the State of Florida: List each county where your business already operates, or where you plan to expand to within the next year. You will also have to include any fictitious or trade names you are using.
3

Obtain Your FL Collection Agency Bond

There are no bond requirements for Consumer Collection Agencies.

Commercial Collection Agency License applicants must submit a copy of a continuous surety bond. It must be issued by a company authorized to do business in Florida.

  • Bond amount - $50,000
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4

License Fees

All fees are non-refundable and non-transferable

  • Consumer Collection Agency License fee: $200
  • Commercial Collection Agency License: $500
    • Check must be payable to the Florida Department of Financial Services
5

Submit Your Collection Agency License Application

Consumer Collection Agency License

You must submit your application form and related documents through the REAL system.

Commercial Collection Agency License

Once you complete the application form, mail it to the FLOFR with all other required documents.

Mailing address

Office of Financial Regulation
200 East Gaines Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0376


If you have any questions related to the application process for either license, you can contact the FLOFR at (850) 410-9895.

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