Program Resources
- Division of Licensing Newsletters
- New Application Fee Schedule
- Renewal Application Fee Schedule
- Enroll in the Licensing Information and Alert System — For Licensed Agencies, Schools, Class "K" Firearms Instructors
- FDLE Training Module: Property Repossession Processes
- Fingerprint Retention Fee Information for 493 License Renewals (2-Year License Period)
- Fingerprint Retention Fee Information for New 493 Licensees (2-Year License Period)
- Forms and Publications
- How FDLE and DOL Handle Your Fingerprint Submission and Criminal History Information (Includes Privacy Statement from the FBI)
- New Application Fee Schedule
- Questions and Answers About Chapter 493
- Questions and Answers About Recovery Agents
- Search for a Licensee
- Submitting Fingerprints Electronically FAQ
- Update Employee Action Reports — For Licensed Agencies
Recovery and Repossession Licenses
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) licenses and regulates the recovery and repossession industry in Florida in accordance with Chapter 493, Florida Statutes.
Exemptions
Those who are considered exempt from licensing include:
- Any bank or bank holding company, credit union, or small loan company operating pursuant to chapters 516 and 520, Florida Statutes.
- Any consumer credit reporting agency regulated under Title 15, Section 1681, United States Code.
- Any collection agency not engaged in repossessions, or any permanent employee of such an agency.
License Classifications
For Individuals
License Type | Classification | Explanation | How to Apply |
---|---|---|---|
Recovery Agent | Class "E" | Any individual who performs the services of a recovery agent must have a Class “E” license. | |
Recovery Agent Intern | Class "EE" | Any individual who performs repossession as an intern under the direction and control of a designated, sponsoring Class “E” licensee or a designated, sponsoring Class “MR” licensee must have a Class “EE” license. | |
Manager of a Recovery Agency | Class "MR" | A Class “R” recovery agency or Class “RR” branch office must have a Class "MR" licensed manager. | |
Recovery Agent Instructor | Class "RI" | Any person who provides instruction to applicants for Class “E" or Class "EE" licensure must have a Class “RI” license. |
For Agencies
License Type | Classification | Explanation | How to Apply |
---|---|---|---|
Recovery Agency (Main Office) | Class "R" | Any person, firm, company, partnership, or corporation that engages in business as a recovery agency must have a Class “R” license. A Class “R” license is valid for only one location. | |
Recovery Agency Branch Office | Class "RR" | Each branch office of a Class “R” agency must have a Class “RR” license. |
For Schools
License Type | Classification | Explanation | How to Apply |
---|---|---|---|
Recovery Agent School or Training Facility | Class "RS" | Any school that provides instruction to applicants for Class “E” or Class "EE" licensure must have a Class “RS” license. |
Recovery and Repossession and Firearms
Licensed recovery agents and recovery agent interns are prohibited from carrying firearms while on private property and in the course of repossession activities. This is prohibited even if the licensee possesses a concealed weapon or firearm license or a Class "G" Statewide Firearm License by virtue of other licensure as a security officer or private investigator.