Opening an Insurance Agency in FL- Buying Book of Business?

Question

I have been an insurance agent for many years and I have recently been given the oppotunity to start my own agency. We have an empty office building, we just aren't sure where to begin opening a brand new agency (getting the needed licenses and possibly buying a small book of business). I currently work for an indpendent agency and I know our new owners bought our book of business and has done very well. Any ideas, advice or instructions??

Answer 1

Contact the florida department of financial services... they will provide all necessary information on obtaining an insurance license...

then contact your city and county to obtain an occupational license to conduct an  insurance business at that location (some florida counties and cities do not require an occupational license...also called a business license..  this is different then an insurance license mentioned above)

contact a GOOD business broker to talk about buying an existing agency or book of business.....

Answer 2

Well, my FIRST thought is, if you buy the book, do you get the contracts with the property carriers?  If you can't get a contract with a property carrier, it's probably not worth buying the book.  

The appointments mean EVERYTHING.