How to add Florida Mortgage Loan Originator License to Become FL Loan Officer
If you are already licensed in another state, have taken the National Component Exam with Uniform State Test (UST) then complete this Florida 2-Hour course and and apply for your FL MLO License on the NMLS.
To add a Florida Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) license to your existing credentials, read on to discover how to navigate the requirements set by the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) in Florida, as well as additional specific states where you wish to expand your licensing. Contact us for free guidance on adding multiple states simultaneously.
Florida Unique Requirements to Get MLO Loan Officer or Processor License
High School Education Requirement. Upload high school information via a PDF document to the Verification of Experience section via Document Uploads section of the MU4. On the document provide; your name, your NMLS ID number, name of school and the date the high school diploma, or its equivalent, was received (a copy of the diploma is not required).
Age Requirement. A loan originator license will not be granted to an individual under the age of 18.
State Criminal Background Check. In addition to the FBI Criminal Background Check, submit fingerprints to a Live Scan Service Provider, approved by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), for submission to the FDLE for a STATE ONLY criminal background check; please provide ORI Number: FL737111Z to the Live Scan Provider for proper submission to FDLE. A list of approved Live Scan Service Providers is available on the FDLE’s website. Please note, the list contains many national Live Scan Providers, as well as providers with hard scan capabilities if you are not able to find a provider in your area. This requirement is separate from the FBI Criminal Background Check referenced below.
Florida Mortgage Processors
Other Information – Loan processors:
A licensed loan originator who acts solely as a loan processor and contracts with more than one mortgage broker or mortgage lender, or either simultaneously must file with the Office of Financial Regulation a Declaration of Intent to Engage Solely in Loan Processing, Form OFR-494-13.
A person who seeks to act solely as a loan processor shall:
(a) Be licensed as a loan originator under Chapter 494, F.S., and must at all times thereafter remain licensed; and
(b) Submit a completed Form OFR-494-13 (Declaration of Intent to Engage Solely in Loan Processing) to the Office of Financial Regulation at the address below. A person who currently has on file with the Office of Financial Regulation a Declaration of Intent to Engage Solely in Loan Processing may withdraw the declaration by filing Form OFR-494-13 (Declaration of Intent to Engage Solely in Loan Processing) with the Office of Financial Regulation indicating on the form the person’s intent to withdraw the declaration.
Florida Mortgage Forms
Licensing Forms
OFR-494-09 - Mortgage Brokerage Deposit Account Form
OFR-494-13 - Declaration of Intent to Engage Solely In Loan Processing
OFR-494-14 – Disciplinary Guidelines for Mortgage Loan Originators and Mortgage Entities
OFR-MIL-001 – Active Military Member/Veteran/Spouse Fee Waiver and Military Service Verification
Statutes and Rules
Chapter 494, Florida Statutes – Loan Originators and Mortgage Brokers
Rule 69V-40, Florida Administrative Code – Mortgage Brokerage
Steps to Get your Florida Mortgage Loan Originator License
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the FL Loan Officer MLO licensing process:
- Ensure You Meet Initial Prerequisites
Having already obtained an MLO license in one state, you’ve likely fulfilled the foundational requirements under the SAFE Act. This includes passing the National SAFE MLO Test with the Uniform State Test (for everyone who passed the exam from 2013 to the present) and completing 20 hours of NMLS-approved Pre-Licensure Education. If you took you’re your NMLS exam before 2013, you will need to take the current National Component with Uniform State Test (UST) exam to qualify in any additional states. If you need assistance passing the MLO Safe Test, use our Ace NMLS Test Prep Program. Ensuring your existing credentials are in good standing is a crucial step, as it instills a sense of preparedness and confidence when considering adding licenses in additional states. Florida also requires a 2-hour state-specific FL Law Course. - Find a Sponsor in the New State
You must be sponsored by a mortgage company or broker licensed to operate in each state where you intend to obtain a new Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) license. Your current employer may already be licensed in multiple states, or you might need to affiliate with a new sponsor. Check with your employer or explore companies that operate in your target states and are willing to sponsor you. Look up your company by name or NMLS number, or search for MI-licensed mortgage companies using the filters at www.NMLSConsumerAccess.org - Research State-Specific Requirements
Understanding the unique requirements of each state is crucial. By visiting the AAA Mortgage Training’s state education requirements for each state you’re targeting, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of these specifics, making you feel informed and knowledgeable. This knowledge will empower you to navigate the licensing process with confidence. Click here to view the FL Mortgage Loan Originator New Application NMLS Checklist. - Complete Additional Education (FL Requires 2 hours of state-specific education)
If a state requires state-specific PE, enroll in an NMLS-approved course tailored to that state’s laws and regulations. These courses are typically available online here at http://www.AAAMortgageTraining.com/courses/oh20pe. Once completed, we report the completion on the same day or the day following. If you have already completed the 2-hour FL law course, please confirm that your education was completed within the most recent 60 months and that the credits have been reported to your NMLS record. - Submit an Application via NMLS
Log in to your NMLS account and file an Individual Form (MU4) for each new state. Update your record with any required information, such as sponsorship details, and pay the state-specific application fees, which vary but typically range from $30 to $200 per state, plus NMLS processing fees. You may also need to submit fingerprints or a credit report if they are not already on file or if the state requires a new check.
Florida Mortgage Loan Originator Licensing Fees
Total license costs is $300.25 which includes:
a. $195 Florida application fee
b. $30 NMLS processing fee
d. $36.25 Federal criminal background check
e. $24 State criminal background check (Florida) – paid to the service provider
f. $15 Credit Report fee
- Provide Supporting Documentation
Some states require additional documents, such as a surety bond certification, proof of financial responsibility, or a background check. Mail these to the state’s regulatory agency if instructed, as not all submissions are handled electronically through NMLS. - Await Approval and Temporary Authority (If Applicable)
Under the SAFE Act’s Employment Transition provision (effective November 24, 2019), if you’re already licensed in one state and meet specific qualifications (e.g., no revoked licenses, clean background), you may be granted temporary authority to originate loans in a new state while your application is pending. Verify your eligibility with the state regulator or the NMLS. - Maintain Compliance and Continuing Education (CE)
Once approved, it's crucial to maintain compliance by completing 8 hours of NMLS-approved continuing education (CE) annually to renew all your licenses. Renewal deadlines are typically December 31st, and fees vary by state. Keeping your sponsorship and employer details up to date in NMLS is a responsibility that, when fulfilled, ensures there are no lapses, making you feel diligent and responsible. This ongoing commitment to compliance and education is essential to ensure your licenses remain valid and up to date.
Tips for Success
- Planning ahead is key. Processing times can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the state and your level of preparedness. By planning, you can reduce stress and ensure a smoother licensing process. This proactive approach can significantly reduce anxiety and ensure a smoother licensing process for you.
- Leverage Your Existing License: If you’ve passed the National Test with Uniform State Content, you usually won’t need to retake it for additional states unless your license has lapsed.
- Consult Your Employer: Larger firms often have compliance teams to assist with multi-state licensing once the educational requirements have been met.
By following these steps and tailoring your approach to each state’s unique requirements, you can successfully expand your MLO licenses and grow your business across multiple markets. If you’re unsure about a specific state, the NMLS website or your state’s mortgage regulator can provide detailed guidance. Even easier, contact us, and our experienced education and licensing expert, with over 25 years of experience, will guide you to a successful licensing outcome.
Florida 20-Hour Online Mortgage Loan Originator Course with AAA’s Ace Test Preparation Program
Florida 20-Hour Online Mortgage Loan Originator Course without Test Preparation
Florida NMLS 8-Hour Late Continuing Education Online Course for Loan Officer License Reinstatement
Florida NMLS 8-Hour Continuing Education Online Course for License Renewal