Mastering the Mortgage Licensing Process: Your Step-By-Step Guide to Becoming a Licensed Professional in Florida
- Matia Wills
- Apr 6
- 7 min read
Becoming a licensed mortgage lender, broker, or servicer in Florida is an excellent opportunity to build a successful career in the financial sector. Whether you're a lender, broker, or servicer, you must be properly licensed to legally operate in the state. Florida is a competitive market, and securing the right license is crucial for success. This guide will walk you through the steps to get licensed in Florida and explain how Alfa Licensing can make the process fast, smooth, and compliant.
Understanding the Different Types of Florida Mortgage Licenses
Before beginning the licensing process, it's important to know the various types of licenses available in Florida:
Company Licenses
Mortgage Broker License: This license is required for an entity conducting loan originator activities through one or more licensed loan originators employed by the mortgage broker or as independent contractors to the mortgage broker.
Mortgage Lender License: This license is required for an entity making a mortgage loan for compensation or gain, directly or indirectly, or selling or offering to sell a mortgage loan to a non-institutional investor. Making a mortgage loan means closing a mortgage loan in a person's name, advancing funds, offering to advance funds, or making a commitment to advance funds to an applicant for a mortgage loan
Mortgage Lender/Servicer License: This licensing endorsement is required for any mortgage lender licensee who services a mortgage loan. “Servicing a mortgage loan” means to receive, cause to be received, or transferred for another, installment payments of principal, interest, or other payments pursuant to a mortgage loan. A "servicing endorsement" means authorizing a mortgage lender to service a loan for more than 4 months. A mortgage lender servicer may also conduct those activities described under Mortgage Lender without the need for two separate licenses.
Branch Licenses
Mortgage Broker Branch License: This license is required for mortgage broker licensees who conduct business at locations other than their principal place of business: (a) The address of which appears on business cards, stationery, or advertising used by the licensee in connection with business conducted under this chapter; (b) At which the licensee's name, advertising or promotional materials, or signage suggests that mortgage loans are originated or negotiated. (c) At which mortgage loans are originated or negotiated by a licensee.
Mortgage Lender Branch License: This license is required for mortgage lender licensees who conduct business at locations other than their principal place of business: (a) The address of which appears on business cards, stationery, or advertising used by the licensee in connection with business conducted under this chapter; (b) At which the licensee's name, advertising or promotional materials, or signage suggests that mortgage loans are originated, negotiated, or funded; (c) At which mortgage loans are originated, negotiated, or funded by a licensee.
Mortgage Lender/Servicer Branch License: This license is required for mortgage lender servicer licensees who conduct business at locations other than their principal place of business: (a) The address of which appears on business cards, stationery, or advertising used by the licensee in connection with business conducted under this chapter; (b) At which the licensee's name, advertising or promotional materials, or signage suggests that mortgage loans are serviced; or (c) At which mortgage loans are serviced by a licensee.
Individual Licenses
Mortgage Loan Originator License: This license is required for an individual who, directly or indirectly, solicits or offers to solicit a mortgage loan, accepts or offers to accept an application for a mortgage loan, negotiates or offers to negotiate the terms or conditions of a new or existing mortgage loan on behalf of a borrower or lender, processes a mortgage loan application, or negotiates or offers to negotiate the sale of an existing mortgage loan to a noninstitutional investor for compensation or gain. The term includes the activities of a loan originator as defined by the federal S.A.F.E. Act.
Choose the license type that aligns with your career goals and business plans, as each comes with distinct responsibilities and requirements.
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Steps to Get Licensed in Florida
he process for getting licensed as a Mortgage Broker, Mortgage Lender, or Mortgage Lender/Servicer in Florida follows similar steps but may vary depending on the type of license. Here's an overview of the process for each:
Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements
To apply for any mortgage license, certain basic requirements must be met according to the Florida Office of Financial Regulation (OFR):
Age: A minimum of 18 years old.
Citizenship: You need to provide proof of lawful presence in the U.S.
Residency: You must be a resident of Florida or have a registered business entity in the state.
Background Check: A criminal background check is mandatory. Note that any felony convictions related to mortgage fraud may result in disqualification.
Meeting these requirements is crucial before moving on to the next steps.
Step 2: Create or Log in to Your NMLS Account
Start by creating a company profile in the NMLS system. This is where you’ll submit your license application and track your progress.
Step 3: Complete the Appropriate Forms
Mortgage Broker License: Complete the MU1 Form (Company Form) for mortgage brokers and include any supporting documentation.
Mortgage Lender License: Complete the MU1 Form for mortgage lenders, along with necessary financial documents and other required materials.
Mortgage Lender/Servicer License: This license combines the mortgage lender and servicer requirements. You’ll need to fill out the MU1 Form and provide documentation for both lending and servicing operations.
Step 4: Complete Pre-Licensure Education
Florida mandates that prospective mortgage professionals complete a minimum of 20 hours of approved mortgage education. This education includes:
3 hours focused on federal laws.
3 hours dedicated to ethics training.
2 hours covering nontraditional mortgage lending practices.
Ensure the courses you take are NMLS-approved to count toward your application.
Alfa is a proud partner with Oncourse Learning: Discount on Courses
Step 5: Pass the NMLS Exam
After finishing your educational requirements, you must pass the NMLS National Multistate Licensing Exam. This exam assesses your understanding of mortgage lending principles and relevant laws.
Prepare by using study guides and taking practice exams available online. Research shows that candidates who take multiple practice tests improve their chances of passing. Many pass rates hover around 70%, so thorough preparation is key.
SAFE MLO national test component
The SAFE MLO exam covers federal mortgage related laws, ethics, Mortgage loan originator activities, and general mortgage knowledge. Effective 4/5/21, test details are as follows:
120 questions (115 scored)
190 minutes
Cost: $110
Uniform State Content (UST)
The UST portion of the exam covers:
Regulatory authority, responsibilities and limitations
Definitions and documents
License law and regulation
Compliance
Florida Office of Financial Regulation
Florida requires at least 20 hours of pre-license education and meet one of the following three conditions:
Passing results on both the National and Florida State components of the SAFE Test, or
Passing results on both the National and stand-alone UST components of the SAFE Test, or
Passing results on the National Test Component with Uniform State Content
Step 6: Obtain and Submit Your Fingerprints
Submitting fingerprints is a critical part of the licensing process, required for a criminal background check. Florida offers electronic fingerprint submission via the NMLS system.
Each control person must submit fingerprints through a Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)-approved Live Scan vendor (ORI Number: FL921050Z) for state and FBI background checks. The applicant is responsible for all fingerprinting costs, paid directly to the vendor. If incorrect personal information is submitted, resubmission—and additional fees—may be required.
Step 7: Check Finance Statements Required
Mortgage Broker License: Not Required
Mortgage Lender License: Audited Financial Statement Required
Mortgage Lender/Servicer License: Audited Financial Statement Required
Step 8: Designate a Registered Agent and/or Office in Florida
Florida does not mandate a physical office for mortgage brokers or lenders to obtain a license.
Step 9: Submit Your Application
After passing the exam, you can submit your Florida Mortgage License Application through the NMLS. Be prepared to provide:
Personal identification and a detailed background report.
Proof of completed pre-licensure education.
Your NMLS exam results.
Additionally, a non-refundable application fee is required at this stage.
Step 10: Maintain Your License
Once licensed, ongoing requirements are necessary to keep your status active. These include:
Completing continuing education courses as outlined by the NMLS.
Annually submitting renewal applications and payment of fees.
Staying informed about any changes in Florida Mortgage Licensing Requirements will help ensure ongoing compliance.
How Alfa Licensing Can Help
Navigating Florida’s mortgage licensing process can be complex and time-consuming—but it doesn’t have to be. At Alfa Licensing, we specialize in helping mortgage companies and professionals get licensed quickly, accurately, and stress-free.
Whether you’re applying for a Mortgage Broker, Mortgage Lender, or Lender/Servicer license, our team handles every detail—so you don’t have to. From preparing your NMLS filings and gathering required documentation to ensuring compliance with Florida’s Office of Financial Regulation, we act as your licensing partner every step of the way.
Here’s what we offer:
Fast, compliant NMLS application submission
Pre-licensure guidance tailored to your business model
Fingerprint and background check coordination
Surety bond support and financial documentation assistance
Ongoing license maintenance and renewal support
Ready to get started?Let’s make your Florida mortgage license a reality.
👉 Schedule a free consultation with Alfa Licensing or contact us today to learn more.
Your Path Forward
Navigating the journey to become a licensed mortgage lender, broker, or servicer in Florida requires careful attention and diligence. By following this guide and adhering to Florida Mortgage Licensing Requirements, you will position yourself for success.
Stay proactive in your education and networking efforts. The mortgage industry is vibrant and always changing. With determination and the right approach, you can thrive in your new career and make a meaningful impact in the lives of your clients.
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