A travel agent is an individual responsible for arranging transportation, lodging, tours, and other aspects to help travelers in exchange for a commission. A popular activity in the hospitality segment, the goal of these professionals is to provide the best traveling experience to their customers.
Are travel agents required to obtain a license in Florida? Read on to find out.
Do You Need a License to be a Travel Agent in Florida? – The Verdict
An individual or entity offering travel-related services in Florida must register with the state as a Seller of Travel. Both residents and non-resident businesses and individuals must meet this requirement, whether providing they are providing services directly or indirectly.
For instance, if an agency located in South Carolina sells vacations to Walt Disney World in Orlando, this company must hold registration as a Seller of Travel with the state of Florida.
The government department responsible for regulating this activity within state jurisdiction is the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).
Registering as a Seller of Travel in Florida – Step-by-Step
Consult with a Licensing Attorney
The first step to becoming a registered travel agent in Florida is to find solid legal advice. Even though applicants are not legally required to work with an attorney, this is the best approach to avoid costly mistakes and ensure a seamless process.
Not only a lawyer can help you to identify and fill out the appropriate forms, but also provide valuable insights to protect your licensing status in Florida.
Handling the Paperwork
With the appropriate forms in hand, you must fill them out with all the required information. Florida Statutes Ā§559.928 (1) provides that “each seller of travel shall annually register with the department, providing:
- Its legal business or trade name, mailing address, and business locations
- The full names, addresses, and telephone numbers of its owners or corporate officers and directors and the Florida agent of the corporation
- A statement whether it is a domestic or foreign corporation, its state and date of incorporation, its charter number, and, if a foreign corporation, the date it registered with this state, and business tax receipt where applicable
- The date on which a seller of travel registered its fictitious name if the seller of travel is operating under a fictitious or trade name
- The name of all other corporations, business entities, and trade names through which each owner of the seller of travel operated, was known, or did business as a seller of travel within the preceding 5 years
- A list of all authorized independent agents, including the agent’s trade name, full name, mailing address, business address, and telephone numbers
- The business location and address of each branch office and full name and address of the manager or supervisor
- Certification of business activity (as required by Fla. Stat. Ā§559.9285), and
- Proof of purchase of adequate bond as required in this part”
Once the forms are filled out accurately, you must submit them to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) with an application fee.
Travel Agent Licensing in Florida – Find an Expert Attorney at Jurado & Associates, P.A.
A well-versed licensing attorney from Jurado and Associates, P.A. is willing to help you succeed. Immediately contact us by calling (305) 921-0976 or emailing [email protected] for an individual assessment.
