How to Become a Travel Agent in Florida
This guide is for informational purposes only. SuretyBonds.com does not regulate or manage seller of travel registrations. Contact the Florida Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services for the state's latest official requirements.
If you want to become a travel agent in Florida, you’ll need to register as a seller of travel with the Florida Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services (FDACS). It’s officially called a Seller of Travel Registration, but is commonly referred to as a travel agent/agency license in the industry.
What Is a Florida Seller of Travel?
Under the Florida Seller of Travel Law, any individual or company that promotes or sells travel and travel-related services must register as a seller of travel with the Florida Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services (FDACS) and file a performance surety bond.
This definition extends to Florida student tour operators, which are a subset under the seller of travel designation and also need to file with FDACS and meet specific requirements.
Do You Need a License to Be a Travel Agent in Florida?
Yes, any travel agent or agency that markets travel services in Florida or has a business location in Florida needs to register with the FDACS. This includes corporations, individual travel agents, travel clubs, and out-of-state travel companies.
Exemptions
- ARC-Contracted Travel Agencies: If you have been under contract with the Airline Reporting Commission (ARC) for at least three years without any change in ownership, you can request a statement of exemption instead of registering as a seller of travel.
- ARC-Contracted Vacation Certificate Sellers: Sellers of vacation certificates are also exempt after being contracted for 5+ years through ARC.
- Agents With Host Agencies: If you are an individual travel agent working with a host agency, you might not need to register. Oftentimes, you can simply operate under the host’s Seller of Travel registration number.
- Qualified Non-Profits: Some non-profit organizations may also qualify for exemption, verify this with the state.
If you act as a seller of travel without registering or being properly exempt with the FDACS, you can face fines of $5,000 per offense (which may include any individual sale).
How to Get Your Florida Seller of Travel License
Complete the following steps to learn how to open a travel agency in Florida. Your seller of travel registration will be valid for one year from its registration date.
Step 1: Register your business entity
First, determine your business entity structure and register with the Florida Department of State. Also, obtain your federal employer identification number (FEIN).
Step 2: File a surety bond
Next, purchase a Florida seller of travel surety bond from a licensed agency like SuretyBonds.com. You’ll need $25,000 coverage as a new registrant, or $50,000 if you plan to offer vacation certificates.
The bond premium typically costs 1% of the coverage amount for applicants with excellent credit. Apply to get a personalized quote today. Either attach the original bond form with your application or file it with the Department in advance.
Step 3: Complete the registration form
Make sure your business name and DBA name match exactly how you are registered with the state. Enter information for each owner and stakeholder of the company.
Step 4: Submit list of independent agents (if applicable)
If you plan to authorize additional independent agents, include a list with the following information for each agent:
- Trade name
- Full name
- Mailing address
- Business address
- Phone number
Those agents must also apply with FDACS annually to work as travel agents in Florida.
Step 5: Submit application and pay fees
Gather all the materials needed for your Florida travel agent license application:
- Completed application form
- Original surety bond form (unless already filed)
- List of independent agents (if applicable)
- Payment for the $300 fee or $400 if you are offering vacation certificates
If you’re an Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) member, attach a copy of your ARC appointment letter.
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Travel Agent in Florida?
The annual registration fee for sellers of travel in Florida is $300, plus $100 if you offer vacation certificates. You’ll also need to purchase liability insurance, and a surety bond. See the table below for all fees.
| Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Seller of Travel Registration Fee | $300 |
| Surety Bond Premium | Starts at $250 for $25,000 coverage, credit-based |
| Vacation Certificate Document Fee | $100 (if applicable) |
| Independent Sales Agent Filing Fee | $50/person (if applicable) |
If your business is brand new, you’ll also pay some fees to set up your business entity with the state. You’ll also want to set aside funds to cover general marketing and operating expenses.
What Is the Seller of Travel Statute in Florida?
The Florida Sellers of Travel Act, or Seller of Travel Statute, requires businesses selling travel or tourism services to register with the state and file a surety bond. Since Florida is such a popular location for travel and vacations, this legislation protects consumers from financial loss related to prepaid travel.
More Florida Seller of Travel Licensing FAQs
Which seller of travel bond amount do I need?
New sellers of travel registrants must file a $25,000 bond. Travel agents that plan to issue vacation certificates need a $50,000 bond.
Once you have been in business for a year, you can apply for a security reduction to $20,000, $15,000, or $10,000 based on your annual gross sales volume. After five years, you can apply for a full security waiver, meaning you do not need a bond anymore.
Note: You must provide a recent audited financial statement or a federal tax return to qualify for a bond reduction. Sellers of vacation certificates do not qualify for a lower bond amount.
What if I have an ARC bond?
Airline reporting commission bonds and travel agent bonds from other states do not meet the financial requirement obligations. You must get a specific Florida seller of travel surety bond.
If you are not already ARC-accredited but wish to be, visit our guide on How to Get ARC-Accreditation.
What if I work for a host travel agency?
If you are an employee of a registered travel agency, you can use the host agency’s seller of travel (SOT) number to register as an independent sales agent. You’ll need to fill out the Independent Sales Agents Application and pay the $50 fee.
How long do I need to hold a Florida travel agent bond?
You’ll need to maintain an active surety bond for five consecutive years. Then, you can file an Application for Security Waiver to qualify for an exemption.
Can I be a travel agent if I have a criminal background?
If you have any judgments, pleas, or convictions on file, you must provide information concerning the offenses. The state may still grant you a Florida seller of travel registration depending on the circumstances.
Which states require a seller of travel license?
Four U.S. states — California, Florida, Hawaii and Washington — require a seller of travel registration to sell travel services within those states or to any clients located in those states.
What are the requirements for student tour operators in Florida?
Student Tour Operators fall under a separate seller of travel designation for those that offer tour-related services to or within an educational community. If you or your travel agency offer these services, you must complete the following additional requirements:
- Student tour operator registration form
- Proof of travel agent registration
- General liability insurance coverage of at least $1,000,000
- Professional liability insurance coverage of at least $1,000,000
- Workers compensation coverage of at least $500,00 and proof of exemption for fewer than 4 employees
- Maintain a current level 2 security clearance
More Resources
Want to learn more? Use the resources below for more information on the seller of travel registration process and surety bond details.
Last Updated: January 29, 2026
