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Getting your Florida Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) license online is a straightforward process that requires some preparation and dedication. You'll need to complete 20 hours of pre-licensing education, which covers topics like Florida law, ethics, and loan origination.
The Florida Department of Financial Services requires that you complete a 3-hour Florida-specific law course and a 2-hour ethics course as part of the 20 hours. You'll also need to take a national law course and a national ethics course.
To get started, you'll need to choose a state-approved education provider and register for their courses. Some popular options include online platforms like OnlineEd and Mortgage Educators & Compliance.
Additional reading: 72-hour Florida Broker Pre-license Course Online
Getting a Florida Mortgage Loan Originator License
To obtain your Florida Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) license, you'll need to complete both national and state-specific content.
You must complete 20 hours of pre-license education before applying for your license, which must include at least two hours of Florida-specific content.
You can get the rest of the details on how to get your license on the relevant website.
To become an MLO in Florida, you'll need to request an NMLS account, complete an NMLS-approved pre-licensing education, pass the SAFE MLO exam, undergo background checks, and complete your MLO application.
Each step requires time, effort, and even investment.
You must be at least 18 years old to apply for an MLO license in Florida.
You'll need to register with the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS) to obtain your NMLS ID number.
Here are the basic requirements for becoming an MLO in Florida:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Register with the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS) to obtain your NMLS ID number
- Complete 20 hours of NMLS-approved pre-license education, including two (2) hours of Florida-specific content
- Pass the SAFE MLO exam
- Apply for your Florida MLO license
- Obtain employer sponsorship
Pre-Licensing Education
To become a licensed Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) in Florida, you'll need to complete 22 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensing education. This includes 20 hours of general courses and 2 hours of Florida-specific content.
You can find NMLS-approved providers in Florida, such as The CE Shop, AYPO Real Estate, Knowledge Coop, and OnlineEd, which are recommended by top sources.
The 20-hour general courses cover topics like Federal Law, Ethics, Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending, and general electives. You can also find a complete list of NMLS-approved providers on the NMLS website.
In Florida, the 2-hour Florida-specific courses are required by the Florida Office of Financial Regulation and cover Florida mortgage law and rules.
Here's a breakdown of the 20-hour general courses:
- 3 hours of Federal Law
- 3 hours of Ethics
- 2 hours of Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending
- 12 hours of general electives
You can choose from various formats, such as blended, online instructor-led, or self-study courses, to complete your pre-licensing education requirements.
Some popular options include Premier 22 Hour Florida Pre-Licensing Packages, which include 20 hours of SAFE Comprehensive courses and 2 hours of FL SAFE courses. These packages can be completed in 7 or 14 days, depending on the format.
When selecting a provider, consider factors like NMLS approval, course format, and price. Some providers, like RealEstateU, offer affordable online courses that satisfy all of the FL MLO pre-licensing education requirements.
Remember to also choose a provider that offers a study guide, which can help you reduce your study time by up to 90% and focus on the information you need to know for the exam.
Here's a summary of the requirements:
- 20 hours of NMLS-approved general courses
- 2 hours of Florida-specific courses
- NMLS-approved provider
- Study guide (optional)
By completing these requirements, you'll be well on your way to becoming a licensed MLO in Florida.
Online Classes and Packages
If you're looking for online classes and packages to help you become a Florida Mortgage Loan Originator, you've got several options. Gold Coast Schools is an approved provider of the required Mortgage Loan Originator Courses, with a provider number of #1400204.
You can choose from a variety of packages, including the 14-day online instructor-led course from RealEstateU, which satisfies all of the FL MLO pre-licensing education requirements. This course includes the 20-Hour SAFE Comprehensive Course, which has NMLS Approval Number: 16066.
Another option is the Premier 22 Hour Florida Pre-Licensing Package from Gold Coast Schools, which includes a 14-Day OIL course and a 2-Hour FL SAFE course. This package also includes a study guide to help you prepare for the exam.
Here are some online packages that can help you get started:
Remember to choose a package that fits your learning style and schedule, and don't forget to complete the required education and pass the National Test Component to get your Florida Mortgage Loan Originator license.
NMLS and Background Checks
To obtain your MLO license in Florida, you'll need to create an NMLS account to get your NMLS ID. This ID is crucial, so make sure to keep it safe.
The NMLS ID is used throughout the licensing process, including when you complete your National and State Modules. You can obtain your NMLS ID if you don't already have one.
To create an NMLS account, you'll need to go through the platform for all MLO activities in Florida. After creating your account, you'll receive a personal NMLS number that you'll use for the duration of working as an MLO in Florida.
Here are the costs for the FBI and State criminal background checks:
Before undergoing the background checks, you'll need to authorize them in NMLS. This includes the credit report, which must be authorized in NMLS.
NMLS ID
To get your MLO license, you'll first need to create an NMLS account to obtain your NMLS ID. This is a crucial step that will serve as your identifier for all MLO activities.
The NMLS ID is a personal number you'll receive after creating your account, which you'll use for the duration of your work as an MLO. Never lose it, as it's essential for your MLO activities in Florida.
To obtain your NMLS ID, you'll need to go through your National and State Modules. This will require your NMLS ID, so make sure to get it first.
Creating an individual account with NMLS is the first step, and you'll receive your personal NMLS number after doing so.
Here's an interesting read: First Mortgage Loans
Background Checks
To undergo the required background checks in Florida, you'll need to complete three checks. The first is the FBI criminal background check, which can be done through fieldprint.
This check will cost you $36.25. You'll need to authorize it to be checked in NMLS beforehand.
You'll also need to pass a state criminal background check, which is conducted by an FDLE-approved Live Scan Service Provider. This check will cost $24.
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To find an FDLE-approved Live Scan Service Provider, you can go to one and provide the ORI Number FL737111Z. You'll then need to pass both the FBI and state criminal background checks.
Here's a breakdown of the costs and providers for the background checks:
Application and Licensing Process
To become a licensed mortgage loan officer in Florida, you'll need to complete both national and state-specific content in your pre-license education. You'll need 20 hours of pre-license education, with at least 2 hours of Florida-specific content.
You'll find the Individual Form (MU4) application in your NMLS account, where you'll need to provide proof of completing 22 hours of pre-licensing education. This is a crucial step in the application process.
To complete your application, you'll also need to pass a credit report check. If the check doesn't go through, you'll need to provide an explanation letter and any supporting documents.
You'll also need to answer all the disclosure questions on the application. If you answer "yes" to any of them, be sure to follow the necessary orders or provide the necessary documents.
Once you've completed these steps, you'll need to wait for the Florida Office of Financial Regulation to approve your application. You can check the status of your approval in your NMLS account.
Here's a summary of the steps to complete your MLO application:
- Complete the Individual Form (MU4) application in your NMLS account.
- Provide proof of 22 hours of pre-licensing education completion.
- Pass the credit report check and provide an explanation letter and supporting documents if necessary.
- Answer all disclosure questions and follow necessary orders or provide necessary documents if applicable.
- Wait for the Florida Office of Financial Regulation to approve your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I take the NMLS test in Florida?
You can take the NMLS test at a physical location in Florida, such as 2891 Center Pointe Drive Suite 201 in Fort Myers, or online at home through Prometric's ProProctor system.
How difficult is the mortgage loan originator exam?
The mortgage loan originator exam is challenging, with only 56% of test takers passing on their first attempt. This difficulty is intentional, reflecting the exam's purpose to ensure loan originators have a thorough understanding of the complex mortgage industry.
How much is the MLO license course in Florida?
The total cost for the MLO license course in Florida is $609.25. This includes the $199 course package and $110 National MLO SAFE test fee.
Sources
- https://www.ayporealestate.com/school/mortgage/pre-license/florida/
- https://goldcoastschools.com/courses/mortgage/mlo-pre-license/
- https://realestateu.com/mlo-license-florida/
- https://www.realestatelicensetraining.com/how-to-become-a-mortgage-loan-officer-mlo-in-florida/
- https://www.oncourselearning.com/mortgage/florida/mortgage/new-license
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