Fla. Stat. § 626.9953 — Florida Code / Title XXXVII / Chapter 626 / Part XIII / Section 626.9953
626.9953 Qualifications for registration; application required.
Status: in_force

(1) The department may not approve the registration of an individual as a navigator who is found by the department to be untrustworthy or incompetent, and who does not meet the following requirements: (a) Is a natural person at least 18 years of age; (b) Is a United States citizen or legal alien who possesses work authorization from the United States Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services; (c) Has successfully completed all training for a navigator as required by the Federal Government or the exchange.

(2) To be registered as a navigator, an applicant must submit a sworn, signed, written application to the department on a form prescribed by the department, meet the qualifications for registration as a navigator, and make payment in advance of all applicable fees. Individuals previously disqualified must apply for reinstatement using the same procedures required for initial registration.

(3) The applicant must set forth all of the following information in the application: (a) His or her full name, age, social security number, residence address, business address, mailing address, contact telephone numbers, including a business telephone number if applicable, and e-mail address. (b) Whether he or she has been refused a financial services license or has voluntarily surrendered or has had his or her financial services license suspended or revoked in this or any other state. (c) His or her native language. (d) His or her highest level of education. (e) A statement of acknowledgment of conduct that is prohibited under this part and the penalties associated with such conduct. (f) Certification that the training required by the Federal Government or the exchange has been successfully completed. (g) Such additional information as the department may deem proper to enable it to determine the character, experience, ability, and other qualifications of the applicant to participate as a registered navigator.

(4) Each application must be accompanied by payment of a nonrefundable $50 application filing fee to be deposited in the Insurance Regulatory Trust Fund.

(5) An applicant must submit a set of his or her fingerprints in accordance with s. 626.171(4). The department shall submit the applicant’s fingerprints to the Department of Law Enforcement for processing state criminal history records checks and local criminal records checks through local law enforcement agencies and for forwarding to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for national criminal history records checks. The fingerprints shall be taken by a law enforcement agency, a designated examination center, or another department-approved entity. The department may not approve an application for registration as a navigator if fingerprints have not been submitted.

(6) In addition to information requested in the application, the department may propound any reasonable interrogatories to an applicant relating to the applicant’s qualifications, residence, prospective place of business, and any other matters that, in the opinion of the department, are deemed necessary or advisable for the protection of the public and to ascertain the applicant’s qualifications. In addition to the submission of fingerprints for criminal background screening, the department may make such further investigations as it may deem advisable of the applicant’s character, experience, background, and fitness for registration as specified under this part.

(7) Pursuant to the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, an applicant must provide his or her social security number in accordance with subsection (3) for the purpose of administering the Title IV-D program for child support enforcement.

History: s. 8, ch. 2013-101; s. 14, ch. 2021-104; s. 54, ch. 2022-138.