The Spotlight series is intended to provide helpful information about important business and professional licenses issued by the State of Florida. This installation is on the state licenses required to operate a talent agency in Florida.

Who needs a talent agency license?

Any person who, for compensation, engages in the occupation or business of procuring or attempting to procure engagements for an artist needs a license. A license is not required for a person who acts as an agent for himself or herself, a family member, or exclusively for one artist.

What are the requirements for obtaining a talent agency license?

The following items are required for a successful application:

• Good moral standing proved through fingerprinting and five moral character affidavits.

• Proof of at least one year of direct experience or similar experience in the trade as the operator of such agency in the talent agency business or as a subagent, casting director, producer, director, advertising agency, talent coordinator, or musical booking agent. Proof of experience should be in the form of a notarized statement or other notarized documents.

• A $5,000 surety bond from a reputable company licensed to do bonding business in Florida.

• An itemized schedule of maximum fees, charges, and commissions which the agency intends to charge and collect for its services.

 How much is the application fee?

Currently, the application and license fee is $705. After May 31,2019 the fee will be $505

What else do I need to know?

You may not operate as a talent agency while the license is still processing. You must wait until you receive your talent agency license issued by the department. The department does not issue temporary licenses for talent agents. Applications are usually processed within two weeks of receipt.

Thanks to Jada Roulhac for her work on this piece. Please note that this page is made available by the law firm for educational purposes only, and that it is not intended to provide specific legal advice. Visiting this page does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and the firm.