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Captive to Independent Insurance Agent in Florida: The Step-by-Step Guide

Thinking about leaving a captive carrier? Here’s how Florida P&C agents make the move cleanly — license, contract, markets, and commissions — and how Trustshield makes the landing easier.

  • 5-step transition roadmap
  • Contract red flags to review first
  • 100+ markets waiting on day one
  • Confidential — your current carrier won’t know

Plan Your Move — Confidentially

Key facts

A Florida captive agent can become independent because the 2-20 General Lines license belongs to the agent, not the carrier. The usual steps are: confirm the license, have an attorney review the captive contract, choose an independent agency such as Trustshield Insurance, complete appointments and onboarding, and start writing across multiple carriers.

  • Agency type: Independent property & casualty agency (no life or health)
  • Headquarters: Jupiter, Florida — recruiting Florida agents first, open to other states
  • Market access: 100+ carriers, wholesalers, MGAs, and PEO partners
  • Lines: All personal and commercial P&C lines, including hard-to-place risks
  • Compensation: Competitive, transparent commission splits
  • Contact: (561) 943-0434 · Apply online

Last updated:

5

Steps to independence

100+

Markets on day one

62%

P&C premium via independents*

100%

Confidential conversation

What changes when you go independent

Captive vs. independent: what changes when you switch Captive agents sell one carrier’s products, often earn low renewal commissions, and the carrier controls the book. Independent agents with Trustshield access 100 plus markets, earn renewals closer to new business rates, and write every P and C line. Captive today Independent with Trustshield ✕ 1 carrier✓ 100+ markets✕ ~2–4% renewals*✓ Renewals near new-business rate*✕ Refer out tough risks✓ Wholesalers, MGAs, E&S✕ Limited commercial✓ Every P&C line✕ Carrier sets the rules✓ Your brand, your clients
*Typical ranges from published industry analysis; individual contracts vary.

Your 5-step roadmap

Most agents who struggle after leaving a captive skipped step 2. Don’t.

  1. Check your licenseConfirm your Florida 2-20 General Lines license is active and CE is current. The license is yours — it moves with you.
  2. Read your contractReview termination, non-solicitation, and non-compete terms with an attorney before you give notice. Know exactly what you can and can’t do.
  3. Talk to TrustshieldConfidential call. We map your goals, lines, and market needs, and walk through commission splits.
  4. Get set upAppointment and onboarding process through Trustshield, plus E&O and systems access.
  5. Launch & growStart quoting across 100+ markets. Build a book of every P&C line with renewals that compound.
Important: Captive agreements often include non-solicitation or non-compete terms that can limit how and when you contact former clients. This page is general information, not legal advice — have a Florida attorney review your specific contract before giving notice.
Independent agents collaborating in a Florida agency office

Why go independent with Trustshield instead of alone?

Opening a standalone agency means chasing carrier appointments, meeting production minimums, and paying for systems and E&O before you write a dollar.

With Trustshield you plug into an established Florida P&C agency with 100+ carriers, wholesalers, and PEO partners — and keep the independence that made you want to leave.

Are you ready?

Before-you-leave checklist

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Captive-to-independent FAQ

Can a captive agent become an independent agent in Florida?

Yes. Your Florida 2-20 General Lines license belongs to you. When you leave a captive carrier, its appointment ends, and you can be appointed with new carriers through an independent agency like Trustshield.

Can I take my clients with me when I leave a captive carrier?

It depends on your contract. Many captive agreements include non-solicitation terms and give the carrier control of the book. Have an attorney review your agreement before you leave.

How long does the switch take?

It varies with your contract terms and the appointment process. A confidential call with Trustshield helps you map a realistic timeline.

Will I earn more as an independent agent?

Many agents do over time because independent renewal commissions are often close to new-business rates, while many captive contracts pay roughly 2–4% on renewals. Results depend on your production, retention, and split.

Is my conversation with Trustshield confidential?

Yes. Nothing you share is disclosed to your current carrier or agency.

Sources: Agentero: Captive vs. Independent Insurance Agent · Florida DFS: Agent Licensing · Big “I” 2025 Market Share Report. Industry figures are for context only and are not a promise of individual results.

Leaving a captive? Land somewhere better.

Confidential, no-pressure conversation with a Trustshield principal about markets, commissions, and timing.

Plan My Move
Call (561) 943-0434