Temporary license; death, disability, absence of surplus lines agent.

(1) The department may, in its discretion, issue a temporary license and appointment as a surplus lines agent to a licensed surplus lines agent’s employee, family member, business associate, or personal representative for the purpose of continuing or winding up the business affairs of the surplus lines agent or agency, subject to the following conditions:

(a) The surplus lines agent being replaced must have died or become unable to perform his or her duties as agent because of military service or illness or other physical or mental disability.

(b) There must be no other person connected with the surplus lines agent’s business who is licensed as a surplus lines agent.

(c) The proposed temporary licensee must be qualified for a regular surplus lines agent’s license under this code except as to residence, examination, education, or experience.

(d) Application for the temporary license and appointment must be made by the applicant upon statements and affidavit filed with the department on forms as prescribed and furnished by it.

(e) The temporary license and appointment shall be issued and be valid for a period of not over 4 months, and may not be renewed to the holder of the temporary license or to any other person for or on behalf of the surplus lines agent or agency.

(2) The applicant for a temporary license and appointment shall pay to the department, prior to the issuance thereof, the applicable license and appointment fees specified in s. 624.501.

(3) The holder of a temporary license may be granted a regular surplus lines agent’s license upon passing an examination as required by s. 626.927.

(4) Except as in this section expressly provided, the holder of a temporary license shall be subject to the same requirements and responsibilities as apply under this code to agents regularly licensed.