How to Fill Out Florida Form DBPR AUCT-1 (w/Examples) + FAQs

Florida Form DBPR AUCT-1 is the Application for Individual Auctioneer or Apprentice License that every person seeking to work as an auctioneer or apprentice auctioneer in Florida must file with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Board of Auctioneers. The form covers four tracks on a single packet: license by examination, apprentice license, license by endorsement (out-of-state reciprocity), and reactivation or reinstatement of a lapsed license under Chapter 468, Part VI, Florida Statutes.

Get one box wrong and the Board can hold your file in deficiency for months, or worse, deny it for material misstatement under §455.227(1)(h), F.S.. Florida licenses roughly 1,400 active auctioneers and apprentices, and DBPR data shows that about one in three first-time applications enters a deficiency cycle because of incomplete background disclosures, missing Livescan results, or the wrong fee. This article walks you through every line, box, and signature block on the current revision of AUCT-1 so you avoid that fate.

Here is what you will learn:

📝 How to fill out every field on AUCT-1 line by line, with sample entries.
💵 The exact application fees, exam fees, and unlicensed activity fee you owe.
🖊️ How the apprentice sponsor attestation works and who can sign it.
🚫 The 10 most common mistakes filers make and the consequences of each.
📬 Every filing channel (online portal, mail, in person) with addresses and processing times.

What the Form Is and Who Must File It

Form AUCT-1 is the single intake document the Florida Board of Auctioneers uses to vet anyone who wants to call bids, conduct auctions, or train as an apprentice in Florida. The form is authorized by §468.385, F.S., and the application standards are set in Rule 61H2-19, Florida Administrative Code. The Board reviews each application at its quarterly meeting and either approves it, places it in deficiency, or denies it.

Anyone who calls bids for compensation in Florida must hold a license. That includes traditional live auctioneers, online-only auctioneers who solicit Florida bidders, charity-event callers who receive any compensation, and benefit-auction professionals. The only people who do not need AUCT-1 are auctioneers acting under a court order (such as a U.S. Marshals sale) and certain government employees performing official duties under §468.382, F.S..

The form has four tracks, and the applicant must check exactly one:

Examination for first-time applicants who completed an approved apprenticeship or auction school.
Apprentice for new entrants sponsored by a licensed Florida auctioneer.
Endorsement for auctioneers licensed in another state with substantially similar requirements.
Reactivation/Reinstatement for license holders whose license is delinquent or null.

Picking the wrong track is the single most common reason DBPR opens a deficiency. An apprentice who checks “Examination” because they think they are ready will have the file kicked back, and the $105 application fee does not refund automatically. The Board cross-checks the track against the supporting documents, so the boxes you check on Page 1 must match the attachments on the back.

Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need

Gather everything below before you open AUCT-1. The Board will not chase you for missing items; it simply pauses the file. Each delay pushes your approval to the next quarterly meeting, which can mean a 90-day wait under the Board meeting calendar.

Government-issued photo ID (driver license or passport) to confirm your legal name and date of birth, because the Board cross-checks identity against the Livescan results.
Social Security Number, required by §559.79, F.S., without which DBPR cannot enter you into its licensing database.
Livescan electronic fingerprint receipt with ORI number FL920010Z for the Florida Board of Auctioneers, since paper fingerprint cards are no longer accepted.
Apprenticeship affidavit signed by your sponsoring auctioneer (apprentice and exam tracks), proving the 1-year sponsorship requirement under Rule 61H2-19.001, F.A.C..
Out-of-state license certification sent directly from the originating board (endorsement track only), because applicant-supplied copies are not accepted.
Certified court documents for any “yes” answer to the background questions, including charging documents, plea or judgment, and proof of completion of any sentence.
Application fee, examination fee, and unlicensed activity fee, totaling roughly $260 for new exam applicants under the DBPR fee schedule.
Approved auction school certificate if you used the school option in lieu of apprenticeship, listed on the Board’s approved providers page.
Military or military spouse documentation if you are claiming the fee waiver and expedited review under §455.213(6), F.S..
Proof of completion of continuing education (reactivation track only), at least 12 hours from the prior biennium.

Missing any single item triggers a deficiency letter that gives you 30 days to cure under Rule 28-106.111, F.A.C.. Miss the cure deadline and the Board can deem the application withdrawn.

Where to Get the Form and How to Access It

The current revision of AUCT-1 lives on the DBPR forms page. Pull the official AUCT-1 PDF directly, since third-party copies often lag behind revisions. Always check the revision date in the lower left footer of Page 1 against what is on the DBPR website on the day you sign.

You have three ways to obtain the form. The fastest is to download the fillable PDF from the Auctioneers Forms page and type your answers directly into the document. The second is to register for a DBPR Online Services account and complete the application through the portal, which auto-fills personal data and validates required fields before submission. The third is to request a paper copy by calling the DBPR Customer Contact Center at 850-487-1395, useful when you have spotty internet but slower because the form arrives by mail.

If you fill the PDF on a computer, save a copy before printing. Adobe Acrobat occasionally drops field values when files are emailed without flattening, and a blank box can read as an unanswered question to the Board analyst. Printing on plain white letter-size paper is fine, and the form does not need to be on legal-size paper despite older guidance some apprentice handbooks still circulate.

Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out Form DBPR AUCT-1 Line by Line

The form runs about 10 pages depending on the track you select. The instructions below follow the printed order on the current revision. Walk through every field even if it looks obvious, because every field has a check at the Board level. Sample answers below are italicized to separate them from instructions.

Section 1: Application Type Selection

This top-of-form box asks you to mark which license you are applying for. Check exactly one box: Auctioneer by Examination, Apprentice Auctioneer, Auctioneer by Endorsement, or Reactivation/Reinstatement. The form will not be processed if you check more than one or none.

A specific example: Maria Lopez, a Tampa apprentice ready to sit for the state exam, checks the box for Auctioneer by Examination and leaves the other three blank. Her sponsor’s affidavit will be attached to prove she completed her apprenticeship.

A nuance is the reactivation track: if your license has been delinquent for more than two licensure cycles, you are no longer eligible to reactivate and must instead apply by examination as a brand-new filer. The common mistake here is checking “Apprentice” because you feel inexperienced even though you completed an approved auction school, which can cost you the apprenticeship year you do not actually need to repeat. A widespread misconception is that the track can be changed later; in practice, DBPR closes and refiles the application, which means new fees.

Section 2: Personal Information — Full Legal Name

Enter your full legal name exactly as it appears on your government-issued ID. Use the order Last, First, Middle, Suffix and write in all capital letters with no nicknames. Hyphenated names go in fully, including the hyphen.

A specific example: LOPEZ, MARIA ELENA writes her name on this line; she does not write Maria E. Lopez or M. Lopez.

A nuance arises if you have changed your name (marriage, divorce, court order). You must list the current legal name here and disclose all prior names in the Other Names Used field on Section 4. The most common mistake is writing a married name when the SSA still has the maiden name, which triggers a Social Security cross-match failure and a hold. The misconception people carry is that DBPR will use the name on their auction business; the Board uses the name on file with SSA and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

Section 3: Date of Birth, SSN, and Contact Information

Enter your Date of Birth in MM/DD/YYYY format with slashes, your Social Security Number with dashes (XXX-XX-XXXX), and your primary phone and email. The email field is the one DBPR uses for deficiency notices, so use one you check daily.

A specific example: Maria Lopez writes 03/14/1985, her SSN as 123-45-6789, her cell phone as (813) 555-0142, and her email as maria.lopez@email.com.

A nuance: if you have an ITIN instead of an SSN, you must request a paper-only filing path; the online portal will reject ITINs. The common mistake is entering a work email controlled by a sponsoring auctioneer, which means a deficiency notice never reaches you if you change employers. The misconception is that DBPR keeps multiple emails on file; only one is the official email for licensure correspondence.

Section 4: Other Names Used

List every prior or alternate legal name including maiden names, prior married names, and court-ordered changes. Each goes on its own line with the date the change took effect.

A specific example: Maria Lopez writes MARTINEZ, MARIA ELENA — used until 06/12/2014 on this line.

A nuance: nicknames and stage names used on the auction floor do not go here unless they were used in legal documents. The most common mistake is leaving this blank because the filer “always went by” their current name, which conflicts with the FBI’s fingerprint return that lists every alias. The misconception is that omissions of unused old names are harmless, when in fact the Board treats them as material misstatements under §455.227(1)(h), F.S..

Section 5: Mailing Address and Florida Business Address

Provide a mailing address (where you receive mail) and a Florida business address (where you conduct auctions if you have one). Out-of-state endorsement applicants may list a temporary or representative Florida address, but the Board prefers an actual physical location.

A specific example: Maria Lopez writes her home address 4521 Bayshore Blvd, Tampa, FL 33611 in the mailing field and the same address in the business field because she is a sole practitioner.

A nuance: a P.O. Box is acceptable for the mailing address but not for the business address, which must be a physical location for service of process. The common mistake is using a sponsor’s address as both mailing and business; when the apprenticeship ends, the apprentice misses every renewal notice. The misconception is that an out-of-state applicant by endorsement does not need a Florida address, but Rule 61H2-19.005, F.A.C. requires a Florida point of contact.

Section 6: Background Questions (Criminal History)

You must answer Yes or No to each of the criminal history questions about felonies, misdemeanors involving fraud or moral turpitude, professional license discipline, and pending charges. A “yes” requires a full written explanation and certified court documents.

A specific example: Marcus Reed, applying by endorsement from Georgia, answers Yes to a 2009 misdemeanor theft charge that resolved in withhold of adjudication. He attaches the charging document, the plea, and a letter explaining the events.

A nuance: sealed and expunged Florida records still must be disclosed to DBPR under §943.0585(4)(a)1, F.S., even though they are hidden from most background checks. The most common mistake is answering No because the case was a withhold of adjudication; DBPR considers the underlying arrest, not the disposition, a disclosable event. The misconception is that out-of-state convictions older than 10 years do not count, when in fact there is no time bar on disclosure for licensure purposes.

Section 7: Financial Responsibility and Civil Judgments

Disclose any civil judgment for fraud, misrepresentation, or breach of fiduciary duty, and any unsatisfied auction-related judgment. Bankruptcy is also disclosed here with the case number and discharge date.

A specific example: James Whitfield, an endorsement applicant from Alabama, writes Chapter 7, S.D. Ala. Case No. 22-12345, discharged 11/04/2023 and attaches the discharge order.

A nuance: a judgment paid in full still must be disclosed; the obligation is to disclose, not to certify it is unpaid. The common mistake is omitting a small claims judgment because it was under $1,000, which the Board treats as a misstatement just like any larger one. The misconception is that bankruptcy is a bar to licensure, but it is not under §455.10, F.S.; only fraudulent conduct is.

Section 8: Apprenticeship Information (Exam and Apprentice Tracks)

Enter the name and license number of your sponsoring auctioneer, the start date of your apprenticeship, and (for exam applicants) the end date. The sponsoring auctioneer signs the affidavit attesting to your hours and conduct.

A specific example: Maria Lopez writes her sponsor Robert Kim, License No. AU2345, start date 07/01/2024, and end date 07/15/2025, then attaches Mr. Kim’s notarized affidavit confirming at least 12 auctions worked.

A nuance: if your sponsor’s license lapsed during your apprenticeship, the months when their license was inactive do not count. The common mistake is to list calendar dates without subtracting any inactive sponsor period, which causes the Board to recompute and find the apprenticeship short of one year. The misconception is that a sponsor at any auction firm counts; the sponsor must hold an active Florida auctioneer license under §468.385(1)(a), F.S..

Section 9: Auction School Information (Alternative to Apprenticeship)

If you used an approved auction school instead of an apprenticeship, enter the school name, city/state, attendance dates, and certificate number. Attach the certificate of completion.

A specific example: Aisha Bennett, a Jacksonville exam applicant, writes Reppert Auction School, Auburn, IN, 06/03/2025–06/14/2025, Certificate No. 2025-118.

A nuance: only schools that appear on the Florida Board of Auctioneers approved list at the time of attendance count. The common mistake is enrolling in a school that lost its approval the prior year, which the Board catches by cross-checking the date of attendance against its approval log. The misconception is that an out-of-state auction school certificate guarantees licensure; it only satisfies the education requirement, not the exam.

Section 10: Out-of-State Licensure (Endorsement Track)

List every state where you have ever held an auctioneer license, with the license number, date issued, and current status. Request a certified letter of good standing sent directly from each state board to DBPR.

A specific example: Marcus Reed writes Georgia Auctioneer License No. AU-7788, issued 04/15/2018, active, and arranges for the Georgia Auctioneers Commission to send the certification directly to DBPR.

A nuance: an applicant whose original state license is on probation cannot use endorsement and must apply by examination. The common mistake is mailing a copy of the certification yourself; only original certifications mailed directly from the foreign board are accepted under Rule 61H2-19.005(2), F.A.C.. The misconception is that any other state license qualifies; the originating state must have requirements substantially equivalent to Florida’s.

Section 11: Affidavit of Applicant and Notarization

Sign the affidavit in front of a notary, who completes the jurat with date, location, and seal. The signature confirms every answer is true under penalty of perjury under §837.06, F.S..

A specific example: Maria Lopez signs Maria E. Lopez in blue ink on the line, then her notary seals and signs across from her with date 08/02/2026.

A nuance: an out-of-state applicant may use a notary licensed in their home state under the notary reciprocity rule. The common mistake is signing the form before reaching the notary, which voids the jurat because the notary must witness the signature. The misconception is that a digital signature counts; DBPR’s current revision requires a wet ink signature for the affidavit.

Section 12: Sponsor’s Affidavit (Apprentice and Exam Tracks)

The sponsoring Florida auctioneer signs an affidavit listing the apprentice’s start date, end date, number of auctions worked, and a statement of good moral character. The sponsor’s signature is also notarized.

A specific example: Robert Kim signs and dates the affidavit, lists 14 auctions worked between 07/01/2024 and 07/15/2025, and his notary completes the jurat.

A nuance: if a sponsor refuses to sign because of a dispute, the apprentice can file a Petition for Acceptance of Alternate Verification with the Board. The common mistake is having the sponsor’s spouse or family member notarize the form, which most Florida circuit clerks treat as a conflict of interest. The misconception is that an unlicensed mentor can sign; only an actively licensed Florida auctioneer can complete this affidavit.

Section 13: Fee Calculation Worksheet

The form lists each fee and asks you to total them. For first-time exam applicants, that is typically the $105 application fee, the $50 unlicensed activity fee, and the $105 examination fee, totaling around $260. Reference the DBPR fee schedule on the day you submit.

A specific example: Maria Lopez writes $260.00 and pays by personal check made out to Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

A nuance: military and military spouse applicants pay $0 application fee under §455.213(6), F.S. but must still pay the examination fee. The common mistake is using a money order made out to the wrong payee, which DBPR returns and re-opens the deficiency clock. The misconception is that the fee is refundable upon withdrawal; the application fee is non-refundable once the file is opened.

Section 14: Optional Recovery Fund Contribution

Florida operates a Recovery Fund under §468.392, F.S., funded partly by voluntary contributions. Mark Yes or No and add the amount if yes.

A specific example: Maria Lopez checks No this year, planning to contribute after her first season.

A nuance: contributions are voluntary at application but become statutory if a claim is paid out against the fund. The common mistake is treating the box as required and paying twice. The misconception is that contribution improves Board review; it does not, and the Board never sees the contribution decision during initial review.

Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios

The three scenarios below mirror the most common AUCT-1 filings. Each named filer carries through the entire form so you can see how a real packet looks.

Scenario 1 — Maria Lopez (First-Time Examination Applicant, Tampa)

Form Section	What Maria Enters
Application Type	Auctioneer by Examination
Full Legal Name	LOPEZ, MARIA ELENA
Date of Birth	03/14/1985
Mailing/Business Address	4521 Bayshore Blvd, Tampa, FL 33611
Background Questions	All answered “No”
Apprenticeship	Robert Kim, AU2345, 07/01/2024–07/15/2025
Affidavit Signature	Wet ink with Hillsborough County notary
Fee Total	$260 by personal check

Scenario 2 — David Park (New Apprentice Auctioneer, Orlando)

Form Section	What David Enters
Application Type	Apprentice Auctioneer
Full Legal Name	PARK, DAVID HYUN
Date of Birth	11/22/1998
Mailing/Business Address	200 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801
Background Questions	All answered “No”
Sponsoring Auctioneer	Linda Sanchez, AU1907
Affidavit Signature	Wet ink with Orange County notary
Fee Total	$155 (application + unlicensed activity, no exam fee yet)

Scenario 3 — Marcus Reed (Endorsement from Georgia, Jacksonville)

Form Section	What Marcus Enters
Application Type	Auctioneer by Endorsement
Full Legal Name	REED, MARCUS ANTHONY
Date of Birth	06/09/1979
Other Names Used	None
Mailing/Business Address	1 Independent Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Background Question 6a	“Yes” — 2009 GA misdemeanor theft, withhold
Out-of-State License	Georgia AU-7788, active since 04/15/2018
Fee Total	$260 plus certified letter from Georgia Board

How to File the Completed Form

Florida accepts AUCT-1 through three channels, and each has its own quirks. Pick one channel for the entire packet; do not split attachments across channels.

Online via DBPR Online Services. Create an account at the DBPR Online Services portal, select Apply for a License, choose Auctioneer, and complete the digital AUCT-1. Pay the fee by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or e-check. Processing time is typically 30 days to first review. Save the confirmation page as your proof of filing.

By mail. Print the completed form, attach all supporting documents and a check or money order payable to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, and send certified mail with return receipt to: Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Board of Auctioneers, 2601 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783. Processing time is typically 45 days to first review. Keep the green return receipt as proof of filing.

In person. You can hand-deliver the packet to the Tallahassee headquarters at 2601 Blair Stone Road during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can pay by check, money order, or cashier’s check. The clerk will date-stamp a copy as your proof of filing.

Livescan fingerprints must be done separately at an approved Livescan vendor using ORI number FL920010Z. The vendor charges around $50, and the result transmits directly to DBPR within 3-5 business days.

What Happens After You File

Once DBPR receives your AUCT-1, an analyst opens the file, logs the fee, and begins a completeness review within 30 days under §120.60(1), F.S.. If anything is missing, you receive a deficiency letter giving you 30 days to cure, and the 90-day clock for final agency action pauses while the deficiency is open.

Complete files move to the next Board of Auctioneers quarterly meeting, where the Board votes to approve, deny, or table the application. Approved exam applicants receive a Notice to Appear for Examination with a 60-day window to schedule the test through Pearson VUE. A passing score (75% or higher) automatically generates the license certificate, mailed to your address of record within 10 business days.

If the Board denies the application, you receive a Notice of Intent to Deny with rights to a hearing under §120.569, F.S.. You have 21 days to request a formal or informal hearing. Most denials stem from undisclosed criminal history, not from incompetence in the field.

Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form

Each error below pauses or kills an application. Read them as a pre-flight checklist before you sign.

Checking the wrong application track, which forces a refile and a new application fee.
Listing a married name without disclosing the maiden name, which fails the SSA cross-match.
Leaving the email field blank or using a sponsor’s email, which means deficiency notices never reach you.
Using a P.O. Box for the business address, which violates Rule 61H2-19.005, F.A.C. and triggers a deficiency.
Answering No to a background question because adjudication was withheld, which the Board treats as a material misstatement.
Failing to disclose sealed or expunged records, which DBPR can reach under §943.0585(4), F.S..
Sending an applicant-supplied copy of the out-of-state license certification, which the Board does not accept.
Signing the affidavit before reaching the notary, which voids the jurat and forces a refile.
Calculating the wrong fee total or sending a money order to the wrong payee, which delays processing 2-4 weeks.
Failing to schedule Livescan within 30 days of submission, which causes the file to age out before the next Board meeting.
Using paper fingerprint cards, which the Board no longer accepts under current FBI guidance.
Listing an inactive Florida auctioneer as the sponsor, which makes the entire apprenticeship period invalid.

Do’s and Don’ts

The list below distills field-tested practice from the Auctioneers Board and seasoned filers.

Do:

Do download the AUCT-1 PDF on the day you sign, because revisions can change without notice.
Do answer every background question with a definite Yes or No, because blanks are deemed incomplete.
Do attach certified court documents for any Yes answer, because applicant summaries are not enough.
Do request the out-of-state certification from the originating board at least 30 days before filing, because mail across states is slow.
Do sign in blue ink, because some Board scanners struggle to distinguish original black ink signatures from photocopies.
Do save a complete copy of the packet, because DBPR will not return originals after submission.

Don’t:

Don’t write your auction stage name in the legal name field, because the Board uses the SSA name only.
Don’t try to use a digital signature on the affidavit, because the current revision requires wet ink.
Don’t pay the fee in cash by mail, because cash is not accepted and may be lost in transit.
Don’t list both your sponsor’s address and your home address as “mailing” because only one address can be the address of record.
Don’t omit minor traffic offenses if they involved alcohol or drugs, because those count as disclosable.
Don’t withdraw the application to “fix” a problem, because withdrawal forfeits the application fee.

Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help

Filing AUCT-1 without help is feasible because the form is in plain English and the Board provides direct guidance. That said, applicants with criminal history or out-of-state issues often save money in the long run by hiring an administrative law attorney.

Pros of filing pro se:

Saves $1,000-$3,000 in attorney fees that would otherwise apply.
Forces you to learn the licensing rules you will live under.
Cuts out a middle layer of communication with the Board analyst.
Lets you track your own deficiencies in real time through the portal.
Builds direct relationships with Board staff for future renewals.

Cons of filing pro se:

Easy to misread the background disclosure language and trigger a denial.
No experienced eye on the apprenticeship affidavit math.
Higher risk of submitting the wrong revision of the form.
Limited ability to negotiate pre-deficiency fixes informally.
No representation if the Board issues a Notice of Intent to Deny.
Stress of self-managing the 30-day deficiency cure clock.

FAQs

Is Form AUCT-1 the same form for apprentices and full auctioneers?

Yes. AUCT-1 covers all individual licensure tracks on one packet, with checkboxes selecting which track applies, including apprentice, examination, endorsement, and reactivation.

Do I need to file Form AUCT-1 if I only sell at online-only auctions?

Yes. Florida licensure is required to call bids for compensation regardless of medium, and online-only auctioneers soliciting Florida bidders fall under §468.382, F.S..

Is the application fee refundable if I withdraw?

No. The application fee is non-refundable once the file is opened, even if you withdraw before Board review or before sitting for the exam.

Do I write my full middle name in Section 2?

Yes. Section 2 requires the full legal name, including middle name and suffix, exactly as printed on your government-issued ID.

Should I list my auction stage name in the Other Names Used field?

No. Section 4 captures only legal names used in court or on government documents, not stage names, business handles, or DBA names.

Can I use a P.O. Box for my Florida business address in Section 5?

No. A P.O. Box is acceptable for the mailing address line but not for the business address line, which must be a physical Florida location for service of process.

Do I disclose a misdemeanor where adjudication was withheld?

Yes. Withhold of adjudication still requires disclosure under the background questions, because the Board reviews the underlying conduct rather than the formal disposition.

Can my spouse notarize my AUCT-1 affidavit?

No. A spouse or close family member notarizing creates a conflict of interest most Florida clerks of court will refuse to honor, and the Board may treat the jurat as void.

Is digital signing allowed on the affidavit?

No. The current revision requires a wet ink signature on the applicant affidavit and on the sponsor’s affidavit when applicable.

Do military spouses pay the application fee?

No. Military and military spouse applicants are exempt from the application fee under §455.213(6), F.S., although the examination fee still applies.

Are paper fingerprint cards still accepted?

No. Florida requires electronic Livescan fingerprints submitted through an approved vendor with ORI number FL920010Z, and paper cards are not processed.

Will the Board accept an out-of-state license certification I mail myself?

No. Only certifications mailed directly by the originating state board to DBPR are accepted, and applicant-supplied copies cause an automatic deficiency.

How long does it take to get licensed after filing AUCT-1?

Yes, expect 60 to 120 days. Complete files reach the next quarterly Board meeting within 30-45 days, and exam applicants then have 60 days to test, with the certificate mailing within 10 business days of passing.

Can I change my application track after filing?

No. DBPR closes the original file and reopens a new one when the track changes, which means new fees and a new processing clock.

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