Florida Form DBPR FCAM-1 is the Application for Licensure as a Community Association Manager (CAM) that every person who manages condominiums, cooperatives, homeowners’ associations, or mobile home associations with 10+ units or a budget of $100,000+ must file with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation before taking the state CAM exam. The form is processed by the Regulatory Council of Community Association Managers under the authority of Chapter 468, Part VIII, Florida Statutes.
Filing the wrong version, missing a background-check disclosure, or skipping the 18-hour pre-licensure course affidavit will get the application deficient or denied, costing weeks of delay and a non-refundable fee. According to DBPR’s quarterly licensure reports, roughly 35% of FCAM-1 applications are flagged deficient on first review, most often for incomplete criminal history disclosures or missing fingerprint receipts.
In this guide, you will learn:
- 📋 What every box, page, and signature line on the DBPR FCAM-1 means in plain English
- 🧾 Exactly which documents to gather before you open the PDF
- 🖊️ Three full filled-out walkthroughs using real-world filer scenarios
- 🚫 The 10 most common mistakes that trigger a deficiency letter
- ✅ How to file online through DBPR Online Services or by mail, with fees, processing times, and proof of filing
What the Form Is and Who Must File It
The DBPR FCAM-1 is the individual licensure application that lets you sit for the Florida Community Association Manager examination administered by Pearson VUE. Without an approved FCAM-1, you cannot legally collect management fees, prepare association budgets, control association funds, or notice and conduct association meetings for any qualifying community in Florida. The form is governed by Section 468.433, Florida Statutes, and the licensure rules live in Rule 61E14-1, Florida Administrative Code.
You must file the FCAM-1 if you plan to act as a CAM for any condominium, cooperative, homeowners’ association, or mobile-home association with 10 or more units or an annual budget of $100,000 or more. Volunteer board members managing their own community are exempt, but anyone receiving compensation for managing on behalf of an association must hold an active license. Out-of-state managers seeking Florida practice rights also use the FCAM-1, even though Florida has no formal endorsement pathway — every applicant takes the same Florida exam.
The form is distinct from the CAM Firm Application (DBPR FCAMF-1), which licenses the business entity that employs CAMs. A solo manager doing business as a sole proprietor under their own name files only the FCAM-1. A manager who forms an LLC or corporation to provide CAM services must file both the FCAM-1 (for the individual) and the FCAMF-1 (for the firm). Mixing them up is one of the top filing mistakes.
The current revision is DBPR FCAM-1, Rev. 04/2024. Always confirm the revision date in the bottom-left corner of the PDF before filing — older versions are routinely rejected at intake.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
Pull these items together before opening the form. Submitting the FCAM-1 without all attachments triggers a deficiency letter from DBPR, which restarts your review clock and freezes your exam eligibility.
- Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or passport) — DBPR cross-checks the name and date of birth against your fingerprint record, and any mismatch halts processing.
- Social Security Number — required by Section 559.79, Florida Statutes; without it the form cannot be processed.
- 18-hour pre-licensure course completion affidavit from a DBPR-approved provider, signed and dated within the last 12 months.
- Livescan fingerprint receipt from a FDLE-approved vendor using ORI number FL924010Z (the DBPR CAM ORI).
- Court documents for every “Yes” answer on Background Questions 1–6 — certified dispositions, judgments, and any probation completion paperwork.
- Name-change documents (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) if the name on your ID does not match the name on your course affidavit.
- Military spouse documentation under Section 455.02, F.S. if you are claiming the military spouse fee waiver.
- Application fee of $128.75 (this is $50 application + $78.75 unlicensed-activity and licensure fees) payable by credit card online or check by mail.
- Email address you check daily — DBPR sends deficiency notices and exam authorizations electronically, and a missed email costs weeks.
- Mailing address that will be valid for 12 months — your application stays open for one year, and a returned-mail deficiency restarts review.
If you cannot answer any background question without a court record, request a certified disposition from the clerk of the county where the case was heard. DBPR will not accept printouts from CourtView or third-party background services.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
The official PDF lives on the DBPR licensure checklist page at myfloridalicense.com FCAM-1. Always download a fresh copy each time you file, because DBPR updates the form when statutes or fees change, and stale copies get rejected.
You can also complete and submit the application electronically through the DBPR Online Services portal. The online version walks you through the same fields as the PDF but auto-validates required boxes and accepts credit-card payment in the same session. About 78% of FCAM-1 applications are now filed online, and online applications average 14 days to approval versus 30+ days for mailed applications, per DBPR’s published processing-time dashboard.
If you prefer paper, print the PDF single-sided on white 8.5×11 paper, complete it in black ink, and mail it to the address printed on page 1 of the form. Do not staple, double-side, or use highlighters — DBPR scans every page, and marked-up copies fail OCR. Faxed or emailed FCAM-1 applications are not accepted.
For applicants with disabilities, DBPR provides accommodations under the ADA Coordinator’s office. Request a large-print form or screen-reader-compatible PDF at least 30 days before you intend to file.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out DBPR FCAM-1 Line by Line
The FCAM-1 is six pages divided into seven sections. Work through them in printed order. Skipping ahead and circling back is the #1 cause of inconsistent answers between sections, which DBPR flags as fraud risk.
Section I, Box 1 — Transaction Type
The form asks which licensure transaction you are requesting. Mark “Initial Application by Examination” if this is your first Florida CAM license, which applies to nearly every filer. Mark “License by Endorsement” only if Florida has a reciprocity agreement with your home state — and as of 2024, no state has CAM reciprocity with Florida, so this box is almost never used.
How to answer: Check exactly one box with a clean black “X” or checkmark. Do not initial near the box, and do not check more than one transaction type even if you think more than one applies.
Example entry: Carlos Rivera, a recent graduate of a Tampa-based 18-hour course, checks Initial Application by Examination.
Nuance: If you previously held a Florida CAM license that lapsed more than two years ago, you also use Initial Application by Examination — DBPR does not have a “reinstatement” transaction for licenses null and void over 24 months.
Common mistake: Checking both Initial and Endorsement “to be safe.” DBPR treats this as a defective application and returns it without review, costing you 2–3 weeks.
Misconception: Many applicants believe holding a CAM license in Georgia or Nevada qualifies them for endorsement. It does not — Florida requires every applicant to pass the Florida-specific exam regardless of out-of-state credentials.
Section I, Box 2 — Full Legal Name
Enter your full legal name exactly as it appears on your government-issued photo ID and your fingerprint card. Use the order Last, First, Middle, Suffix. If you have no middle name, write NMN (No Middle Name) — leaving the box blank causes a fingerprint-match failure.
How to answer: Print in black ink in ALL CAPS. One letter per box if the form provides character boxes; otherwise, write neatly inside the underline.
Example entry: RIVERA, CARLOS ANTONIO — Carlos writes his name exactly as it appears on his Florida driver’s license.
Nuance: If you legally changed your name (marriage, divorce, court order), enter the current legal name here and attach the supporting document (marriage certificate, decree, or court order). Your fingerprint card and course affidavit must also use the current legal name.
Common mistake: Writing a nickname or shortened first name like Charlie instead of Charles. The fingerprint-record name match fails and your application sits in deficiency until you submit a corrected page.
Misconception: Filers think a hyphenated last name (e.g., Smith-Lopez) needs to be split between two boxes. It does not — write the entire hyphenated surname in the last-name field.
Section I, Box 3 — Other Names Used
List every other name you have ever used, including maiden names, prior married names, and aliases. This box exists because the FBI fingerprint check searches all known aliases, and an undisclosed name can return a partial-match hit that DBPR treats as a misrepresentation.
How to answer: Print each prior name on its own line in the order Last, First, Middle. If you have never used another name, write NONE across the line. Do not leave it blank.
Example entry: Aisha Bennett-Powell, who married in 2019, writes POWELL, AISHA MARIE (her maiden name) under “Other Names Used.”
Nuance: Stage names, professional pen names, and names used on prior real estate licenses all qualify as “other names” and must be listed.
Common mistake: Omitting a maiden name because the applicant “never used it professionally.” Any legal name must be disclosed; omission is grounds for license denial under Section 468.436(2)(b)9, F.S..
Misconception: Filers believe only names used in the last 10 years count. The form asks for every other name used in your lifetime.
Section I, Box 4 — Date of Birth
Enter your date of birth in MM/DD/YYYY format. DBPR uses this field to match your fingerprint record and to confirm you are at least 18 years old, which is the minimum age for Florida CAM licensure under Rule 61E14-2.001, F.A.C..
How to answer: Use two digits for month and day, four digits for year, with forward slashes. Do not use dashes, dots, or write the month as a word.
Example entry: Janet Whitaker, born March 7, 1972, writes 03/07/1972.
Nuance: If your ID lists only a year (rare, but common with some foreign passports), use 01/01/YYYY and attach a sworn statement explaining the limitation.
Common mistake: Writing the date in DD/MM/YYYY (European) format. DBPR’s intake system reads it as US format and rejects any “month” greater than 12.
Misconception: Applicants think DBPR will use the date of birth on their course affidavit if the form is left blank. It will not — a blank field is treated as a missing required answer.
Section I, Box 5 — Social Security Number
Enter your nine-digit Social Security Number with no dashes. Florida requires SSN collection under Section 559.79, F.S., and the number is used for child-support enforcement and tax-compliance cross-checks.
How to answer: Print nine digits in black ink. If you have an ITIN instead of an SSN, you cannot file the FCAM-1 — Florida requires a valid SSN for licensure.
Example entry: Carlos Rivera writes 123456789 (no dashes).
Nuance: If you are a recent immigrant who just received your SSN, attach a copy of your Social Security card with the application to speed verification.
Common mistake: Writing the SSN with dashes (123-45-6789). The OCR scanner reads the dashes as additional characters and flags the field as invalid.
Misconception: Applicants believe they can withhold their SSN for privacy. DBPR is required to collect it and the application cannot be processed without one.
Section I, Box 6 — Mailing Address
Enter the address where DBPR should send paper correspondence, including your wallet license card after approval. Use a U.S. street address whenever possible, as some DBPR mailings are sent via certified mail and cannot be delivered to international addresses.
How to answer: Print street number, street name, unit/apartment number on line 1; city, state, ZIP on line 2. Use the USPS-standard two-letter state abbreviation.
Example entry: Aisha Powell writes 4421 NE 14TH AVE, APT 3B / MIAMI, FL 33137.
Nuance: A P.O. Box is acceptable here, but if you list a P.O. Box you must also provide a physical residence address in Box 7. The wallet card will be mailed to the P.O. Box.
Common mistake: Listing an old address from a prior driver’s license. Returned mail counts as a deficiency and freezes the application until you file a Change of Address (DBPR 0080-1) form.
Misconception: Filers think email substitutes for a mailing address. It does not — Florida statute requires a postal address of record.
Section I, Box 7 — Physical Residence Address
If your mailing address in Box 6 is a P.O. Box, commercial mail receiving agency, or work address, you must list your actual home address here. This address is not published in the public license lookup, but it is used for jurisdictional and service-of-process purposes.
How to answer: Print the full street address including unit number. Write SAME AS ABOVE if your mailing and physical addresses are identical.
Example entry: Carlos Rivera lists 5510 N MACDILL AVE, APT 207, TAMPA, FL 33614 as both his mailing and physical address and writes SAME AS ABOVE.
Nuance: Active-duty military and their spouses may list their permanent home of record here even if temporarily stationed elsewhere, under Section 455.02, F.S..
Common mistake: Leaving the box blank when the mailing address is a P.O. Box. DBPR returns the application as incomplete.
Misconception: Out-of-state applicants believe they need a Florida home address to qualify. They do not — Florida CAM licensure has no in-state residency requirement.
Section I, Box 8 — Phone and Email
Provide a daytime phone number and a valid email address. DBPR sends exam authorization (the “ATT” letter) and deficiency notices by email, so this address must be one you check daily.
How to answer: Write a 10-digit phone number (no country code) and a complete email address in lowercase.
Example entry: Janet Whitaker writes (305) 555-0148 and jwhitaker72@gmail.com.
Nuance: If you change email mid-review, immediately update your contact info in DBPR Online Services. DBPR considers email “delivered” when it leaves their server, not when you read it.
Common mistake: Listing a work email that filters DBPR mail to spam. The result is a missed deficiency notice and an expired application.
Misconception: Filers think phone calls from DBPR will arrive if email fails. DBPR rarely calls — email is the primary channel.
Section II, Background Questions 1–6
Section II is the criminal and disciplinary history disclosure, and it is the single most error-prone part of the form. Each question must be answered Yes or No — leaving any blank is treated as a Yes by default.
How to answer: Read every word of each question. If Yes, attach a separate sheet labeled Background Question Explanation with the case number, court, charge, disposition, and date, plus certified court documents.
Example entry: Marcus Lee, who pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor DUI in 2017, marks Yes on Question 2 and attaches a certified disposition from the Orange County Clerk and a probation completion letter.
Nuance: Sealed and expunged Florida records do not need to be disclosed under Section 943.0585, F.S., but out-of-state expungements may still require disclosure — when in doubt, disclose.
Common mistake: Marking No on Question 1 because the case was “dropped.” A nolle prosequi or dismissal after arrest is still an arrest, and Question 1 asks about the arrest itself.
Misconception: Filers believe a misdemeanor from 20 years ago will trigger automatic denial. It usually will not — DBPR weighs rehabilitation, time elapsed, and relevance to CAM duties under Rule 61E14-1.005, F.A.C..
Section III — Education and Pre-Licensure Course Affidavit
This section verifies that you completed the 18-hour CAM pre-licensure course from a DBPR-approved provider within the last 12 months. The course covers state and federal laws, insurance, budgets, and meeting procedures required by Rule 61E14-2.001, F.A.C..
How to answer: Enter the provider name, provider number (begins with PRV), course number (begins with 9628), completion date, and instructor signature. Attach the original signed course affidavit.
Example entry: Aisha Powell writes Larsen Educational Services / PRV0000123 / 9628015 / 02/14/2026 and attaches the signed affidavit.
Nuance: If your course completion is older than 12 months, you must retake the entire 18-hour course. Continuing education credits do not reset the clock.
Common mistake: Submitting a course certificate instead of the affidavit. The affidavit is a sworn statement signed by the instructor under penalty of perjury — a generic certificate is insufficient.
Misconception: Applicants think out-of-state CAM coursework substitutes for the Florida 18-hour course. It does not, regardless of how comprehensive the out-of-state program was.
Section IV — Affidavit of Applicant
This is the sworn-statement page where you certify, under penalty of perjury, that all answers are true. Sign in blue or black ink in front of a notary if filing by paper; the online portal uses an electronic affirmation.
How to answer: Print your full legal name, sign exactly as printed, date the signature, and have the notary complete the jurat block with seal.
Example entry: Carlos Rivera signs Carlos A. Rivera, dates 03/15/2026, and his Hillsborough County notary affixes her seal.
Nuance: Notarization is required only for paper filings. Online filings through DBPR Online Services use a click-through electronic affirmation that carries the same legal weight under Chapter 668, F.S..
Common mistake: Signing in pencil or with a stamp signature. DBPR rejects both.
Misconception: Filers believe a notary public from another state can notarize a Florida DBPR form. Out-of-state notaries are accepted only if the jurat conforms to that state’s notary law and includes the notary’s commission number and expiration.
Section V — Fingerprint Submission
Florida CAM applicants must submit electronic Livescan fingerprints through a FDLE-approved Livescan vendor. The vendor transmits prints directly to FDLE under DBPR’s ORI FL924010Z, and you attach the vendor receipt to the application.
How to answer: Provide the vendor’s name, the TCN (Transaction Control Number) printed on your receipt, and the date prints were captured.
Example entry: Janet Whitaker writes IdentoGO / TCN F1234567890 / 03/02/2026.
Nuance: Fingerprint results are valid for 12 months. If your application is delayed past that window, you must reprint and pay the fingerprint fee again.
Common mistake: Using ink fingerprint cards instead of Livescan. DBPR rejects ink cards from in-state applicants — they are accepted only from out-of-state applicants who file DBPR Form 0050-1 with the cards.
Misconception: Applicants think fingerprints from another agency (FBI, real estate license, school district) will transfer. They will not — FDLE requires a fresh capture under the DBPR ORI.
Section VI — Fee Submission
The total fee is $128.75, broken into a $50 application fee, a $50 initial license fee, a $5 unlicensed-activity fee, and a $23.75 fingerprint-processing fee. All fees are non-refundable under Rule 61-5.008, F.A.C..
How to answer: Online filings auto-calculate the fee and accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express. Paper filings require a check or money order made payable to Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
Example entry: Carlos Rivera pays $128.75 by credit card through the online portal and saves the receipt PDF.
Nuance: Military spouses may apply for a fee waiver under Section 455.02, F.S. by attaching a copy of the service member’s orders and a marriage certificate.
Common mistake: Sending cash through the mail. DBPR returns cash payments uncashed and the application is treated as never filed.
Misconception: Filers think the exam fee (paid separately to Pearson VUE) is included in the $128.75. It is not — the Pearson VUE exam fee of $76 is paid when you schedule the exam.
Section VII — Affidavit of Eligibility (CAM Firm Only)
Skip this section if you are an individual applicant. Section VII applies only to applicants who are simultaneously forming a CAM firm and want both licenses processed together. Most filers leave this section blank or write N/A.
How to answer: Write N/A in the firm name field if you are an individual applicant. If you are also forming a firm, complete the parallel DBPR FCAMF-1 instead of using this section.
Example entry: Aisha Powell, a solo applicant, writes N/A in Box VII.
Nuance: A sole-proprietor manager doing business under their own legal name does not need a firm license. A manager doing business as Powell Property Management LLC does.
Common mistake: Filling out Section VII to “register” a future firm name. The section is not a name reservation tool — name reservations happen at Sunbiz.org.
Misconception: Applicants believe completing Section VII saves them from filing FCAMF-1 later. It does not — the firm license requires a separate, full application.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
Scenario 1: Carlos Rivera — Recent Course Graduate Applying by Exam
Carlos finished an 18-hour CAM course in Tampa on February 14, 2026, and wants to manage condos for a Tampa property-management firm.
| Form Section | What Carlos Enters |
|---|---|
| Box 1 — Transaction Type | Initial Application by Examination |
| Box 2 — Legal Name | RIVERA, CARLOS ANTONIO |
| Box 3 — Other Names | NONE |
| Box 4 — Date of Birth | 07/22/1992 |
| Box 6 — Mailing Address | 5510 N MACDILL AVE, APT 207, TAMPA, FL 33614 |
| Section II — Background | All six questions: No |
| Section III — Course Affidavit | Larsen Educational Services / PRV0000123 / 9628015 / 02/14/2026 |
| Section V — Fingerprints | IdentoGO / TCN F9876543210 / 02/16/2026 |
| Section VI — Fee | $128.75 by Visa |
| Section IV — Signature | Carlos A. Rivera, 03/15/2026 (online affirmation) |
Scenario 2: Aisha Powell — Out-of-State Manager Seeking Florida License
Aisha holds a North Carolina property management certificate but must take the full Florida CAM exam because no reciprocity exists. She married in 2019 and changed her surname.
| Form Section | What Aisha Enters |
|---|---|
| Box 1 — Transaction Type | Initial Application by Examination |
| Box 2 — Legal Name | POWELL, AISHA MARIE |
| Box 3 — Other Names | BENNETT, AISHA MARIE (maiden) |
| Box 4 — Date of Birth | 11/03/1985 |
| Box 6 — Mailing Address | 4421 NE 14TH AVE, APT 3B, MIAMI, FL 33137 |
| Section II — Background | All six questions: No |
| Section III — Course Affidavit | Gold Coast Schools / PRV0000456 / 9628079 / 02/28/2026 |
| Attachment | Marriage certificate (Mecklenburg County, NC, 06/12/2019) |
| Section V — Fingerprints | Fieldprint / TCN F5544332211 / 03/01/2026 |
| Section VI — Fee | $128.75 by MasterCard |
Scenario 3: Marcus Lee — Applicant With Prior Misdemeanor
Marcus completed his 18-hour course in Orlando and must disclose a 2017 misdemeanor DUI. He attaches certified court records.
| Form Section | What Marcus Enters |
|---|---|
| Box 1 — Transaction Type | Initial Application by Examination |
| Box 2 — Legal Name | LEE, MARCUS DEAN |
| Box 3 — Other Names | NONE |
| Box 4 — Date of Birth | 09/14/1980 |
| Box 6 — Mailing Address | 2218 LAKE UNDERHILL RD, ORLANDO, FL 32806 |
| Section II — Question 2 | Yes (DUI, Orange County 2017-CT-004821) |
| Attachment | Certified disposition + probation completion letter |
| Section III — Course Affidavit | CAM Certification Center / PRV0000789 / 9628102 / 03/05/2026 |
| Section V — Fingerprints | IdentoGO / TCN F1122334455 / 03/07/2026 |
| Section VI — Fee | $128.75 by check #1042 |
How to File the Completed Form
Filing online is faster, cheaper, and easier to track than paper. About 78% of CAM applicants file online through DBPR Online Services.
Online Through DBPR Online Services
Create a free account at DBPR Online Services, select Apply for a New License and choose Community Association Manager — Individual. The portal walks through the same fields as the PDF, accepts uploaded PDFs of your course affidavit and any background documents, and processes a credit-card payment of $128.75. Average online processing time is 14 business days per the DBPR processing dashboard. Your proof of filing is the confirmation email and the Application Submitted PDF receipt — save both.
By Mail
Print the FCAM-1, complete in black ink, get Section IV notarized, and mail with a check or money order for $128.75 made payable to Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Send to: Department of Business and Professional Regulation, 2601 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783. Use USPS Certified Mail with Return Receipt for proof. Average paper processing is 30–45 business days.
In Person
Walk-in submissions are accepted at the Tallahassee headquarters address above between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Bring two copies — one for DBPR and one for date-stamping as your proof of filing. Fees can be paid by check, money order, or credit card at the counter.
Fax or Email
Faxed and emailed FCAM-1 applications are not accepted. Submitting by these channels means your application was never officially filed.
What Happens After You File
Within 30 days of filing, DBPR sends either an Approval to Test (ATT) email or a Deficiency Letter listing items you must correct. The ATT contains your candidate ID and instructions to schedule the Florida CAM exam through Pearson VUE for a $76 exam fee.
If you receive a deficiency letter, you have 90 days to respond before the application is closed. Respond by uploading missing documents through the DBPR Online Services portal or by mailing them to the Tallahassee headquarters with a copy of the deficiency letter.
After passing the exam (75% or higher), Pearson VUE transmits your score to DBPR within 24 hours. DBPR then issues your wallet license and posts your license number to the public License Lookup database, typically within 5 business days. You can begin practicing as soon as your license number appears as Active in License Lookup.
If you fail the exam, you may retake it by paying the $76 Pearson VUE fee again — no new FCAM-1 is required as long as your application has not been closed for 12 months.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form
- Submitting an outdated form revision — DBPR rejects any FCAM-1 that does not show the current Rev. 04/2024 footer.
- Leaving any background question blank — DBPR treats blank answers as a Yes and requires written explanation, delaying review by weeks.
- Using a nickname instead of legal name — fingerprint match fails and the application sits in deficiency.
- Omitting maiden name in Box 3 — undisclosed prior names trigger an FBI partial-match flag and a misrepresentation finding.
- Sending ink fingerprint cards from inside Florida — only Livescan is accepted for in-state filers.
- Submitting a course certificate instead of the signed affidavit — the affidavit is the only acceptable proof of the 18-hour course.
- Paying the wrong fee amount — checks for $125 or $130 are returned; the exact amount of $128.75 is required.
- Missing the notary jurat on Section IV for paper filings — unnotarized paper applications are rejected at intake.
- Listing a stale email address — missed deficiency notices cause applications to expire after 90 days of inaction.
- Confusing FCAM-1 with FCAMF-1 — filing the firm form for an individual license, or vice versa, restarts the entire process.
Do’s and Don’ts
- Do download the form fresh from DBPR’s checklist page every time you file, because revisions change the field layout and fee math.
- Do complete the 18-hour course before starting the FCAM-1, since the affidavit is required at submission.
- Do disclose every arrest, even if dismissed, because Question 1 asks about the arrest itself, not the conviction.
- Do use DBPR Online Services when possible, since it cuts processing time roughly in half.
- Do save every confirmation email and receipt PDF for your records, because DBPR may not have a copy if a dispute arises.
- Do schedule your Pearson VUE exam within 60 days of receiving the ATT, since exam slots fill up fast in major metros.
- Don’t check more than one transaction type in Box 1, because dual-marked applications are returned without review.
- Don’t use white-out or correction tape on a paper application, because altered fields are flagged as fraud risk.
- Don’t submit the FCAM-1 before fingerprints clear FDLE, because the application sits idle until prints arrive.
- Don’t use a P.O. Box without also providing a physical address, since service-of-process requires a real residence.
- Don’t assume out-of-state CAM coursework counts, because Florida requires its own 18-hour curriculum.
- Don’t pay cash by mail, because cash payments are returned and the application is treated as never filed.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help
- Pro of filing pro se: You save the $200–$500 a paralegal or licensure consultant typically charges, since the form itself is not difficult once the documents are gathered.
- Pro: You learn the licensing rules firsthand, which is valuable when you later renew, manage CE, or file complaints on behalf of associations.
- Pro: You control the timeline directly and can respond to deficiency letters the same day they arrive.
- Pro: Online filing is intuitive and validates required fields before you can submit, reducing error risk to near-zero on basic boxes.
- Pro: No third party sees your SSN, background details, or financial information beyond DBPR itself.
- Con of filing pro se: Background-question disclosures involving sealed records, expungements, or out-of-state convictions are easy to mishandle without legal advice.
- Con: Military spouse waivers and reciprocity-style endorsements have nuances that consultants spot quickly.
- Con: First-time filers often miss the distinction between the course certificate and the course affidavit.
- Con: Notarization requirements for paper filings trip up filers who have never used a notary before.
- Con: A denial on first attempt can require formal hearing rights under Chapter 120, F.S., which is best handled with counsel.
Online vs. Mail Filing
| Factor | Online Filing |
|---|---|
| Average processing time | 14 business days |
| Notarization required | No (electronic affirmation) |
| Payment methods | Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx |
| Proof of filing | Confirmation email + PDF receipt |
| Error rate | Lowest (auto-validation) |
| Factor | Mail Filing |
|---|---|
| Average processing time | 30–45 business days |
| Notarization required | Yes (Section IV) |
| Payment methods | Check or money order only |
| Proof of filing | USPS Certified Mail receipt |
| Error rate | Higher (no validation) |
FAQs
Is the DBPR FCAM-1 the same form for individuals and firms?
No. Individuals file the FCAM-1; business entities providing CAM services file the separate FCAMF-1. Solo managers using their own legal name file only the FCAM-1.
Do I need to take the 18-hour course before applying?
Yes. The course affidavit must be attached to the FCAM-1 at submission, and the course must have been completed within the last 12 months from a DBPR-approved provider.
Can I file the FCAM-1 if I live outside Florida?
Yes. Florida has no residency requirement, but every applicant must take the Florida CAM exam regardless of out-of-state credentials, and fingerprints must be processed through FDLE.
Do I write my maiden name or married name in Box 2?
No maiden name in Box 2. Box 2 takes your current legal name. List your maiden name and any prior names in Box 3 (“Other Names Used”) so the FBI fingerprint check matches correctly.
Do I have to disclose a juvenile arrest in Section II?
No if the record was sealed or expunged under Florida law. Yes if the record is still accessible — when in doubt, disclose and attach the certified disposition.
Should I leave Box 3 blank if I have no other names?
No. Write NONE on the line. Blank fields are treated as missing answers and trigger a deficiency.
Is the $128.75 fee refundable if I withdraw?
No. All DBPR application and fingerprint fees are non-refundable under Rule 61-5.008, F.A.C., even if you withdraw the day after filing.
Can I use ink fingerprint cards instead of Livescan?
No for in-state applicants. Florida residents must use a FDLE-approved Livescan vendor. Out-of-state applicants may use ink cards with DBPR Form 0050-1.
Does my prior real estate license count toward CAM licensure?
No. A Florida real estate license does not exempt you from the CAM 18-hour course, exam, or fingerprint requirements, although the subjects overlap.
Will a 10-year-old misdemeanor automatically disqualify me?
No. DBPR weighs rehabilitation, time elapsed, and relevance to CAM duties under Rule 61E14-1.005, F.A.C.. Most non-violent misdemeanors do not result in denial.
Do I need to fill out Section VII as an individual applicant?
No. Section VII applies only to firms. Write N/A in the firm-name field if you are an individual applicant.
Can I submit the FCAM-1 by email or fax?
No. DBPR accepts FCAM-1 applications only through the online portal, by mail, or in person. Faxed and emailed applications are not officially filed.
How long is my application valid after filing?
Yes, it stays open for 12 months from the date DBPR receives it. If you do not pass the exam within that window, you must file a new FCAM-1 and pay the fees again.
Do I list a P.O. Box or a street address in Box 6?
Yes, a P.O. Box is allowed in Box 6, but you must also provide a physical residence address in Box 7 so DBPR has a service-of-process address on file.
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