Benefits

What benefits are offered to state employees?  See State Benefits page.

What types of training will I receive? The Office places a strong emphasis on providing training for its staff.  Each functional area has established a training timeline, which is specific to the needs of its staff.  The timelines focus on courses to develop knowledge and skills that are critical to the success of the employee, such as interviewing techniques, statutory requirements, examination procedures, computation of interest rates, customer complaints and financial statements. Many programs have been approved for Continuing Legal Education (CLE) and Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits.  As a result of the ever-changing industries, the Office, in conjunction with the following regulatory groups, has developed a variety of training opportunities for staff.

NCUA – National Credit Union Administration

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Professional Licenses and Membership Dues

I am a licensed Mortgage Broker (Investment Adviser, Stockbroker etc.).   Will I be able to keep my license or place my license in an inactive status? No, employees of the Office of Financial Regulation must surrender all licenses associated with the financial services industry for which the Office regulates. This also includes any licenses issued by the Department of Financial Services, Office of Insurance Regulation or the FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) . This policy is to ensure that employees do not have a conflict of interest associated with the industry for which the Office regulates.

Will the Office of Financial Regulation pay for my State of Florida Bar Dues?  If you are employed as an attorney with the Office, Bar dues are normally paid each year (as appropriated by the legislature and at the discretion of the Commissioner).

Do you allow Securities Examiners to sit for the Series 7 exam?  Securities Examiners are not permitted to sit for any FINRA exams.

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Salary

What is the starting salary?  Candidates are typically hired at the position minimum. If a candidate possesses an educational or employment background that the Office deems as exceptional, the candidate may be hired at a salary above minimum. Employees are paid monthly, at the end of the month, via automatic deposit.

Will I receive a raise every year, and at what percentage? The Florida Legislature determines the raises of all State of Florida employees. The Florida Legislature may issue raises to state employees every year, but it is not guaranteed. The annual percentage increase is determined by the Florida Legislature and varies each year. Merit raises may be issued at the discretion of the Commissioner, and in amounts determined by the Commissioner.
 

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Analyst, Attorneys, Examiners, Investigators and Managers are generally required to travel. The amount of travel required varies depending on the position, Division and city of employment. 

Generally the percentage of travel is indicated on the vacancy advertisements under SPECIAL NOTES.

When travel is required, is a per diem granted? See Per Diem.

Do you receive mileage reimbursement for “work related” travel in my personal car? Yes.  The current rate is 44.5 cents per mile. 

As an Examiner/Analyst, Investigator or Attorney will I be provided a vehicle? No.  Use of a personal vehicle is required, however where appropriate, rental cars will be authorized, per state contract.

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Work Hours

The Office of Financial Regulation is a State of Florida Public Agency.  Hours of operation are 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday.  State of Florida offices are closed on nine recognized holidays.  See State Benefits – Paid Holidays

Can I work flexible hours?  The typical workday is 8am - 5pm, although a supervisor may approve alternate hours on a case-by-case basis, if appropriate.

Will overtime be required?  State Law requires that Career Service (CS) employees be paid or otherwise compensated, for any overtime worked.  Generally, overtime or required, however, in critical need situations overtime may be required, but must be approved by a supervisor in advance. 

Select Exempt Service (SES) and Senior Management Service (SMS) employees may be requested to work overtime.

Can I work for the Office and have other outside employment?  Yes, provided it does not conflict with your official duties and you obtain written approval in advance.

Will I be allowed to telecommute? No. Employees are generally not permitted to work from home on a regular basis. However, short term exceptions made be made for special projects, medical or other reasons. 

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Other Questions and Answers

What types of opportunities for advancement are available?  Promotions are awarded to the most qualified individual, and are available when a position becomes vacant. See Position Descriptions and Current Vacancies.

How many weeks is a typical financial institution examination?  One to two weeks on the average.  Large Financial Institutions may take longer. 

When a current employee is transitioned into a new position through promotion, demotion or reassignment and that new position is designated as sensitive, then it is necessary for the employee to be fingerprinted, even if the employee may have been fingerprinted previously. 

Are Financial Investigators sworn law enforcement officers?  No. Bureau investigators conduct criminal investigations but do not carry weapons and have no arrest powers.

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