Any licensed property and casualty agent can sell NFIP flood insurance. No FEMA employment or separate federal license is involved. The agent either contracts with a private insurer in the Write Your Own (WYO) Program, which writes policies in its own name, or contracts directly through NFIP Direct.

No binding authority: under 44 CFR §61.13, the agent acts for the policyholder, not for the government or the insurer. No oral binder or contract is effective, and a written binder needs the Federal Insurance Administrator's express authorization. An agent who tells a client you're bound as of today has not bound anything.

Waiting period: unless an exception applies, such as a loan closing or a map change, coverage begins at 12:01 a.m. on the 30th calendar day after the application and premium payment (44 CFR §61.11(d)). An application paid on May 1 starts coverage on May 31.

Flood training: the California Department of Insurance says any licensee who markets flood insurance must complete a three-hour flood training course approved by FEMA, one time during the life of the license. The rule grows out of section 207 of the Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2004. Do not confuse it with the general continuing education requirement of 24 hours per two-year term for property and casualty licensees.