Ham Radio Licensing

Operation of an amateur radio station requires a license from the Federal Communication Commission (FCC).

There are three classes of license:
1. Technician
2. General
3. Extra
Additional privileges accrue to each higher license class. Each class of license requires passing of an associated written license examination. There is no longer any requirement to demonstrate proficiency with Morse Code.

FCC Ham Radio Exam Sessions in Fort Myers Florida

FMARC sponsors regular FCC exam sessions for all license classes. Exams are conducted by a local team of Volunteer Examiners (VEs). In association with the Laurel VEC, the exams are subsidized and there is currently no charge for the exams offered in Lee County.

Regardless of the exam level attempted, every candidate should bring a government-issued photo ID. Candidates who will be attempting to earn their first license should bring their FCC Registration Number (FRN). Obtaining an FRN takes less than ten minutes and there is no charge for the FCC Registration. You will need to have access to an email account to complete the registration. Visit the FCC web site to register at:

FCC Commission Registration System

Printable Instructions for obtaining an FRN from the FCC

  • Please record or remember the ID (your FRN) and password you supplied to the FCC as you will need those to obtain your printed license later.

FCC Ham Radio Exam Dates & Locations: Fort Myers Florida

The exam sessions are held on the evening of the second Thursday of every month. The exams are held at the (new) Lee County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at 2675 Ortiz Ave. The doors to the EOC will be open at 6:15pm, with the exams starting at 6:30pm. In the event that the EOC is activated (e.g. for a hurricane) at the scheduled time, then the session for that month is cancelled and not rescheduled.

Register Today for Fort Myers FCC Exam

Pre-registration for the exam session (not the same as FCC Registration) is required. To register for a specific session, please click on the Exam Registration Form link below and complete the  registration form no later than noon on the day before the scheduled exam session. No walk-ins will be admitted.

The FMARC VE team makes every effort to accommodate license candidates with physical disabilities. If you believe your exam session will require any special accommodation (e.g. a large print exam) please check the Special Accommodation Box. You will receive a follow-up e-mail requesting additional information.

If you  experience any  issues with the registration form please call Larry at (239) 823-0004, or send an e-mail with the subject “EXAM REGISTRATION – <insert your first and last name here>” to fcc_exams@fmarc.net. Thank you.


BONUS: Free FMARC Membership

Newly licensed hams who pass their first license exam at one of the FMARC exam sessions will have their current year dues with the FMARC waived.


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