Gov. Rick Scott is interviewing candidates to replace Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty, who is stepping down May 2 to explore "other career opportunities," News 4 Jax has reported.

Gov. Rick Scott

McCarty has headed the Office of Insurance Regulation since it was created in 2003, the Jacksonville station reported, and the position is being advertised as paying up to $200,000 a year. 

Among those who have applied are state Rep. Bill Hager, R-Boca Raton, who is a former insurance commissioner in Iowa, and John Rollins, former member of the Citizens Insurance Board of Governors, now the agency's chief risk officer, the station said.

Scott interviewed two candidates Monday, and four more interviews are scheduled Wednesday with current workers in McCarty's office, the station reported.