Florida Real Estate License Quick Info
Real Estate License Types
- Sales Associate License: Sales associates, also known as real estate agents, list properties, carry out transactions, and represent buyers or sellers in the real estate market. They work under the supervision of a broker.
- Real Estate Broker License: Brokers in Florida with prior experience as sales associates have the option to operate independently or manage sales associates. Brokers oversee transactions and compliance with laws and can choose to work under another broker to reduce their responsibilities.
Prerequisites for Real Estate Licensing
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Pass a background check, including fingerprinting
- Have a valid US Social Security number.
- Complete a Florida Pre-licensing Course
- Pass the Florida real estate license examination
- Sponsored by a Real Estate Broker
The Exam
- 100 questions total
- A passing score of 75% is required
- The examination fee is $36.75
License Fees
- Application Fee: A sales associate application fee of $39.37 is required.
- Licensing Fee: A fee of $83.75 is charged for issuing the original real estate license.
- Background Check Fee: Fingerprints and a background check costs between $50 to $80.
Real Estate Schools
Agent Nook occasionally uses vetted affiliates in our links. It costs you nothing and helps to provide more excellent content.
- Aceable Agents Real Estate School: FREC Approved 90-Hour Real Estate Course
Starting Your Real Estate Career in Florida
From the Miami tech scene to warm weather-seeking retirees, the Florida real estate market has been—and should continue to be—red-hot, creating a lucrative opportunity for real estate agents.
Cruising through the Florida real estate license process can be a breeze with patience, dedication, and attention to detail. Follow this guide to fast-track your real estate career and get closer to that first big commission check.
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Florida Licensing Requirements
The Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulations (DBPR) and Florida Real Estate Commission have an extensive application process to ensure prospective agents are knowledgeable, trustworthy, and prepared to help Florida residents with their most significant investments: Home.
So long as applicants meet basic requirements, the balance involves hard work, time, and dedication.
Licensing Prerequisites
- Age: Must be 18 years of age
- Formal Education: High school diploma or its equivalent
- US Work Eligible: Possess a Social Security number
- Background Check: Pass a background check, including fingerprinting
- Pre-Licensing Education: Completion of 63 hours of approved real estate education
- Application Fee: Complete and pay a $39.37 application fee
- Pass the Licensing Exam: Pass the State and National exam covering specific real estate laws and practices
Background Check
To ensure the integrity of the real estate industry, all aspiring agents in Florida must undergo a comprehensive background check, including fingerprinting. This process verifies the good character of prospective real estate agents in Florida.
Character issues that can impact applications include:
- Criminal convictions, including serious traffic offenses like DUI
- Disciplinary actions in any professional licensure
- Financial matters such as liens or significant unpaid judgments
If your past concerns you, complete the background check first and discuss issues that arise with the DBPR. It can save you time and money on future steps.
Pre-Licensing Education
With a clear background check and fingerprints prepared, it’s time to start your education.
Florida mandates 63 hours of pre-licensing education offered through approved providers. Classes can be completed 100% online and cover topics from property law to ethics, preparing agents for the challenges and responsibilities of real estate sales.
Aceable Agent offers a 63-hour FREC-approved licensing course starting at $116. The basic plan includes instructor support and exam prep with a pay-over-time option.
Application Process
Once the 63-hour educational requirement is behind you, it’s time to file an application. Applications can be completed online or by using a printable application.
Applicants can take the Real Estate Exam only after submitting an approved application.
Documents to have prepared
- Application Fee: A credit card or other accepted online payment method for the fee of $39.37 (for paper applications, make the check payable to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation).
- Electronic Fingerprints: Information about the location and date where electronic fingerprints were taken.
- Supporting Legal Documentation (If Necessary):
- Legal documentation for any criminal history or disciplinary actions.
- Any other documentation required for discrepancies or additional information as per Section 2)(d)(i-iv) of the application instructions.
- Official Certified Transcripts (If Applicable): For applicants claiming the pre-licensure course exemption through a four-year real estate degree.
- Certification of License History (If Applicable): For mutual recognition applicants, a certification of license history from the state where mutual recognition is claimed.
The Real Estate Exam: What to Expect
The Florida Real Estate Commission processed your application, and you’re approved for the big exam. Florida provides a two-year window to complete the exam, but it’s best to tackle it while the information is fresh.
Offered through Pearson Vue, the 100-question examination covers a wide range of topics, including real estate principles and practices, real estate law, and real estate mathematics, based on Chapter 475 Part I of the Florida Statutes and Chapter 61J2 of the Florida Administrative Code.
About the Test:
- Sections: The exam covers both national and state-specific real estate knowledge.
- Number of Questions: 100 multiple-choice questions.
- Passing Scores: A minimum score of 75%.
- Question Types: multiple-choice, testing your understanding of real estate principles and laws.
- Duration: 3.5 hours.
- Cost: $36.75.
- Real Estate Exam Booklet
The exam is challenging but fair, and passing it is a testament to your readiness to embark on your real estate career.
Find a Sponsor Brokerage
Agents must have a sponsored broker before a real estate license is issued. So, with the exam behind you, it’s time to make vital career decisions, including finding a brokerage.
Choosing Your Specialty
Real estate is a field with diverse possibilities. Reflect on whether your passion lies in helping families find their dream homes, assisting businesses in securing the perfect commercial space, or managing properties.
Each specialty has its own set of demands and skills:
- Residential Real Estate: Focus on individual or family dwellings, selling single-family homes, condominiums, and townhouses.
- Commercial Real Estate: Specialize in business properties, including leasing and selling office spaces, retail locations, and more.
- Property Management: Manage the leasing of residential, commercial, or industrial properties for investors.
Real estate agents have the added decision of becoming a REALTOR®. Agents are not REALTORS® until joining the National Association of REALTORS®, a membership most prevalent in the residential industry that provides access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)® and benefits like discounted healthcare and legal support.
Finding the Right Brokerage Fit
Choosing a brokerage can significantly influence your career direction and growth. New agents should interview several realty firms and speak with local brokers for market intel.
Take advantage of platforms like Agent Nook to delve into the cultures and strengths of different brokerages. Finding a brokerage that complements your chosen specialty and supports your career goals and development will provide a better path to success.
Post-Licensing Education Requirements
New agents must complete 45 hours of post-licensing education in Florida within the first 18 to 24 months. This further education is vital for staying current with industry standards and regulations.
Networking for Success
A robust professional network can catapult your career forward. Engage with peers, seek out mentors, and participate in discussions. Forming these connections can lead to referrals, partnerships, and insightful advice.
Joining a real estate team can provide instant mentorship and partnerships, helping new agents get up to speed quicker with a lead flow and helping to keep you financially supported as you begin your career.
Final Thoughts
You’re about to embark on an exciting and brave new career. The hurdles may seem exhausting, but by starting today and setting goals for your completion date, you’ll be on your way to the freedom and unlimited earning potential of Real Estate.
Take this opportunity to tell the world. Building a successful real estate career means marketing yourself—endlessly. So, share this post on social media and let everyone know you’re taking the leap.
Then, never let them forget who their new Real Estate agent is. Welcome to the industry. We’re excited you’ve decided to join.
Author: Agent Nook Team
Sometimes, it takes a team. Agent Nook always brings an experienced perspective—or several—into each post. This ensures our readers always have the most up-to-date and relevant information.
