You have a thriving real estate business in your home state, but the sunny skies in Florida are calling to you. You may wonder, “Can I transfer my real estate license to Florida?” The quick answer to this question is “yes.” However, since this subject involves state-specific licensing, the real answer to your licensing question is more nuanced.
Key Takeaways
- Florida has mutual recognition agreements with ten states: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nebraska, Rhode Island, and West Virginia.
- Agents from these states can transfer their licenses without pre-licensing education but must pass the Florida law portion of the real estate exam.
- New York and Texas Agents must go through the complete Florida licensing process. This includes taking the required pre-licensing courses and passing the Florida real estate exam, although relevant real estate experience can be applied to obtaining a broker’s license.
Brief Overview of Real Estate Licensing Reciprocity
Real estate licensing reciprocity is a system that allows real estate professionals to obtain a license in one state based on their licensing credentials in another state, often with reduced requirements or streamlined processes. This system makes it easier for real estate agents to move.
It’s important to know that real estate license reciprocity varies by state. Some states have broad reciprocity agreements, while others may have none — or minimal arrangements.
Here are the different types of reciprocity:
Full reciprocity
States with full reciprocity agreements allow agents and brokers to transfer their licenses from one state to another without additional education or examination requirements. This licensing system is relatively rare.
Partial reciprocity
Most states offer partial reciprocity. This may include completing a state-specific real estate law course or passing the state’s portion of the real estate exam.
Mutual recognition
Some states engage in mutual recognition agreements, where each state recognizes the other’s licensing credentials, but agents might still need to meet specific requirements or take additional courses.
Non-reciprocal states
A few states do not offer reciprocity or have very stringent requirements for out-of-state licensees, often necessitating full compliance with all state licensing requirements, including education and exams.
What States Have Reciprocity With a Florida Real Estate License?
Florida has mutual recognition agreements with the following ten states:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Connecticut
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Kentucky
- Mississippi
- Nebraska
- Rhode Island
- West Virginia
This means that real estate agents or brokers from these states can skip pre-licensing education requirements. However, they need to pass the Florida law section of the real estate exam. For more information, visit the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation website.
Can I transfer my real estate license from NY to FL?
Florida does not have full reciprocity with New York, so you must go through the entire licensing process to become a real estate agent in Florida. However, a licensed real estate sales associate or broker with at least 24 active months of real estate experience during the preceding five years in another state may apply the experience toward a Florida broker’s license.
To use that experience toward a broker license, you must submit a current certification of license history from New York, which contains your initial license exam type, current license status, disciplinary information, and experience information.
Even with experience, you must take the required pre-licensing courses for your Florida broker license and complete the broker licensing exam.
If you don’t want to use your New York real estate experience to become a Florida broker, you must complete the Florida pre-licensing process and pass the salesperson exam.
Of course, background checks are also required for Florida real estate professionals.
Can I transfer my real estate license from TX to FL?
Florida does not have full reciprocity with Texas, so you must go through the real estate licensing process to become a real estate agent in Florida if you move there from Texas. However, a licensed real estate sales associate or broker in Texas with at least 24 active months of real estate experience during the preceding five years may apply the experience toward a Florida broker’s license.
To use that experience toward a broker license, you must submit a current certification of license history from Texas, which contains your initial license exam type, current license status, disciplinary information, and experience information.
Even with experience, you must take the required pre-licensing courses for your Florida broker license and complete the broker licensing exam.
If you don’t want to use your Texas real estate experience to become a Florida broker, you must complete Florida real estate classes to earn your salesperson license.
Related article: How Much Is a Real Estate License in Florida?
Help With Florida Real Estate License Reciprocity
Are you ready to become a real estate agent in Florida? If you are a licensed real estate agent from Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nebraska, Rhode Island, or West Virginia, you must pass a portion of the real estate licensing exam. Enroll in Gold Coast School’s Florida Real Estate Mutual Recognition Exam Prep Course. This course will prepare you to pass the required law portion of the Florida real estate exam.
If you are a real estate agent from another state, consider Gold Coast School’s online sales associate or broker licensing courses. They are affordable, fast, and will prepare you for the real estate exam. You’ll be working in the thriving Florida real estate industry in no time.
Do you have additional questions about Florida real estate license reciprocity or how to get your license? Contact licensing experts at Gold Coast Schools today.