Have you been thinking about a new career with more flexibility, control over your income, and the chance to be your own boss? If so, becoming a real estate agent in Florida might be the perfect next step for you. The great news is, you don’t need a four-year degree to get started.
This post will walk you through everything you need to know about getting your real estate license in Florida without a college degree. We’ll cover the state’s educational requirements, the step-by-step licensing process, and the opportunities available for career growth.
Key Takeaways
- No College Degree Required: You do not need a college degree to get your real estate license in Florida. The main educational requirement is a 63-hour pre-licensing course from an approved school.
- Clear Licensing Path: The process involves completing your pre-licensing course, passing a background check, submitting an application to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), and passing the state exam.
- Affordable and Flexible Career: Becoming a real estate agent is much faster and more affordable than earning a four-year degree. You can complete the entire process in just a few months.
- Continuous Growth Is Key: While a degree isn’t mandatory, your education doesn’t stop after getting licensed. Florida requires post-licensing and continuing education to keep your license active and your skills sharp.
Understanding Florida’s Real Estate Educational Requirements
To work as a real estate agent in Florida, you must have a state-issued license. While you don’t need a college degree to earn it, there are a few important prerequisites you must meet.
What are the basic requirements to become a real estate agent in Florida?
To be eligible for a Florida real estate license, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have a high school diploma or its equivalent (GED).
- Have a valid U.S. Social Security number.
You don’t need to be a U.S. citizen, but non-citizens must be eligible to work in the U.S.
Florida Real Estate License Educational Requirements
The primary educational requirement is to successfully complete a 63-hour pre-licensing course from a school approved by the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC). This course covers a wide range of topics, including real estate law and principles, as well as practices and ethics.
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) oversees the licensing process and has a few exceptions for this course requirement. You don’t have to take the 63-hour class if you’re a Florida attorney in good standing with the Florida Bar or if you’ve earned a four-year degree or higher in real estate from an accredited college or university.
For everyone else, completing this course is a mandatory first step.
Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining Your Florida Real Estate License
Ready to start your new career? Here’s a detailed guide to becoming a licensed real estate agent in Florida.
Step 1: Complete the mandatory 63-hour pre-licensing course
The first step is to enroll in and complete a 63-hour pre-licensing course from a FREC-approved real estate school.
Step 2: Pass a background check
Before you can get your license, you must submit your fingerprints for a background check. It’s a good idea to complete this task a few days before submitting your license application. You can get fingerprinted at an approved LiveScan location, and Gold Coast Schools offers this service at our campuses.
Step 3: Submit your application to the DBPR
With your fingerprints submitted, the next step is to complete the real estate sales associate licensing application on the DBPR website. The process is straightforward and typically only takes a few minutes to complete.
Step 4: Pass the Florida real estate exam
The final hurdle is the Florida real estate exam. This 100-question, multiple-choice test is administered by Pearson VUE and covers everything you learned in your pre-licensing course. You need a score of 75% or higher to pass. Choosing a school that offers comprehensive exam prep resources is crucial to your success.
Step 5: Choose a broker to work with
Once you pass the exam, you need to find a licensed broker to work under. Real estate agents are required to be supervised by a broker who has an advanced license and more experience in the field. Some real estate schools host full-time to help connect new agents with hiring brokerages.
Advantages of a Real Estate Career Without a College Degree
Choosing a career in real estate offers several advantages over a traditional four-year degree path.
It’s a faster path to a new career
Earning a college degree can take four years or more, but you can get your real estate license in just a few months. Many aspiring agents complete their coursework while still working full-time, making the transition smooth and manageable.
It’s more affordable than college
The cost of getting your real estate license is significantly lower than college tuition. You can expect to spend less than $1,000 on the entire process, which includes course fees, the exam, and licensing. Some schools even offer financing options to make it more accessible.
Additional Educational and Certification Opportunities
While a degree isn’t required, the most successful agents are committed to lifelong learning. Here are a few ways you can continue to grow your skills and advance your career.
Post-licensing and continuing education
Florida requires all new agents to complete 45 hours of post-licensing education before their first license renewal. After that, you’ll need to complete 14 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain your license.
Advanced certifications
Earning specialized certifications can help you stand out and increase your earning potential.
- Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist™ (CLHMS): This designation from The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing provides expert training on marketing high-end properties.
- Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE): Offered by the Real Estate Negotiation Institute (RENI), this certification equips you with advanced strategies to secure better deals for your clients.
Gold Coast Schools also offers specialized courses, such as our one-day Property Management Course, to help you explore different career paths within the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions and Common Concerns
How long does it take to get a real estate license in Florida?
The timeline can vary, but most students complete the process in 2–3 months. It depends on how quickly you finish the pre-licensing course and pass the exam. Gold Coast Schools has a one-week pre-licensing course.
How difficult is the Florida real estate exam?
The pass rate for the Florida salesperson exam is approximately 50%, which is why selecting a school with strong exam preparation materials and instructor support is crucial. With proper preparation, you can feel confident going into the exam.
How do I choose the right broker?
Look for a brokerage that offers strong training programs, mentorship opportunities, and a supportive culture that aligns with your career goals. Attending career fairs is a great way to meet local brokers.
Get Started With Gold Coast Schools Today
Choosing to pursue a real estate license in Florida with no college degree is a smart move toward a rewarding and flexible career. With the right education and support, you can build a successful business on your own terms.
At Gold Coast Schools, we’re dedicated to your success. Here’s why more than a million students have trusted us over the past 50+ years:
- Flexible Learning Options: Choose from in-person classes at our 6 Florida locations, interactive livestream courses, or self-paced online learning.
- Expert Instructors: Learn from local industry experts who are committed to helping you pass the exam and succeed in your career.
- Proven Success: Our tagline is “The Proof is in the Passing.” We offer comprehensive exam prep and tutoring to ensure you feel confident on test day.
- Bilingual Support: We offer courses and support in both English and Spanish to serve our diverse student community.
- Career-Spanning Support: From pre-licensing to continuing education and career fairs, we’re your partner for your entire real estate journey.
Ready to take the first step? Explore our real estate courses and start your journey with Gold Coast Schools today!
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