How Difficult Is it to Get a Real Estate License in Florida?

How difficult is it to get a real estate license in Florida? Most reports say the first-time pass rate for the Florida real estate exam hovers between 40% and 60%. While these numbers may not sound encouraging, the proper focus, attitude, and an excellent real estate school will help you prepare for this difficult exam.

Here are some challenges people face when working on their real estate license in Florida and tips on overcoming them. We’ll also discuss the difficulty level of classes and exams.

Key Takeaways

Exam Requirements: Florida requires a 75% passing score on the state exam, which consists of 100 multiple-choice questions.
Educational Foundation: The mandatory 63-hour pre-licensing course covers complex topics like real estate law and regulations, but is manageable with quality instruction and dedicated study.
School Selection: Choose a DBPR-approved school with positive reviews, flexible learning options, exam prep resources, and post-licensing support.
Time Investment: With focused effort, you can complete the entire licensing process in as little as 5-10 weeks.

Requirements for Getting a Real Estate License in Florida

Before diving into the challenges, it’s important to understand the basic requirements for obtaining your Florida real estate license. According to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), you must:

Be at least 18 years old
Have a high school diploma or equivalent
Have a valid Social Security number
Complete a 63-hour pre-licensing course from an approved provider
Submit fingerprints for a background check
Pass the Florida real estate exam with a score of 75% or higher
Find a sponsoring broker to activate your license

Florida residency is not required to obtain a license, which means you can complete the entire process online from anywhere in the United States.

A Breakdown of the Pre-Licensing Coursework

The 63-hour pre-licensing course is your first step toward becoming a licensed real estate agent in Florida. This comprehensive course covers essential topics, including the following:

Real estate principles and practices
Real estate law and contracts
Property rights and ownership
Real estate finance
Real estate math
Fair housing regulations
Property management
Real estate investments

While the material can be challenging, especially for those with no prior real estate experience, it’s designed to provide a solid foundation for your career. The course can be completed in various formats:

In-person classroom instruction
Livestream virtual classes
Self-paced online learning

Most students complete the coursework in 4-6 weeks, though accelerated options are available. Some schools even offer one-week intensive programs for those who want to fast-track their education.

4 Challenges Individuals Face When Working on Their Real Estate License

What are the biggest challenges people face when working on their real estate licenses? You might be surprised! (It’s not that the material is too complicated, or the test is unpassable.)

Let’s dive into the most common challenges one by one so you can confidently prepare for your new real estate career.

1. Choosing the right real estate school

Here are some tips on how to choose a real estate school:

Ensure the school is approved by your state’s licensing department.
Read verified customer reviews.
Ask the advice of agents in your area.
Choose a school that offers instructor-led exam review and tutoring sessions.
Find a school that provides exam prep materials.
Find a school that offers flexible learning options.
Verify that the school gives you long-term access to course materials.

Don’t choose a real estate school like you would select a pizza place for your son’s soccer team. When picking a real estate education provider, there are more critical things to consider than price. Instead, look for a school that offers both value and quality.

Finally, ensure the school is dedicated to the industry and offers other resources for growing your career, such as continuing education options and advanced training. If you choose the right real estate school, some of the other challenges ahead of you will disappear. 

2. Making time for your coursework

 Most people begin the real estate pre-licensing process while working another job. We know that your workload and family responsibilities may make it difficult to make time for your coursework. But real estate school lasts for months – not years.

Here are some strategies to help you stay focused long enough to complete your pre-licensing coursework.

Add “real estate school” to your daily schedule. Make that time sacred.
Remove any obstructions that would keep you from concentrating. 
Consider a focusing app that will keep you on task during your studying time.
Clear your schedule of unnecessary events until you pass your real estate exam.

You can get through Florida’s pre-licensing coursework in less than a month!

3. Preparing for the exam

Dedicate a specific amount of time each day to study for your real estate exam. Make a study schedule to ensure you get through all the required material before test day.

Remember that you can take the exam as many times as necessary. 
Quality pre-license coursework and test prep material will help you pass the exam the first time you take it.
Use flashcards to help you memorize real estate vocabulary, terms, and mathematical formulas.

Test anxiety is a real thing for many people. However, the best antidote to being nervous about an exam is preparation. Preparing for your real estate licensing exam will take focus and determination.

4. Finding the right brokerage

 All beginning real estate agents must have someone with more experience oversee their work. In Florida, the more experienced agent is called a broker. 

Talk with several brokerages in your area before signing on with one. Ask about commission splits and training programs. Choose a brokerage with a good reputation in your area.

Pro Tip: Consider selecting a real estate school that offers career fairs as a service to its students. 

How Difficult is the License Coursework?

Your real estate classes won’t be a walk in the park. They will undoubtedly cover complex topics like real estate law and regulations. However, you can learn anything with quality education materials, laser focus, and a positive mindset. 

Don’t look at the course as something you need to “get through” to become a real estate agent. Instead, envision how this knowledge will help you serve future clients. They will look to you for expert advice, so make sure you know enough to help them make the right decisions regarding their real estate choices.

How Difficult is the Real Estate Exam?

Florida requires applicants to achieve 75% or higher to pass the real estate exam. While you might find many online discussions lamenting the difficulty of passing the exam, remember that all of the real estate agents currently working in the state were able to complete this milestone. You can, too!

How Long Does It Take to Get a Real Estate License in Florida?

The timeline for obtaining your Florida real estate license varies depending on your pace and commitment. On average, the process takes 8-10 weeks, broken down as follows:

Pre-licensing coursework: 4-6 weeks
Application processing and background check: 1-2 weeks
Exam preparation: 1-2 weeks
Scheduling and taking the exam: 1 week
Finding a broker and activating the license: 1-2 weeks

Some motivated individuals complete the entire process in as little as 5 weeks by taking accelerated courses and efficiently managing the application process.

Note: After receiving your license, you’ll need to complete 45 hours of post-licensing education before your first renewal deadline. This additional education builds on your pre-licensing knowledge and helps you develop practical skills for your new career.

Frequently Asked Questions about Real Estate Licensing in Florida

How many times can I take the Florida real estate exam?

There is no limit to the number of times you can take the exam. You can reschedule as soon as 24 hours after an unsuccessful attempt, though each retake requires paying the exam fee again.

Can I get a Florida real estate license with a criminal record?

A criminal record doesn’t automatically disqualify you, but you must disclose all criminal history on your application. The DBPR reviews each case individually to determine if the offense(s) demonstrate a lack of good moral character related to real estate practice.

Is there reciprocity with other states?

Florida has mutual recognition agreements with 10 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nebraska, Rhode Island, and West Virginia. If you hold an active license in one of these states, you may qualify for licensure in Florida without taking the full pre-licensing course, though you’ll still need to pass a Florida-specific exam.

What is the cost to get a Florida real estate license?

The total cost is approximately $500 – $1,090, including:

Pre-licensing course: $150-$650
Background check/fingerprinting: $80-$90
License application: $62.75
Exam prep: $100-$250
State examination: $36.75

Ready to Start Your Florida Real Estate Career?

Getting your Florida real estate license is challenging but achievable with the right preparation and mindset. The process requires dedication, focus, and a commitment to learning, but thousands of new agents successfully navigate it each year. By choosing a quality real estate school, creating a consistent study schedule, utilizing comprehensive exam prep resources, and finding the right broker, you can set yourself up for success in this rewarding career.

Gold Coast Schools offers high-quality pre-licensing coursework and exam prep materials to help you become a real estate salesperson in Florida. We offer in-person, livestreaming, and online classes. Amazingly, Gold Coast has a pre-licensing course that covers all the required material in one week. Start the Florida licensing process today by signing up for real estate classes.

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