How to Get a Real Estate License in Florida in 2025 – A Step-by-Step Guide

Steps to Getting A Real Estate License In Florida

 

To work as a real estate agent in Florida, you must be licensed by the state and have a real estate broker oversee your work.

Here are the nitty-gritty details on the FL real estate licensing process to help you get started in this exciting, rewarding career.

Step 1: Meet the Florida real estate license basic requirements

Before you can start the process of getting your real estate license in Florida, you’ll need to meet the state’s basic qualifications:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a U.S. Social Security Number
• Hold a high school diploma or GED

Most people already meet these requirements, which means you can enroll in your Florida real estate pre-licensing course, the first official step toward becoming an agent.

What about non-citizens? You don’t need to be a U.S. citizen or a Florida resident to apply. However, you must have legal permanent residency or work authorization in the U.S. and a valid Social Security Number (an ITIN cannot be used).

Step 2: Complete your Florida real estate pre-licensing course

To qualify for a license, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) requires you to complete a 63-hour pre-licensing course from a state-approved real estate school.

When choosing a school, look for one with a strong reputation. The material you learn isn’t just for passing the licensing exam. It’s the foundation you’ll rely on when helping future clients make some of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.

You’ll also want to consider the course format that best matches your learning style:

• Online, self-paced courses give you the flexibility to study whenever it fits your schedule.
• Livestream classes let you learn from a live instructor in real time without leaving home.
• In-person classroom courses work well if you prefer structure and face-to-face interaction.

Note: Gold Coast School offers pre-licensing classes in English and Spanish.

 

Review Pre-Licensing Course Options

 

Step 3: Complete your background check

Before you can move forward with your application, you’ll need to be fingerprinted and complete a background check, as required by the DBPR. It’s a good idea to schedule your fingerprints a few days before submitting your application to avoid delays.

You have several options for fingerprinting:

• LiveScan locations across Florida
• DBPR headquarters in Tallahassee (for licenses regulated by the department)
• Gold Coast Schools locations – convenient appointments are available for $83

Be sure to bring two forms of identification to your appointment.

Step 4: Complete your Florida Real Estate Sales Associates Application

Once your fingerprints and background check are in order, it’s time to tackle the real estate sales associate application. Don’t worry—it’s less scary than it sounds.

Here’s how to get started:

• Create a DBPR Online Account: Head to the Florida DBPR website and set up your account. This is your hub for all things licensing.
• Fill Out the Application: Use your legal name exactly as it appears on your government ID, provide your Social Security number, and answer a few background questions. Accuracy is key here. Typos can slow things down!
• Submit Required Documents: Provide your completion certificate for the 63-hour pre-licensing course and your background check clearance. Note that it may take up to five days for your fingerprint results after they are submitted.
• Pay the Fee: The application fee is $83. Active military members and their spouses might qualify for a fee waiver. There’s also a fee waiver for applicants with a low income.

Once your application is approved and your background check clears, you’re officially ready to schedule your Florida real estate licensing exam. Think of this as the final checkpoint before stepping into your new career and showing your first home.

Step 5: Pass the Florida Real Estate Sales Associate Exam

Ready to prove your real estate prowess? It’s time to tackle the Florida Real Estate Sales Associate Exam, administered by Pearson VUE. Here’s what you need to know:

Exam Details:

• Format: 100 multiple-choice questions
• Duration: 3.5 hours
• Passing Score: 75% (at least 75 correct answers)
• Cost: $36.75 per attempt
• Locations: Pearson VUE test centers across Florida, including cities like Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville

Scheduling Your Exam:

• Online: Visit the Pearson VUE Florida Real Estate page to schedule your exam.
• Phone: Call 888-204-6289 to book your appointment.

You’ll need your Authorization to Test email from the DBPR, which includes your nine-digit Candidate ID number.

What to Bring:

• Two forms of valid signature identification are required, one of which must be government-issued (e.g., driver’s license, passport)
• Authorization Notice from the DBPR
• Certificate of Pre-Licensing Education Completion

Ensure your photo ID matches the name and address on your application.

Exam Day Tips:

• Arrive Early: Aim to be at the test center 30 minutes before your scheduled time.
• Stay Calm: The exam is computer-based, and you’ll receive your results immediately after completion.
• Retake Policy: If you don’t pass, you can retake the exam as soon as 24 hours later, but you’ll need to pay the $36.75 fee each time.

Study Resources:

• Review the Candidate Information Booklet: It provides detailed information about the exam format and content.
• Practice with Sample Questions: Complete exam prep courses before taking the exam. Save money by purchasing pre-licensing packages that include test-prep materials.

 

Enroll in a Weekend CRAM Review Course

 

Step 6: Connect with a real estate brokerage in Florida

Now that you’ve passed the exam, it’s time to join a real estate brokerage, which is required for all Florida agents. Your broker activates your license and provides guidance as you start representing clients.

Choosing the Right Brokerage:

• Reputation: Look for professionalism and positive reviews.
• Niche Alignment: Match the brokerage to your target market, like luxury homes or first-time buyers.
• Support & Training: Mentorship and marketing resources are key, especially for new agents.
• Culture Fit: Make sure the office environment suits your personality and work style.

Pro Tip: Career fairs at local real estate schools are great places to meet brokers and explore options. The right brokerage sets the stage for your success in Florida’s thriving market.

Step 7: Complete your Florida Real Estate Sales Associate Post-License Course

Before your first license renewal, the Florida Real Estate Commission requires all sales associates to complete 45 hours of post-license education. Missing this deadline will result in your license becoming null and void, so don’t wait!

Course Options:
Gold Coast Schools offers flexible learning formats:

• Classroom: In-person instruction with structured schedules and peer interaction.
• Livestream: Attend live, interactive classes online from home.
• Online: Study at your own pace with full course access.

Completing your post-license education ensures your first Florida real estate license renewal goes smoothly and sets the foundation for a successful career.

 

Complete Your Post-License Education

 

FAQs: How to Get Your Real Estate License in Florida

Wondering how to get a real estate license in Florida? Here are answers to the most common questions about earning your Florida real estate license and starting a career as a real estate agent.

How long does it take to get your real estate license in Florida?

Most students complete the licensing process in about 2½ months, depending on how quickly you finish the pre-licensing course and study for the exam. After completing the steps, you’ll need to join a Florida real estate brokerage before representing clients.

How much does it cost to get a Florida real estate license?

You can get a real estate license for as low as $420. Fixed fees include the exam and application, while course and exam prep costs vary. When choosing a real estate school, focus on reputation and support rather than just price.

Do you need a college degree to become a real estate agent in Florida?

No college degree is required. You must complete the 63-hour Florida pre-licensing course and pass the licensing exam to become a licensed real estate agent in Florida.

Is getting a real estate license hard?

The Florida real estate exam requires a 75% passing score, and the coursework covers key real estate principles and laws. Thousands of students have successfully earned their licenses, and with the right school and preparation, you can too.

What jobs can you get with a Florida real estate license?

A Florida real estate license opens doors to multiple career paths:

• Residential or commercial real estate agent
• Property management, consulting, or marketing roles
• Real estate broker (After gaining experience and earning your broker license, you can manage your own brokerage!)

Does Florida offer real estate license reciprocity?

Florida has mutual recognition agreements with Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nebraska, and Rhode Island. If you already hold a real estate sales associate or broker license in one of these states, you can apply for a Florida real estate license by submitting a state application and passing a 40-question Florida law exam.

Helpful Resources for Florida Real Estate Agents

Starting a real estate career can feel overwhelming, but resources are available. Gold Coast Schools has helped over 1 million students obtain and renew their Florida real estate licenses since 1970. Courses are offered in English and Spanish, with in-person, livestream, or self-paced online formats to fit your learning style and schedule.

Gold Coast Schools can support your real estate career at every stage—from earning your first license to completing continuing education, obtaining helpful certifications, and pursuing professional development to stay successful in the industry.

Start your Florida real estate career today—contact Gold Coast Schools at 1-800-732-9140 to learn how to get your real estate license in Florida and take the first step toward success.

Disclaimer: This guide is for general informational purposes only, based on an August 2024 survey of Gold Coast Schools alumni and publicly available industry sources. While Gold Coast Schools strives for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, reliability, or applicability of the information. Earnings and outcomes vary widely based on factors like location, experience, and market conditions and should not be considered guarantees. This guide does not constitute professional advice. Users should consult additional sources for personalized guidance.