Thinking about starting your real estate career? Wondering how much a real estate license costs in Florida? The licensing process is more affordable than you might think and significantly less expensive than pursuing a college degree. With a budget of between $420 and $1,090, you can cover everything from pre-licensing courses to application fees, fingerprinting, and background checks.
But the cost isn’t everything. A real estate license opens doors to a flexible career with unlimited earning potential in one of the hottest housing markets in the nation. Investing in your real estate education is not just a financial decision; it’s a step toward a thriving and fulfilling career.
To help you make an informed choice, we’ve outlined the complete cost breakdown, tips for managing expenses, and the benefits of getting licensed.
Key Takeaways
• Affordable Licensing Costs: You’ll typically spend $420 to $1,090 on education, exam fees, and background checks to get licensed in Florida.
• Education Options: Pre-licensing courses range in price, with varying levels of quality and additional resources available.
• Ongoing Expenses: Real estate agents face recurring costs like license renewals, MLS access, and association memberships.
• Flexible and Rewarding Career: Real estate offers a job with flexible hours, entrepreneurial opportunities, and income potential over $180,000 per year, according to Gold Coast’s Florida Real Estate Income Report.
Florida Real Estate Licensing – Cost Breakdown and Timeline
The process of obtaining your real estate license requires effort, but understanding the steps and associated costs will make it feel manageable.
Step 1: Pre-licensing course ($140–$650)
Your real estate course is the most significant upfront cost. Prices depend on course format (in-person or online), reputation of the school, and included extras like exam prep or instructor support.
Real estate school costs vary widely. When buying some services, going with the cheapest price makes sense. However, we encourage you to research before purchasing real estate coursework.
Some real estate schools have better reputations in the state than others. A lower-quality pre-licensing education means you may have to pay more for exam prep materials and test retakes. Plus, some schools offer more services, such as weekly tutoring sessions, career fairs, and extended access to the course content.
Did you know? You can complete your pre-licensing course in as fast as one week!
FAQ: How much is real estate school online in Florida?
Online real estate school costs between $140 to $500. However, not all online real estate courses are the same. Some schools offer online courses in addition to in-person and live online sessions.
Consider choosing an online real estate school that allows you to review complicated material with an instructor for the greatest chance of success on the real estate exam.
Step 2: Fingerprinting and background check ($80-$90)
Fingerprinting is mandatory for all applicants. A clean record is required by Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). It’s suggested that you complete the fingerprinting process days before you submit your licensing application.
Step 3: Licensing application ($62.75)
Begin the application process by creating an account with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The processing timeline can vary depending on the number of applications the DBPR has to process.
Step 4: Licensing exam preparation ($100–$250)
You are not required to purchase exam prep materials to help you study for your Florida Real Estate Sales Associate Exam. However, some students feel more confident going into the test knowing they are well prepared. Some real estate schools offer exam prep materials in their pre-licensing course packages, even providing instructor-led sessions to review the most complicated topics.
It may make sense to pay more for pre-licensing courses that include exam prep materials so you pass the test the first time you take it.
Step 5: Exam fee ($36.75)
The exam fee is paid to Pearson Vue when scheduling your licensing test. Pearson Vue administers the Florida real estate licensing exam. Pearson Vue’s Candidate Information Booklet is a helpful resource that answers specific questions about scheduling and taking the exam.
How much does a real estate license in Florida cost?
Real Estate License Florida Cost Summary
| Cost Item | Low Estimate | High Estimate |
| Pre-Licensing Course | $140 | $650 |
| Fingerprinting & Background Check | $80 | $90 |
| License Application (DBPR) | $62.75 | $62.75 |
| Exam Fee (Pearson Vue) | $36.75 | $36.75 |
| Exam Prep (Optional) | $100 | $250 |
| Total | $420 | $1,090 |
Costs After Obtaining Your License
As a real estate salesperson in Florida, you must pay additional fees to maintain your license and access the resources essential to success.
Membership fees
Joining your local REALTORS® Association and gaining access to the MLS can cost several hundred dollars annually but provides access to tools essential for managing property listings and connecting with potential buyers. The National Association of REALTORS® dues are $156 per member for 2026.
Post-licensing education
The Florida Real Estate Commission requires anyone with a sales associate license to complete 45 hours of post-license education before their first license renewal deadline. There is no grace period, and failing to take this course before the deadline will make your license null and void. Expect to pay between $250 and $400 for these courses.
Continuing education
Every two years, you’ll need to complete 14 hours of continuing education to keep your license active. Most courses range from $50 to $100, depending on the format.
Strategies for Managing Real Estate Licensing Costs
Taking steps to get licensed is an investment, but there are ways to make it manageable.
- Bundle Pre-Licensing Packages: Look for real estate schools offering course bundles that include exam prep with official practice tests and post-licensing courses. These often save money and improve first-attempt success rates.
- Spread Costs with Financing: There are financing options for real estate school. Learn more about Affirm financing, which allows you to make four interest-free payments every two weeks or monthly for up to 12 months.
- Research Discounts: Some schools provide discounts for veterans or offer periodic sale pricing.
- Plan for Future Recurring Costs: Budget for association fees, MLS access, license renewals, and continuing education at the start of your career.
By planning strategically and leveraging available resources, you can position yourself for a successful start in your real estate career.
Is a Real Estate License Worth the Cost? The Benefits of Getting a Real Estate License
Becoming a Florida real estate salesperson requires an investment of money and time. Is it worth it? Here are some of the benefits of getting a real estate license in the Sunshine State.
A flexible lifestyle
Whether you’re juggling family responsibilities, other work commitments, or passion projects, real estate gives you the freedom to set your schedule. Parents, caregivers, or anyone seeking a flexible way to earn money while balancing life will find that real estate accommodates them beautifully.
Many begin part-time, working on evenings or weekends until they’re ready to pursue it full-time.
Unlimited earning potential
How much can you earn as an agent? A lot.
The average income for a full-time Florida salesperson is $181,250 per year, according to a 2024 survey of Gold Coast School’s alumni.
Real estate can be a lucrative choice for motivated individuals eager to grow their careers with the right strategies and training.
Entrepreneurial growth opportunities
Real estate agents operate like small business owners. From setting your hours to building a client base, you manage your career path while working under the guidance of a broker.
Within just 24 months, you’re eligible to apply for a broker license to either lead your own team or start your own brokerage.
Leveraging your license for personal investment
Many real estate professionals choose to utilize their licenses not only to serve clients but also to advance their own investment goals. Having access to critical market data, including property trends, pricing fluctuations, and neighborhood insights, places licensed agents in a prime position to make informed decisions about real estate investments. Whether it’s purchasing rental properties, flipping homes for profit, or securing land for development, real estate agents can strategically translate their knowledge into lucrative opportunities.
Additionally, being a licensed agent often grants you access to tools like the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which provides up-to-date property listings and in-depth market analysis. Combined with negotiation skills and an understanding of local regulations, real estate professionals can save money on commissions when buying or selling their own properties while maximizing the return on their investments. By aligning their professional expertise with personal finance goals, agents can create a dual stream of income and build long-term wealth in the industry.
A thriving market in Florida
Florida’s growing population and thriving housing markets in cities like Miami, Jacksonville, and Orlando create endless opportunities for real estate professionals. Demand continues to rise, and interest rates are dropping, positioning agents for success.
Learn the hot spots and get the latest housing data from Florida by downloading our free Hot Housing Report.
Why Choose Gold Coast Schools for Your Real Estate Education?
Gold Coast Schools has been offering real estate education in Florida since 1970. We provide a range of learning options, including online, in-person, and hybrid formats, to suit your schedule and preferences. Here’s why students consistently choose us over competitors:
- Reputation: Gold Coast Schools is a trusted leader in Florida’s licensing education with thousands of successful graduates each year.
- Comprehensive Courses: From pre-licensing classes to “Exam Cram” sessions, our curriculum sets you up for guaranteed success. Pay your tuition just once and enjoy 1 year of access to everything included in your package.
- Flexible Financing Options: Make your education more accessible by spreading costs with easy, interest-free payments.
FAQs: Licensing Costs and Expenses in Florida
What’s the cheapest way to complete pre-licensing education in Florida?
The most affordable option for your Florida real estate pre-licensing course is often an online program, which can cost between $140 and $500. Choosing a school that bundles exam prep and post-licensing education can reduce your total real estate license Florida cost while ensuring you’re well-prepared for the state licensing examination.
Can I deduct licensing costs on my taxes?
In most cases, you can deduct certain expenses related to your real estate business, such as continuing education, membership fees, and portions of pre-licensing or post-licensing course costs, once you’re an active agent. However, the IRS does not allow you to deduct the cost of obtaining your initial license. Consult a tax professional for guidance.
Do real estate schools offer scholarships or discounts?
Yes. Many Florida real estate schools offer discounts for veterans, seasonal promotions, or bundled course packages. Some also provide financing options, such as monthly payment plans, to make covering the application and exam fees, fingerprinting and background check costs, and pre-licensing course costs more manageable.
How much are ongoing expenses after getting my license?
Beyond your initial real estate license Florida cost, you’ll have recurring expenses such as REALTOR® membership fees (around $156 annually), local association and MLS dues, license renewal fees, and continuing education requirements. Post-licensing courses in Florida typically cost $250–$400, and CE courses average $50–$100 every two years.
What does the Florida DBPR charge for licensing?
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) charges $62.75 for your real estate license application. You’ll also pay $36.75 to Pearson Vue for the state licensing examination and around $80–$90 for fingerprinting and a background check.
Take the First Step Toward Your Real Estate Career
Becoming a real estate agent isn’t just about earning money. It’s about helping families find their dream homes, contributing to thriving communities, and building a fulfilling career.
For affordable, high-quality licensing education, enroll in one of Gold Coast Schools’ comprehensive programs today. Let’s get you licensed and ready to succeed!
Gold Coast Schools is here to help you get licensed. We have been providing quality real estate pre-licensing education since 1970. Our pre-licensing courses are delivered in-person, live online, or online (at your own pace). Some of the Gold Coast School packages include a helpful instructor-led state “Exam Cram” course, making you more confident when sitting for your real estate exam.
Depend on Gold Coast Schools for all your real estate education needs. Contact a team member today to learn more.
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 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.