Transitioning from military service to a career in real estate can be both exciting and rewarding, as real estate agents enjoy significant independence and the potential for a good income. However, there are costs involved in obtaining your real estate license. Here’s a guide on how veterans in Florida can cover those costs.
Before we discuss how veterans can get a real estate license, it’s worth noting that the full cost of a real estate license is more affordable than you might expect. Plus, you don’t need a bachelor’s degree to become a real estate agent.
Key Takeaways
- Veterans in Florida can use GI Bill benefits to cover real estate licensing exam fees and related costs. However, eligibility and coverage amounts may vary, so it’s essential to confirm details with local veteran organizations.
- Florida offers significant fee discounts for veterans and their spouses, such as the $19.75 initial licensing fee. Fingerprinting fees and some licensing requirements may also be waived for eligible individuals.
- Organizations like the CCIM Institute, Florida REALTORS® Education Foundation, and Gridiron Veterans Scholarship provide funding options tailored to veterans transitioning into real estate careers.
- Choosing real estate schools offering bundled pre-licensing packages can save on exam prep materials and other expenses. Networking with veteran-focused real estate groups can provide valuable resources and funding opportunities.
Using the GI Bill to Pay for a Real Estate License
In Florida, eligible veterans can use their GI Bill benefits to cover some of the costs of becoming a real estate agent, such as the real estate sales associate exam fees. These benefits (and the amount covered) change periodically, so it’s important that you check in with your local veterans organization to discover current benefits.
Military Discounts for Real Estate Licensing
Some real estate schools in Florida offer discounts specifically for military members and veterans. When researching schools, inquire about military discounts and verify the eligibility requirements.
Additionally, if you are currently serving or have previously served as an active-duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces, your initial licensing fee is significantly discounted in Florida. This benefit also applies to spouses and surviving spouses. The current reduced cost for a real estate license is $19.75. To take advantage of this benefit, complete the Military Member/Veteran/Spouse Fee Waiver and Military Service Verification Form and submit it with your license application.
If you or your spouse (or a surviving spouse of a military member) hold a real estate license in another state, you may be exempt from taking the Florida licensing examination. Additionally, fingerprinting fees may be waived for eligible applicants.
Military service members, their spouses, and surviving spouses may also qualify for exemptions from license renewal requirements.
Visit the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation’s website for more details on the benefits offered to military service members, veterans, and their families.
Veteran-Specific Scholarships and Grants in Florida
Several organizations provide scholarships and grants to support veterans transitioning to new careers, including real estate. Exploring these opportunities can reveal valuable funding options that make earning a real estate license more accessible and affordable.
Here are some scholarship opportunities currently available:
- CCIM Institute Foundation Veterans Scholarship Program: This national program is designed for veterans interested in pursuing a career in the commercial real estate industry.
- Florida REALTORS® Education Foundation Scholarships: While these scholarships aren’t specifically for veterans, undergraduate or graduate students interested in real estate-related careers may apply for them.
- The Gridiron Veterans Scholarship: Gridiron Capital, Wounded Warrior Project, and The Bob Woodruff Foundation offer 1,000 scholarships to Colibri Real Estate School to help veterans launch real estate careers.
Alternative Funding Options for Veterans
Consider these other options if the GI Bill doesn’t cover your preferred Florida real estate course.
- Low-interest loans or payment plans for real estate education: Many banks and credit unions provide specialized loan programs tailored for veterans. Additionally, some real estate schools offer financing options for the required real estate coursework, which often represents the most substantial expense in obtaining your license.
- Employer-sponsored funding: Some real estate brokerages may cover the cost of licensing for veterans joining their team. Talk with brokerages in your area to see if they offer such programs.
Tips for Reducing Real Estate Licensing Costs
Here are some practical ways to save money throughout the real estate licensing process.
Compare schools to find real estate license military discounts
When enrolling in pre-licensing courses, ask about their real estate license military discounts. However, remember that the cheapest option isn’t always the best when choosing a real estate school. You’ll need to pass both a course exam and a licensing exam to begin your career as a real estate agent, so it’s essential to select a school with highly qualified instructors and a strong reputation—even if they don’t offer a discount.
Take advantage of bundled course packages
Look for real estate schools that offer pre-licensing packages that bundle other necessary expenses, such as exam prep materials, fingerprinting (required for licensing), and continuing education courses. These comprehensive packages can save you time and money while ensuring you’re fully prepared for the real estate licensing exam – and your career.
Network with veterans in the industry for advice and resources
Joining veteran-focused real estate groups or forums can connect you with valuable resources, funding opportunities, and advice from others who have successfully transitioned into the industry. Networking is a vital skill for any real estate agent, so start building your connections by engaging with other military veterans in your area who have pursued similar career paths.
Are you wondering if earning your real estate license in Florida is worth it? Check out what salary you can expect at first in Florida – based on data from a recent survey.
Gold Coast Schools offers an exceptional opportunity for United States Armed Forces Veterans. We provide the Real Estate Sales Associate Pre-License Course free of charge to veterans honorably discharged within three years of the class start date. Students must submit their DD214 form to verify eligibility.
This scholarship covers the full cost of the course, including required textbooks. Gold Coast Schools also offers the Community Association Manager (CAM) Pre-license Course at no cost and provides a discount on the Construction Exam Prep Course.
With a track record of supporting over a million students in launching successful careers, Gold Coast Schools’ scholarship program is an excellent opportunity for recent veterans to start a new career without any out-of-pocket expenses. Contact a Gold Coast School enrollment advisor today to learn more about how veterans can get a real estate license without any costs.