Florida provides several benefits for active-duty military members and veterans pursuing a real estate career. While there is no separate real estate license specifically for veterans, discounts and exemptions are available that make obtaining a Florida real estate license easier and more affordable.
Key Takeaways
- No Special Real Estate License for Veterans, but Financial Benefits Exist – Florida does not offer a unique real estate license for veterans, but military members, spouses, and veterans can access discounts and exemptions, including a reduced initial licensing fee and license reciprocity.
- Gold Coast Schools Supports Veterans with Scholarships – The Veterans to Agents Program at Gold Coast Schools provides a free Real Estate Sales Associate Pre-License Course, covering tuition, textbooks, and expert instruction for veterans honorably discharged within the past three years.
- Multiple Financial Assistance Options Are Available – Veterans can utilize discounted licensing fees, fingerprinting fee waivers, and license renewal exemptions, as well as military-specific scholarships and tuition assistance programs for real estate education.
- Florida Real Estate Licensure Process Is Straightforward – Veterans can complete their pre-licensing education, pass a background check, submit an application, take the exam, and join a brokerage—all within a few months. Gold Coast Schools provides resources and flexible learning options to support veterans in this transition.
Is There a Special Real Estate License for Veterans in Florida?
No, there’s no special real estate license for veterans in Florida. However, there are benefits and discounts for veterans, military members, and their spouses offered by the state and real estate schools.
Support Programs for Veterans in Real Estate
Even though there’s no special real estate license for veterans in Florida, you may receive help paying for your license.
- Discounted Licensing Fee: Active-duty military members, veterans, spouses, and surviving spouses can receive a discounted initial licensing fee. Currently, the fee is reduced to $19.75 when applicants submit the Military Member/Veteran/Spouse Fee Waiver and Military Service Verification Form with their license application.
- License Reciprocity: If you or your spouse (or a military member’s surviving spouse) hold a real estate license in another state, you may not be required to pass the Florida real estate exam to obtain your license.
- Fingerprinting Fee Waivers: Qualifying applicants may receive a waiver for fingerprinting fees.
- Exemptions for License Renewal Requirements: Active-duty service members and their spouses may be exempt from fulfilling certain license renewal requirements while deployed.
For full details on military benefits, visit the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR) website.
Veterans to Agents Program: Gold Coast Schools’ Military Scholarship
Gold Coast Schools proudly supports military veterans transitioning into real estate. The Veterans to Agents Program provides a free Real Estate Sales Associate Pre-License Course for eligible veterans who were honorably discharged within three years of starting the class.
What the Scholarship Covers:
- Full Tuition for the Sales Associate Pre-License Course
- Required Textbooks
- Access to Gold Coast’s expert instructors and resources
To qualify, veterans must provide a DD214 form as proof of honorable discharge within the last three years.
Gold Coast Schools also extends additional discounts for veterans interested in:
- Community Association Manager (CAM) Pre-License Course – Free for veterans
- Construction Exam Prep Course – Discounted rates available
Steps to Get Your Florida Real Estate License as a Florida Veteran
The steps to get your license are straightforward and can be completed in two or three months.
Are you wondering whether it’s worth it? Gold Coast School’s latest salary guide reports that the average income for a real estate agent in Florida is $181,250
Step 1: Complete pre-licensing education
Florida requires 63 hours of pre-licensing education covering real estate principles, contracts, law, and ethics. Gold Coast Schools offers military-friendly options, including flexible schedules and the Gold Coast Veteran Scholarship.
Step 2: Pass a background check
You must undergo fingerprinting as part of your background check. As a military member, your fingerprinting fee may be waived. It is recommended to complete this step before submitting your license application.
Step 3: Submit your license application
Submit your application to the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR). Ensure that you select the correct application, as there are special options available for military members and their spouses.
Step 4: Pass the licensing exam
Schedule your Florida real estate exam through Pearson Vue. Veterans may be eligible for reimbursement of the exam fee.
The test may also be offered at Florida military sites, allowing active-duty personnel, their spouses, federal contractors, and civilians working on base to take the exam conveniently.
Bring the required IDs and documents to the test center on test day. A passing score is 75 out of 100.
Step 5: Select a sponsoring broker
Veterans entering real estate should look for brokers that align with their career goals, especially those who work with military homebuyers or veterans’ programs.
Start Your Real Estate Career Today
Gold Coast Schools has helped over a million students launch successful real estate careers. If you’re interested in a military veteran real estate license, take advantage of free tuition through the Veterans to Agents Program and start your journey in Florida real estate today!