Are you curious about how to become a real estate agent in Florida?
Getting a real estate license in Florida is a straightforward process that includes taking pre-licensing classes, passing an exam and a background check, and completing an application. If you keep your eye on the ball, you can complete the licensing process in just a few months. Before you know it, you’ll be showing mansions in Miami or townhomes in Tampa.
Is It Worth Becoming a Real Estate Agent in Florida?
Before we walk you through how to get a real estate license in Florida, let’s analyze whether you should complete this career pivot. Here are some reasons to consider becoming a real estate agent in Florida.Positive career outlook
The U.S. Department of Labor Statistics projects a steady 3% growth rate for real estate agents and brokers from 2022 to 2032. Everyone needs housing, so real estate agents in Florida will continue to support buyers, sellers, and renters for the foreseeable future.
High salary potential
Many people go into real estate sales because they like being rewarded financially for working hard. According to data collected by Colibri Real Estate School, real estate agents in Florida earn an average of $181,250. Download this helpful guide to learn more about real estate salary data.
Affordable training and licensing
While we aren’t downplaying the financial investment required to become a real estate agent, the process is highly affordable compared with other types of career training or college courses.
Flexible scheduling
You won’t work typical business hours when you become a real estate agent. This career gives you more flexibility to care for family members or even work another job. Part-time real estate agents do well in Florida!
Diverse market segments
Florida’s real estate market is diverse, with everything from luxury beach properties to suburban homes and vacation condos. This diversity allows real estate agents to specialize in various niches based on personal interests and market demands.
No state income tax
Florida doesn’t have a state income tax, which means you can keep more of the income you earn from helping clients with their real estate transactions.
Are you excited about becoming a real estate agent in Florida? Here’s what you need to know about the licensing process
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 transactions. 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 Florida real estate license basic requirements.
You must meet several basic requirements to start the real estate licensing process in Florida.
- Be at least 18 years old
- Possess a United States Social Security Number
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
If you can check off all three requirements, you can enroll in your pre-licensing courses today.
Although U.S. citizenship is not required, noncitizen applicants must have legal permanent residency and a valid U.S. Social Security number to obtain a real estate license in Florida.
Step 2: Complete pre-licensing courses.
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) requirements include completing a 63-hour course from a state-approved real estate school.
Do your research before choosing a Florida real estate school. Make sure you select one with a solid reputation for providing quality education. After all, the information you learn from these classes will be used to pass the licensing exam – and help you serve your clients as a real estate agent.
Another factor to consider when choosing a real estate school is the course format. Some real estate schools offer at-your-own-pace online courses. However, some students learn best in a traditional classroom. If you want to learn from a live instructor without leaving your home, you can choose a livestream format. It’s worth noting that some real estate schools in Florida offer classes in both English and Spanish.
Step 3: Pass a background check.
You must complete a background check before continuing the licensing process in Florida. It’s suggested that you complete the fingerprinting process days before you submit your licensing application.
Applicants can visit a LiveScan location to be fingerprinted. The DBPR also offers fingerprinting services at their headquarters in Tallahassee for those applying for a license regulated by the department. Bring two forms of ID to your fingerprinting appointment.
You can also make an appointment to be fingerprinted at a Gold Coast School location for $83.
For more information about fingerprinting and background checks, visit the DBPR website.
Step 4: Complete the Florida Real Estate License Application.
After you submit your fingerprints, you can fill out the real estate sales associate licensing application. The process begins by creating an online account with the DBPR. Once you have an account, search for the online application.
The application asks for your legal name (make sure you use the name found on your government-issued ID). You’ll also submit your social security number and answer questions about your background.
The current application fee is $39.37. Military members and their spouses may be eligible for a fee waiver.
After you have successfully passed the background check and the DBPR approves your application, you can finally sign up to take the Florida real estate licensing exam.
Step 5: Pass your Florida real estate salesperson exam.
Pearson Vue administers the Florida real estate licensing exam. You can schedule the exam online or by calling 1-888-204-6230. The exam costs $36.75.
Pearson Vue’s Candidate Information Booklet is a helpful resource that answers specific questions about Florida real estate license requirements.
Here are some of the highlights:
- Bring two forms of valid signature identification, one of which is government-issued. (Your name and address must match what was submitted on your application.)
- Bring your Florida Division of Real Estate Authorization Notice and Certificate of Pre-licensing Education Completion.
- Report to the test center thirty minutes before your scheduled examination.
- The exam lasts 3 ½ hours.
- You must receive a 75/100 or better to pass the exam.
- You will receive the results of your exam immediately after completion.
Please note that remote online proctoring is available. Visit the Candidate Information Booklet to learn more.
Step 6: Connect with a real estate brokerage.
Real estate agents in Florida must work under the supervision of a brokerage. Many agents find a broker by attending career fairs at local real estate schools.
FAQs On How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Florida
Here are answers to the most common questions about earning a real estate license in the Sunshine State.
How long does it take to get your real estate license in Florida?
Earning your real estate license in Florida takes approximately 2 1/2 months. However, the more accurate answer to this question depends on how long it takes you to get through the pre-licensing course and how much time you need to study for the exam.
Once you have completed the licensing process, you must find a brokerage to work under before you can start working with clients.
How much does it cost to get a Florida real estate license?
Earning your Florida real estate license costs approximately $750 to $950. Some costs are set, like the exam and application fees, but the cost of real estate courses and exam prep materials varies. However, when choosing a real estate school, look more at its reputation instead of the price.
Do you need college for real estate?
You do not need a college degree to become a real estate agent. However, you must complete a 63-hour course and pass a licensing exam to work as an agent.
Is getting a real estate license hard?
To work as a real estate agent, you must complete your real estate coursework and earn at least 75% on a standardized test. Getting your license won’t be a walk in the park. However, thousands of people like you have earned their Florida real estate license. You can, too – with the right education partner.
What jobs can you get with a real estate license?
With a Florida real estate license, you can pursue various career opportunities, including working as a residential or commercial real estate agent and helping clients buy, sell, or rent properties. After a few years of experience, you can also become a real estate broker, managing your own brokerage firm and overseeing other agents. Other roles include property management, real estate consulting, and real estate marketing.
Does Florida offer license reciprocity?
Florida has mutual recognition agreements with the following ten states:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Connecticut
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Kentucky
- Mississippi
- Nebraska
- Rhode Island
- West Virginia.
This means that real estate agents or brokers from these states can skip pre-licensing education requirements. However, they need to pass the Florida law section of the real estate exam to earn their license.
Helpful State-Specific Resources Are Available
It’s scary to start a new career. But plenty of resources are available to help you earn your Florida real estate license and become a valuable resource for your future clients.
Since 1970, Gold Coast Schools has helped over one million students obtain and renew their Florida real estate licenses. Gold Coast offers the required 63-hour pre-license course in English and Spanish and offers in-person, instructor-led livestream, or online at-your-own-pace courses.
By combining education with exam prep resources, videos, and practice exams — along with a flexible schedule and tuition policy — Gold Coast is a leading Florida real estate school with high pass and success rates.
Next Steps
Gold Coast Schools will be your education partner throughout your real estate career. Upgrade your license by becoming a luxury real estate agent or learning more about commercial real estate. Of course, Gold Coast Schools also offers post-licensing education and continuing education for Florida. And when you are ready to become a broker, Gold Coast Schools can also help you with that.
Learn more about earning your real estate license by contacting Gold Coast Schools today.