How To Become A Real Estate Broker In Florida

What is a real estate broker? What does a real estate broker do?

In Florida, a real estate broker is an experienced agent who takes additional coursework and passes a test to earn a higher-level license.

A real estate broker oversees their own and other agents’ transactions, manages other agents, and ensures compliance with state laws and regulations.

You can’t become a real estate broker unless you’ve earned your real estate license and have the requisite experience. Learn how to earn your entry-level real estate license by reading How to Get a Real Estate License in Florida.

Real estate broker vs salesperson

To be clear, you can work in real estate your entire career without earning your broker license. However, having a broker license gives you more independence, as brokers aren’t required to have someone oversee their transactions.

Brokers can also have additional leadership responsibilities within their brokerage – or open their own real estate company.

Here are some of the additional responsibilities you may have as a real estate broker:

Manage real estate agents: Brokers supervise agents under their brokerage, providing guidance and training, overseeing deals, and ensuring legal and ethical practices are followed.

Facilitate transactions: Brokers help clients buy, sell, or lease properties, often taking a more hands-on role in negotiations, contract preparation, and closing processes than agents.

Advise on market trends: Brokers provide clients with insights into local market trends, property values, and investment opportunities, drawing on their experience and knowledge of Florida’s real estate landscape.

Manage brokerage: A broker may manage the day-to-day operation of a real estate brokerage and ensure the brokerage complies with all legal requirements.

Real estate brokers typically make more than real estate agents. According to Gold Coast School’s latest income guide, the average annual income of a full-time agent in Florida is $181,250. According to Glassdoor, real estate brokers report making an average of $258,000 annually.

How to Get a Broker License in Florida

You’ve already done the work to become licensed as a salesperson in Florida. The good news is that the broker licensing process is similar to what you’ve already experienced. To get your broker’s license, you must take a class and pass a background check and exam. Then, you’ll be able to oversee salespeople in the Sunshine State.

Before we discuss the details, it’s important to note that to become a broker in FL, you need to have been an active sales associate for at least 24 months within the past five years – either working with a broker or an approved government agency.

Can you fulfill this experience requirement? If so, complete your first step in becoming a broker – enrolling in Florida real estate broker courses.

Step 1: Pass the Florida broker pre-license course.

You’ll have the benefit of industry experience when you enroll in real estate school to become a broker. However, the 72-hour broker course covers these familiar subjects in-depth to prepare you to oversee other real estate agent’s transactions. You’ll need a 70% in the course to continue with the licensing process.

Some real estate schools offer live, livestreaming, or at-your-own-pace online courses, so you can choose the best instructional method to match your learning style and schedule.

It’s worth noting that those with a four-year degree in real estate may skip this portion of the licensing process. Submit an original college transcript with your broker application, and you’ll be on your way!

Step 2: Submit your broker application to the state.

Once you register for your class, it’s recommended that you submit your application and fingerprints to the state. Access your account with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Check out these instructions for submitting your application.

The broker license fee is currently $91.75.

Step 3: Get fingerprinted for your background check.

Electronic fingerprinting is a part of the broker application process and should be completed as soon as possible. The easiest way to complete this process is to make an appointment with your real estate school.

Step 4: Pass the Florida broker exam.

Applicants upgrading from sales associate to broker are required to take a 100-question, 3 ½ hour state exam. Candidates can take the exam at an in-person testing center or a location of their choice while being monitored online. You must have the required IDs and documentation to take the exam.

The Florida broker exam covers the following content areas:

• Real Estate Brokerage Business (43%)
• Valuing Real Property (9%)
• Listing and Selling Real Property (6%)
• Contracts (11%)
• Financing (4%)
• Closing Transactions (12%)
• Federal Income Tax Laws (5%)
• Investment (4%)
• Zoning and Planning (1%)
• Environmental Issues (1%)
• Property Management (1%)
• The Real Estate Market (3%)

You must pass the test with a score of at least 75%.

It’s worth noting that Florida has mutual recognition agreements with Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nebraska, and Rhode Island. If you are an active broker from one of these states, you may be able to take a shortened version of the broker exam. Please visit the Division of Real Estate website for more information.

Step 5: Complete post-license training.

Florida requires new brokers to complete 60 hours of post-license training before their first renewal deadline. You must complete this training to keep your license active.

Step 6: Complete continuing education for Florida brokers.

Real estate brokers in Florida must complete 14 hours of continuing education every two years to renew their licenses. Continuing education courses can be purchased as a package and completed live in person, over livestream, or at your own pace online.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Real Estate Broker in Florida?

Once you have the required experience, becoming a real estate broker in Florida should only take three or four months. The longer you think about it, the more time it will take. Enroll in your broker course today!

How Hard is the Florida Broker Exam?

The current pass rates for the Florida broker exam aren’t available. But you know from taking the salesperson exam that you’ll need to study to pass the broker test.

Look for a real estate school that offers excellent exam prep materials and classes. The more you review the material with a Florida real estate expert, the more likely you’ll pass the exam on the first try.

How Much is a Broker License in Florida?

Expect to pay between $1,200 and $1,500 to get your Florida broker license. Typically, at-your-own-pace online courses are the most affordable. Here’s how the costs break down:

• Broker license fee: $91.75
• Broker exam: $36.75
• Fingerprinting fee: $83
• Florida broker pre-license course: $500-$800
• Broker post-licensing course: $500

Some real estate schools may be less expensive than others. However, when choosing a school, pick one with a reputation for providing quality instruction and excellent exam prep materials. You also want to choose a school that will be with you for the long haul – one that offers the required post-licensing course and helpful continuing education options.

For more information, read Cost of Getting a Real Estate Broker License in Florida.

Next Steps

For all your Florida broker education needs, turn to Gold Coast Schools by Colibri Real Estate.

Gold Coast Schools has helped more than one million students obtain and renew their professional licenses since the 1970s.

Our top-rated courses taught by expert instructors are designed to help you pass your licensing course and confidently serve your clients and brokerage.

Get started on your broker license today by signing up for Florida broker pre-licensing courses with Gold Coast.