Gold Coast delivers what CE Shop doesn’t: Florida-focused education, local instructors, and flexible course formats that support real career success.
Explore the key differences below and see why over 1 million real estate professionals trust Gold Coast to launch their careers.
Explore the Full Comparison Below
| Feature | Gold Coast Schools | The CE Shop |
| Years in Florida | 55+ years; founded in 1970 | Began offering Florida licensing in 2016 |
| Course Delivery | In-person, livestream, and self-paced online | Self-paced online only |
| Florida Market Insight | Taught by local instructors with experience in the Florida real estate market | Uses nationally developed content approved for Florida |
| Live Instruction | Yes, live in-person and livestream classes with real-time interaction and tutoring | No, all courses are self-paced online |
| Career Support | Includes career fairs and brokerage partnerships to help you get hired | No career placement support offered |
| Spanish Course Offering | In-person, livestream, online, and CRAM review courses available in Spanish | Courses available in English only |
| Exam Prep & Pass Support | Livestream CRAM review course, tutoring | Self-assessments only |
| Course Access | 2 years access to in-person and livestream courses; 1 year access to online courses | Typically, 6 months |
| Ratings | 4.9/5 (8K+ Google Reviews) | 4.7/5 (1K Google Reviews) |
A Real Estate School Built for Florida—Trusted for Over 55 Years
With over 55 years of experience and nearly 1 million professionals trained, Gold Coast Schools has helped launch successful real estate careers across the state—earning the trust of generations and setting the standard for Florida real estate education.
The CE Shop, which entered the Florida market in 2016, offers self-paced online courses developed at the national level, with no live instruction or Florida-based educators.
Gold Coast takes a different approach. Our programs are built specifically for Florida’s licensing requirements and housing market—delivered by local instructors and supported through flexible learning formats including in-person, livestream, and online options. We also offer Spanish-language courses, exam prep resources, and career connections through brokerage partnerships.
It’s a complete learning experience, designed not just to help you pass the exam, but to build long-term success in Florida’s real estate industry.
Learn About Our Florida Legacy<
What Our Students Are Saying:
“Such a great class, I have nothing but wonderful things to say about my experience here. Very knowledgeable and very passionate for teaching us, passed with a 90 with his great energy!” — See Allysa C.’s full Yelp review
Read Allysa C.‘s review of Gold Coast Schools on Yelp
More Ways to Learn, More Ways to Succeed
Gold Coast Schools offers flexible learning formats designed to fit your schedule, your goals, and how you learn best. While The CE Shop provides self-paced online courses only, Gold Coast gives you the option to learn in person, via livestream, or through self-paced study—available in both English and Spanish.
When you enroll at Gold Coast, you can choose from three distinct formats:
- In-person: Six locations across Florida, providing hands-on learning and direct instructor interaction
- Boca Raton
- Doral (South Miami)
- East Orlando
- North Miami
- West Orlando
- Satellite Location: Kissimmee
- Livestream: Structured, remote learning that brings the classroom experience to your home in real time
- Online: Self-paced courses that allow you to study anytime, anywhere, at your own convenience
We also offer classes in the morning, evening, and on weekends, with both accelerated and extended pacing options. No matter your schedule or learning style, Gold Coast provides the flexibility and support to help you succeed in Florida’s real estate market.
What Our Students Are Saying:
Read Logan A.‘s review of Gold Coast Schools on Yelp
Learn from Florida-Based Real Estate Experts
Gold Coast’s courses are led by licensed Florida real estate professionals who bring current, real-world experience into the classroom. Whether you choose in-person, livestream, or online formats, you’re learning from experts who know Florida’s laws, contracts, and market dynamics firsthand.
The CE Shop does not offer live instruction or Florida-based educators. Its courses are self-paced and developed at the national level.
Here’s what sets Gold Coast’s instructors apart:
- Active Industry Professionals: All instructors are licensed Florida real estate professionals with up-to-date knowledge of the market.
- Engaging and Accessible: Instructors are chosen for both their expertise and their ability to explain complex topics clearly and effectively.
- Built-in Support: Weekly tutoring sessions and live Q&As give students direct access to additional help and guidance.
- State-Aligned Instruction: Courses follow Florida DBPR-approved content and meet all state licensing requirements.
At Gold Coast, you’re not just preparing for the exam—you’re learning from professionals who know what it takes to succeed in Florida real estate.
What Our Students Are Saying:
“I just finished the 7-day version of the 63-hour Sales Associate course and I am happy to say I have successfully completed the course and passed the course exam! My instructor Jose Rodriguez was wonderful and extremely informative not only with the course material but all various processes and information being in the Real Estate industry. Moreover, his informative teaching style, he truly made the class such a great upbeat atmosphere in a course that can feel like information overload. Thank you Jose and Gold Coast!” – Heather L. Yelp Review
Read Heather L.‘s review of Gold Coast Schools on Yelp
Real-Time Guidance from Experienced Instructors
Gold Coast Schools offers live instruction, weekly tutoring, and direct access to experienced Florida-based educators. Students also benefit from interactive Q&A sessions, CRAM review options, course repeats, and support in both English and Spanish—all designed to help you stay confident and fully prepared.
The CE Shop offers a fully self-paced, online format. While students have access to 7-day customer support, self-assessments, and an online resource center, there is no live instruction or interaction with licensed Florida instructors.
Whether you’re learning in person or online, Gold Coast delivers the structure, support, and local expertise needed to succeed in Florida real estate.
What Our Students Are Saying:
“Marilyn is by far one of the very best instructors. The way she taught the entire textbook with such funny examples and analogies made everything just easily sink in.” — Robyn P., Yelp Review
Read Robyn P.‘s review of Gold Coast Schools on Yelp
Get Licensed—and Get Hired
At Gold Coast Schools, your journey doesn’t end with passing the licensing exam; it starts there. We provide more than education. We open doors to real career opportunities. Through exclusive career fairs, brokerage networking events, and alumni meetups, we connect you directly with top Florida real estate firms actively seeking new talent.
The CE Shop does not advertise job placement or brokerage partnerships, making Gold Coast a clear choice for those seeking both education and career opportunities.
Choosing Gold Coast means choosing a professional network that stays with you throughout your career. Our team will help you transition smoothly from education to employment. Start here; succeed anywhere.
What Our Students Are Saying:
“Gold Coast is a one stop shop, no need for any other courses or cram course or any other expenses needed to make. Also because of Gold Coast School many Brokerage are contacting me for employment even before taking my State Exam.” – Lar W. Yelp Review
Read Lar W.‘s review of Gold Coast Schools on Yelp
Serving Florida’s Spanish-Speaking Real Estate Community
Gold Coast Schools is proud to support Florida’s Spanish-speaking real estate community by offering comprehensive bilingual learning opportunities. With Spanish-language courses designed for every stage of your career, we ensure that language is never a barrier to your success. Our dedicated support teams are here to guide you every step of the way, from enrollment to career advancement.
While The CE Shop offers instruction exclusively in English, Gold Coast Schools provides bilingual course options to help our students thrive in the state’s multicultural marketplace. Whether you’re just starting your real estate career or building on years of experience, our courses and support network are tailored to meet your needs.
What Our Students Are Saying:
“Muy satisfecho con el contenido, con la materia impartida y con la pedagogía y el profesionalismo de los profesores. Excellent 1-A. Gracias Gold Coast School.” — Nemesio M., Yelp Review (Spanish)
Read Nemesio M.‘s review of Gold Coast Schools on Yelp
Comprehensive Exam Prep, Built for Florida Law
Passing your licensing exam is a critical milestone, and Gold Coast Schools is here to help you succeed. Our exam prep is tailored specifically to Florida law, with tools and resources designed to simplify complex topics and build your confidence.
We offer:
- Live CRAM review sessions
- One-on-one tutoring
- Weekly mentoring and support
- Exclusive, Florida-focused textbooks
All materials are regularly updated to reflect the latest state requirements, and we’ve helped nearly 1 million students to date.
The CE Shop emphasizes online self-assessments and practice tests, while Gold Coast provides comprehensive, Florida-specific exam preparation. In compliance with Florida law, Gold Coast does not advertise unverifiable pass rates and remains committed to transparency. The CE Shop shares national pass rates without disclosing Florida-specific results.
Gold Coast Schools ensures you’re not just prepared for an exam but equipped for long-term success as a real estate professional. Trust us to provide the personal support, targeted tools, and expertise to help you reach your goals.
Course Access: 2 Years of Flexibility vs. 6 Months
Gold Coast Schools understands that career advancement often has to fit around your busy life. That’s why we offer two full years of course access to our classroom and livestream courses and one year access for self-paced courses. This extended timeline gives you the freedom to study on your terms, without the pressure of rushing through material.
By comparison, CE Shop typically limits course access to 6 months, a format they position as standard for their ‘self-paced online real estate education.’ While this shorter timeline may suit some, it leaves little room for unexpected delays or the ability to review content thoroughly before taking the licensing exam.
Gold Coast’s generous access policy supports students who need extra time or prefer to move at a steady pace to fully grasp key concepts. It’s real flexibility—designed to help you succeed.
Choose Gold Coast Schools for a flexible learning experience that works for your schedule and sets you up for success, no matter where life takes you.
Learn More About Course Access
What Our Students Are Saying:
“Gold Coast has a Best-of-Both-Worlds policy where we allow online students to sit in class and review at no charge… They also provide full support from online instructors who are dedicated to answering questions.” — Yana S., Yelp Q&A
See Why Students Trust Gold Coast
Preparing for your real estate career should leave you feeling confident, supported, and ready to succeed. At Gold Coast Schools, students rave about the personalized support from instructors, focused preparation that ensures exam-day confidence, and the flexibility to learn at their own pace. Explore why so many trust Gold Coast to help them pass on the first try and build a foundation for long-term success.
Read Charles E.‘s review of Gold Coast Schools on Yelp
FAQ: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Q: Is Gold Coast Schools accredited?
A: Yes, Gold Coast Schools is state-approved and ARELLO-certified. Being state-approved ensures that our courses are compliant with Florida laws and regulations, while ARELLO certification guarantees that we deliver high-quality, consistent training that prepares students for real-world success.
With these accreditations, you can trust that you’re receiving an education that’s both credible and respected by the industry.
Q: Does Gold Coast offer online courses?
A: Yes, Gold Coast offers courses in multiple formats to fit your schedule and learning preferences. Choose from self-paced online courses, which allow you to study at your convenience, livestream classes that bring the classroom experience to you through interactive virtual sessions, or in-person classes for a traditional learning environment.
This flexibility ensures that whether you’re balancing a busy schedule, prefer a guided approach, or thrive in classroom settings, there’s a format that works for you.
Q: What is the return policy?
A: Course cancellations must adhere to Gold Coast’s refund and rescheduling guidelines, which are designed to provide fairness and clarity for our students. If you need to cancel or reschedule, you can find full details on the policies and procedures by visiting our website or contacting our student support team. We’re committed to helping you find the best solution so you can continue your path toward a successful real estate career.
Gold Coast Schools: The Clear Choice for Florida Real Estate Success
Gold Coast Schools has built a trusted reputation for empowering real estate professionals through comprehensive resources, expert instruction, and flexible learning options tailored to every lifestyle. With decades of experience and a commitment to student success, we are here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re just starting out as a Florida real estate professional or advancing your career, Gold Coast provides the tools and support you need to achieve your goals confidently.
Take the next step toward your future in real estate with Gold Coast Schools, offering one of the best Florida real estate license courses, and start building the career you’ve always envisioned.