Are you a Florida nurse considering a career change? You’re not alone. Many RNs and LPNs cite pay, stress, and poor work-life balance as key reasons for leaving the healthcare industry. While some nurses transition into other healthcare-related roles, others are excited to explore entirely new opportunities—such as making the switch from nursing to real estate.
We’re here to support you in achieving your new career goals. Here are tips and insights for those who wish to quit nursing for real estate in Florida.
Key Takeaways
- Why Nurses Are Switching to Real Estate – Nurses are drawn to real estate for its flexibility, improved work-life balance, and financial potential. Real estate offers an opportunity to leverage transferable skills like communication, time management, attention to detail, and problem-solving in a new, less stressful career.
- Steps to Transition from Nursing to Real Estate – Switching to real estate in Florida is straightforward and affordable. The process involves completing a 63-hour pre-licensing course, passing a background check, submitting a license application, passing the licensing exam, and connecting with a brokerage.
- Overcoming Challenges During the Career Switch – Transitioning careers may be challenging, but starting part-time, leveraging your healthcare network for leads, and committing to ongoing learning can help you succeed as a real estate agent.
- Real Estate Offers Lucrative Opportunities – While nurses in Florida earn an average of $79,000 annually, real estate agents can make $97,844 or more depending on their niche, location, and expertise, though income is commission-based.
Why Quit Nursing for Real Estate
Many nurses are rethinking their career paths due to the challenges faced in the healthcare industry. Real estate presents an attractive alternative, allowing them to apply their skills in a fresh way while gaining more flexibility and financial opportunity. Let’s take a closer look at the main reasons nurses are turning to real estate.
Nurses possess skills that are transferable to real estate
Nurses bring a full list of skills that transition seamlessly into a successful real estate career.
- Communication and empathy: Nurses are experts at understanding and addressing patient needs, a critical ability when guiding homebuyers and sellers through emotionally significant decisions.
- Attention to detail: Just as precision is vital in patient care, attention to detail ensures contracts, property inspections, and negotiations are handled with accuracy.
- Time management: Managing multiple patients in a high-pressure environment equips nurses to effectively juggle clients, property showings, and deadlines.
- Problem-solving: Nurses excel at thinking quickly and resolving issues on the spot—an invaluable skill for navigating the complexities of real estate transactions.
In short, transitioning to real estate from healthcare might be easier than you think. You already possess the necessary skills—now all you need is knowledge of Florida’s real estate laws and regulations, which you’ll gain through real estate school.
Better work/life balance
One of the main reasons nurses consider switching to real estate is the opportunity for a more flexible schedule and improved work/life balance. Unlike hospital shifts, real estate professionals can plan their schedules to accommodate personal priorities. And real estate agents aren’t required to work twelve-hour shifts.
Less stress
While real estate certainly comes with its own challenges, it typically doesn’t involve the high-stakes, life-and-death pressure that many nurses face daily. While we’re not suggesting that life as a real estate agent will be entirely stress-free, it can offer a more manageable stress level than nursing.
Real estate can be a lucrative profession
According to Indeed (January 2025), registered nurses make $37.63/hour in Florida, which is about $79,000 per year. The average real estate agent salary in Florida is $181,250 (according to the 2025 Florida Real Estate Salary Guide).
It’s important to remember that most real estate agents don’t earn a regular salary. Instead, they work on commission based on the property’s sale price. A real estate agent’s income can fluctuate depending on niche, location, experience, and skill.
Steps to Transition from Nursing to Real Estate
The steps to getting your license in Florida is straightforward, with low costs and a quick timeline. Unlike being a registered nurse, a college degree isn’t required. You’ll be surprised about how long it takes and how affordable the process is.
To qualify, you must be at least 18, have a Social Security number, and hold a high school diploma or GED. U.S. citizenship isn’t required, but noncitizens need legal permanent residency and a valid Social Security number.
Step 1: Complete pre-licensing courses
Take a 63-hour course from a state-approved real estate school. Choose from online, in-person, or livestream options. Online classes offer flexibility for busy schedules.
Step 2: Pass a background check
Complete fingerprinting through LiveScan or the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
Step 3: Submit your license application
Create a DBPR account to apply for your real estate sales associate license. Provide your legal name, Social Security number, and background information.
Step 4: Pass the licensing exam
Schedule the $36.75 exam with Pearson Vue. Bring two valid IDs, an Authorization Notice, and a Pre-licensing Education Certificate. You’ll need a score of 75/100 to pass the 3.5-hour test.
Step 5: Connect with a brokerage
To start practicing, join a brokerage. Many agents find opportunities at career fairs hosted by real estate schools.
By completing these steps, you’ll be ready to launch your new career in real estate.
Overcoming Challenges During the Career Switch
Transitioning from nursing to real estate may come with its share of challenges. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the transition and succeed in your new career:
Start part-time to ease the transition
Many successful real estate agents begin by working part-time. Since real estate income can be unpredictable at first, consider working a few hospital shifts each week while building your new career.
Tap into your healthcare network for leads
Spread the word about your real estate business. Networking is essential in real estate, so reach out to friends and colleagues in healthcare for leads and referrals.
Commit to continuous learning
Just as nursing requires ongoing education and skill development, real estate demands the same. Enroll in professional development and continuing education courses, attend workshops, and seek mentorship to expand your knowledge and sharpen your skills.
Ready to make the switch from nursing to real estate? Start your journey today by enrolling in Florida pre-licensing courses with Gold Coast Schools.