Military spouses face unique career challenges, including frequent relocations, changing job markets, and state-specific licensing requirements that can make it difficult to establish a long-term profession. However, real estate offers a flexible and rewarding career that moves with you.
If you’re a military spouse looking for a career that provides financial stability, work-life balance, and professional growth, becoming a Florida real estate agent could be the perfect fit. Plus, Florida offers special benefits to help military spouses obtain a real estate license with reduced costs and streamlined requirements.
Key Takeaways
- Florida Provides Financial Assistance for Military Spouses Pursuing Real Estate –Military spouses, including surviving spouses, qualify for a discounted real estate license fee of $19.75. They must submit the Military Member/Veteran/Spouse Fee Waiver and Military Service Verification Form along with their application, spouse’s military orders, and marriage certificate.
- Military Spouses May Qualify for License Reciprocity and Exam Exemptions — If a military spouse holds a real estate license in another state, Florida offers mutual recognition agreements with certain states, allowing them to take only the state law portion of the exam. Some spouses may also qualify for exam fee reimbursement.
- License Renewal Exemptions for Relocating Military Spouses — Military spouses who hold a Florida real estate license may qualify for continuing education and renewal requirement exemptions when relocating due to military orders, helping them maintain their license without interruptions.
- Gold Coast Schools Offers Expert Real Estate Education in Florida — Gold Coast Schools provides state-approved 63-hour pre-licensing courses in various formats—in-person, livestream, and self-paced online—helping military spouses complete the required education and pass the Florida real estate exam.
Why Real Estate is a Great Career for Military Spouses
Real estate is an ideal profession for military spouses because it offers the following:
- Flexibility – Real estate agents can make their own work schedules. This makes it easier to balance military life and family responsibilities.
- Skill Transfer – While each state has its own licensing requirements, real estate skills transfer anywhere.
- Entrepreneurship – Build a career that moves with you, giving you independence and financial stability.
- Strong Earning Potential – Commission-based income allows you to control your financial future.
- Community Connections – Specialize in military relocation and help fellow military families find homes and establish roots in Florida.
Florida Real Estate Licensing Benefits for Military Spouses
Is real estate the right career for you? Florida makes it easier and more affordable for military spouses to obtain a real estate license. Special financial assistance and scholarships include the following:
Military spouse financial assistance for real estate education
Getting started in real estate requires completing a 63-hour pre-licensing course, but Florida offers financial assistance to make education more affordable.
- GI Bill Benefits – If you are the spouse of a veteran, you may be able to use GI Bill benefits to cover the cost of real estate licensing courses and exams. The Department of Veterans Affairs provides reimbursement for certain licensing and certification tests.
- Gold Coast Schools Scholarships—At Gold Coast Schools, we are committed to helping military families succeed. Our Veterans to Agents Program provides a free Real Estate Sales Associate Pre-License Course to veterans who were honorably discharged within the past three years. Military spouses do not qualify for the scholarship.
Discounted and waived licensing fees
- Reduced Licensing Fee – If you are a military spouse (or surviving spouse), you qualify for a reduced real estate license application fee of $19.75. To apply, submit the Military Member/Veteran/Spouse Fee Waiver and Military Service Verification Form with your application along with your spouse’s military orders and marriage certificate.
License reciprocity and examination exemptions
If you already hold a real estate license in another state, Florida may allow you to bypass certain licensing requirements:
- License Reciprocity: If you’re a licensed real estate agent from Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nebraska, Rhode Island, or West Virginia, you only need to pass a portion of the real estate licensing exam. Enroll in Gold Coast School’s Florida Real Estate Mutual Recognition Exam Prep Course to prepare you to pass the required law portion of the Florida real estate exam.
- Exam Exemption – Military spouses and surviving spouses with an active real estate license from another state may be reimbursed for the real estate salesperson exam fee.
License renewal exemptions
- Waived Renewal Requirements – Military spouses who hold a Florida real estate license may qualify for exemptions from continuing education and renewal requirements while relocating due to military orders.
How to Get Your Florida Real Estate License as a Military Spouse
Here’s how to get your real estate license in Florida.
Step 1: Enroll in a 63-hour pre-licensing course
Complete your Florida-approved real estate course at Gold Coast Schools. Gold Coast has been helping real estate professionals get licensed since 1970. We offer in-person, livestream, and at-your-own-pace courses.
Step 2: Submit your license application
Apply through the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR) and include your military spouse fee waiver if eligible.
Step 3: Complete a background check
Get fingerprinted for your background check.
Step 4: Pass the Florida real estate exam
If you don’t qualify for an exam exemption, schedule and take the state licensing exam.
Step 5: Join a Florida real estate brokerage
Once licensed, affiliate with a Florida real estate brokerage to start your career.
Get Started with Gold Coast Schools
At Gold Coast Schools, we have helped over a million students launch successful real estate careers in Florida. If you are a military spouse looking to become a licensed real estate agent, we are here to support you every step of the way.
Enroll now or contact us for more information about our military spouse discounts and veteran scholarship program!