You’ve passed your exam and officially earned your Florida real estate license. Congratulations! That’s a huge accomplishment and the first major step toward a rewarding new career. Now, you might be asking yourself, “What’s next?”
This guide will walk you through the essential steps to take after getting your license, from activating it with the state to building your brand and landing your first clients.
Key Takeaways
- Activate Your License Promptly: File the DBPR paperwork and pay the required fees so you can begin practicing legally without delay.
- Choose a Supportive Brokerage: Compare commission splits, culture, and training to find the firm that best aligns with your career goals.
- Build Network and Brand Early: Leverage industry events, community involvement, and a polished online presence to generate leads and credibility.
- Join Associations and Secure MLS Access: Membership in your local, state, and national REALTOR® organizations unlocks the Multiple Listing Service and valuable professional resources.
- Invest in Ongoing Education: Complete Florida’s 45-hour post-licensing course and pursue mentors and specialty training to stay competitive and grow your expertise.
How to Activate Your Florida Real Estate License
To legally work as a real estate agent in Florida, you need to activate your license with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Here’s a brief overview of the licensing process:
- Meet Basic Requirements: Be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or GED, and have a U.S. Social Security Number.
- Complete Pre-Licensing Education: Take and finish a 63-hour course from a DBPR-approved school.
- Pass a Background Check: Get fingerprinted and complete the required background screening.
- Submit Your Application: Apply online through the DBPR portal, submit your course completion certificate, and pay the required fees.
- Pass the Licensing Exam: Achieve a passing score of 75% or higher on the Florida Real Estate Sales Associate Exam.
While completing these steps is cause for celebration, there’s still more to do to begin working in the real estate profession in Florida. Here are six steps to complete after getting your real estate license. Also consider enrolling in Gold Coast’s Agent Accelerator program:
Step 1: Choose and Join a Real Estate Brokerage
As a new sales associate, you must work under a licensed real estate broker. Your choice of brokerage will significantly impact your career trajectory, so it’s important to find one that aligns with your goals.
How to choose the right brokerage
Consider the following factors when evaluating potential brokerages:
- Commission Splits and Fees: Understand how commissions are divided between you and the brokerage. Some offer higher splits but fewer services, while others might have lower splits but provide extensive training, marketing support, and office resources.
- Mentorship and Training Opportunities: A strong training program is invaluable for new agents. Look for brokerages that offer structured mentorship, ongoing education, and support from experienced professionals.
- Brokerage culture and goals: Find a brokerage with a culture that fits your personality and work style. Do you prefer a collaborative, team-oriented environment or a more independent one? Ensure their brand reputation and market position align with your career aspirations.
Related Article: Choosing the Best Real Estate Brokerage to Work for in Florida
Process for joining
Once you’ve identified a few potential brokerages, the process typically involves interviewing with the broker or team leader and completing the necessary affiliation paperwork. This is your chance to ask questions and determine if it’s the right fit for you.
Step 2: Build a Professional Network and Reputation
Real estate is a relationship-driven business. Building a strong professional network and a trustworthy reputation are essential for generating leads and growing your client base.
Networking strategies
- Attend Industry Events: Participate in local real-estate meetups, seminars, and conferences to connect with other professionals.
- Join Professional Organizations: Becoming a member of local real estate associations offers excellent networking opportunities.
- Utilize Social Media: Connect with peers, potential clients, and community leaders on platforms like LinkedIn to expand your sphere of influence.
Establishing credibility
- Engage in Community Activities: Get involved in local events, charities, or organizations to build name recognition and show your commitment to the community you serve.
- Seek Testimonials and Referrals: After successfully helping a client, ask for a testimonial. Positive reviews and word-of-mouth referrals are powerful tools for building trust.
Step 3: Develop an Online Presence
In today’s digital world, a strong online presence is non-negotiable. It’s often the first impression potential clients will have of you.
Creating a personal brand
Your brand is what makes you unique. It should reflect your values, expertise, and the type of client you want to attract. A professional website is the centerpiece of your online presence. It should be easy to navigate, mobile-friendly, and showcase your listings and expertise. You can also leverage social media to share valuable content, engage with your audience, and highlight your successes.
SEO best practices
To ensure clients can find you online, optimize your website and content for local search terms, such as “real estate agent in [Your City].” Use high-quality photos and virtual tours to make your listings stand out and provide a great user experience.
Step 4: Establish a Business and Marketing Plan
Treat your real estate career like a business from day one. A well-thought-out business plan will serve as your roadmap to success.
Business plan essentials
- Set Realistic Goals: Define what you want to achieve in your first year, including income goals and the number of transactions.
- Create a Budget: Account for startup costs, including licensing fees, association dues, marketing materials, and other business expenses.
- Identify your Target Market: Determine your niche. Will you focus on first-time homebuyers, luxury properties, or a specific neighborhood?
Marketing strategies
Your marketing plan should outline how you’ll reach your target audience. This can include a mix of digital marketing, such as social media and email campaigns, as well as traditional methods like open houses, networking, and direct mail.
Step 5: Join Professional Associations and MLS
Joining a professional association is a critical step for any new agent. Membership with the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) allows you to use the title of REALTOR®, which signifies a commitment to a strict code of ethics. Local and state associations offer additional benefits, including access to the region’s Multiple Listing Services (MLS). The MLS is a comprehensive database of property listings that is essential for serving both buyers and sellers.
Step 6: Seek Mentorship and Continuing Education
The learning doesn’t stop once you get your license. The most successful real estate agents are lifelong learners.
Finding a mentor
A mentor can provide invaluable guidance as you navigate the early stages of your career. This could be your sponsoring broker or an experienced agent at your brokerage who is willing to share their knowledge and support your growth.
Post-licensing
Florida requires all real estate sales associates to complete 45 hours of post-licensing education before their first license renewal. Failing to do so will result in your license becoming null and void.
Beyond the mandatory requirements, pursuing additional courses and seminars can help you specialize in a niche, sharpen your skills, and stay ahead of market trends.
Other Valuable Resources for Starting Your Real Estate Career in Florida
Earning your real estate license is a fantastic achievement, and it’s truly just the beginning of an exciting journey! To help you transform that license into a thriving, successful career, Gold Coast Schools offers the Agent Accelerator Training Program. This program goes beyond the licensing requirements, equipping you with the practical skills and proven techniques you need to become a top-performing agent. Discover how to refine your personal brand, master contracts, leverage digital marketing, and expertly work with buyers, sellers, tenants, and even foreign investors.
Are you ready to accelerate your success and make the most of your investment? Explore our Agent Accelerator Training Program today and launch your real estate career with confidence!