Getting Your Real Estate License

If you want to sell real estate in Florida, you must first obtain a real estate license. This involves completing specific real estate coursework, passing an exam and undergoing a criminal background check.

Most pre-license education providers offer course packages that include study materials like flashcards and practice exams. Some also offer a guarantee that you will pass the state real estate exam.

License Requirements

Getting your real estate license in Florida opens up a whole new career path. You can sell homes, negotiate commercial properties, or become a property investor. The first step is completing the 63 clock-hour Pre-Licensing course. Many online courses offer a combination of classroom learning with the flexibility of a self-paced class, and some even include study materials like practice exams and flashcards.

Once you complete the course, you can take the state exam through Pearson Vue. You will need a valid photo ID and a computer with an internet connection to check in for your exam. If you pass, you will receive a certificate of completion.

You can apply for your license using the DBPR Sales Associate Application, or you can use your existing license from a state or jurisdiction that has a mutual recognition agreement with Florida. You must submit a certification of experience from your prior state, and you will have to pass the 100 question Florida real estate exam.

Exam Requirements

To get licensed, you must pass the state exam. This 3 and a half hour test that is designed to be difficult, but it can be passed with careful preparation. You will also need to provide a live scan fingerprint, and have your background checked.

Once you have completed all the required courses, you will need to submit your DBPR RE1 application. You will also need to provide a copy of your course completion certificates and the requisite fee.

Once you have submitted your application, you will need to wait for a response. You can check the status of your application by logging in to the DBPR website. During this time, it is important to keep up with your coursework, and to prepare for the exam thoroughly. It is helpful to use a practice exam as a study tool.

Continuing Education Requirements

Real estate licensees in Florida must complete 18 hours of continuing education (CE) courses each year that involve topics related to real estate. These include the laws that govern real estate practice, agency disclosure rules that notify clients who they represent, local and federal anti-discrimination rules, and more.

The state allows two attempts to pass each exam.

AYPORealEstate offers CE course packages that make it easy for you to meet your requirements and renew your license. Your completed courses will be reported to the state within seven to ten days, and you will receive completion certificate that can be printed or saved to your computer for your records.

Sales associates and brokers must renew their licenses every 24 months by March 31 or September 30 based on the date of their first renewal cycle, which can be found on the bottom of their licenses. If a license goes inactive, the licensee must reactivate the license by completing 28 hours of reactivation education before the next renewal cycle.

Reciprocity and Portability

Whether you want to expand your market reach or simply boost your income,  Florida real estate license is an excellent career choice. With the help of a supportive brokerage and mentor, becoming a licensed Florida sales associate is fairly straightforward. In most cases, you can complete the 63-hour pre licensing course online and then pass the state exam within a month or two.

Several states offer partial or full real estate reciprocity, meaning they allow residents of other states to transfer their license in a streamlined process. This is especially helpful for agents who move across state lines or live near a state border. However, it is important to note that some states only offer reciprocity one way. For example, Mississippi has a limited real estate reciprocity agreement with Louisiana, but that doesn’t extend to Mississippi residents seeking to transfer their license to the Bayou State. Other states don’t offer any real estate reciprocity at all.