Now is an exciting time to launch a flexible and rewarding career in the real estate industry in Florida. After all, the Sunshine State is home to some of the hottest markets in the country, such as Miami, Tampa, and Sarasota. And since your first step to becoming a Florida realtor is taking a 63-hour prelicensing course, we’ve pinpointed the best real estate schools in Florida to help you prepare for the state exam.
With tons of schools to choose from, we focused on providers with the most flexible learning options and evaluated them based on pricing, ease of use, package variety, career resources, quality of instruction, exam prep materials, and more. Let’s get started so you can find the right school for your situation.
6 Best Real Estate Schools in Florida for 2023
| Our Top 6 Picks | Pricing From | Promo Codes |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall: Colibri Real Estate | $147 | TheClose25 - Save 25% |
| Best for Mobile: Aceable Agent | $116 | Click our Aceable Agent link - Save 25% |
| Best for Continuing Education: The CE Shop | $139 | TheClose35 - Save 35% |
| Best for Livestream Exam Prep: Gold Coast Schools | $329 | |
| Best Instructor Access: Florida Real Estate School | $340 | Click our Florida Real Estate School link - Save 15% |
| Best on a Budget: RealEstateU | $99 | TheClose10 - Save $30 |
(Florida prelicensing package prices as of August 2023)
How I Came Up With This List
As a real estate licensed professional, I have had the chance to review a lot of real estate schools based on pricing, reputation, online interface, mobile-friendliness, and more. I’ve taken into account my actual experience with their websites and reviews from agents who have attended these schools. The programs, pass rates, and even the refund policies differ from school to school.
However, there are a few elements that are the same across the board, no matter which real estate school you choose. So let’s take a look at the universal factors before diving into my specific recommendations.
Florida Real Estate Governing Body:
Florida Real Estate Commission
Prelicensing Requirements:
63 Hours
Post-licensing Requirements:
45 Hours Within Two Years
Continuing Education Requirements:
14 Hours Every Two Years
If you want to learn more about the types of classes you’ll need to take throughout your real estate career in Florida, jump into the helpful info section. But if you’re ready to choose your education provider, let’s take a closer look at our choices for the best real estate schools in Florida.
Best Overall Real Estate School in Florida: Colibri Real Estate
Colibri Real Estate offers:
- Prelicensing
- Exam prep
- Post-licensing
- Broker prelicensing
Colibri Real Estate is among the very best real estate schools in Florida thanks to its user-friendly interface, top-notch student support, and fantastic follow-up materials to help you launch your real estate business after you’ve passed your exam.
As a nationwide provider of affordable online real estate education, the company is one of the top-ranking schools in the industry. Affordability combined with fantastic features makes Colibri Real Estate our first choice for aspiring Florida agents.
Colibri Real Estate Pricing
In Florida, Colibri Real Estate offers four value-packed course packages for prelicensing students looking to complete their 63 hours of study.
- The Basics ($147): This package, which includes your prelicensing course and instructor support, is a perfect choice for a disciplined self-starter who just wants the essentials.
- Exam Preparation ($227): You’ll receive all the benefits of The Basics plus exam prep, a testing workbook, the “pass or don’t pay” guarantee, and exam cram video.
- Exam Preparation Plus ($356): This includes everything from the previous package plus 45 hours of post-licensing courses, live Q&A sessions with an instructor, and the Live Exam Crammer Series.
- Ultimate Learning Package ($447): In addition to the previous packages’ offerings, this includes Exam Preparation Plus, a printed textbook, and a 90-day boot camp to get you started in your career.
(Colibri Real Estate prelicensing package prices as of August 2023)
Readers of The Close can SAVE 25% on any Colibri Real Estate prelicensing course in Florida. Use promo code TheClose25 at checkout.
Best Feature
Colibri Real Estate is also known in the industry for expertly designed content. We love how the courses repeat essential information to make content easier to retain for the exam. But also, if you opt for one of their top-tier bundles, you won’t have to purchase additional continuing education classes until you’re four years into your new career.
Room to Improve
If you aren’t a self-motivated learner, you might have trouble getting through some of the drier material on your own. Those who prefer a more interactive learning experience might consider taking a live stream course with Gold Coast Schools (which was recently acquired by Colibri).
Bottom Line
The company offers high-quality online real estate courses in Florida and the ability to work at your own pace.
Best Real Estate School in Florida for Mobile: Aceable Agent
Aceable Agent offers:
- Prelicensing
- Exam prep
If you’ve got all the time in the world to complete coursework from your home computer, any of the providers on our list will offer a great experience. However, if you want to access the Florida real estate courses from a custom-designed app on your smartphone, we recommend Aceable Agent. You can also easily access courses from your tablet, laptop, or desktop.
Aceable Agent Pricing
In Florida, Aceable Agent offers three prelicensing packages for prelicensing students.
- Basic Florida Real Estate Course ($116): With this straightforward course, you’ll enjoy a completely self-paced learning experience, 63 hours of prelicensing classes, access to instructor support via email, and “lite” exam prep that includes practice exam questions.
- Deluxe Florida Real Estate Course ($229): You’ll get everything in the previous package plus access to 75 videos, 70 audio lessons, and deluxe exam prep materials.
- Premium Florida Real Estate Course ($329): Enjoy everything in the previous package plus an hour of private tutoring with a real estate pro, live webinars five times a week, and a live stream Q&A on Fridays.
(Aceable Agent prelicensing package price as of August 2023)
Click our Aceable Agent link to SAVE 25% on their prelicensing packages.
Best Feature
Expect an amazing mobile experience, because it’s what Aceable Agent is designed to deliver. You’ll love being able to complete a section of the course while riding in the back of an Uber or waiting for your kid to finish piano lessons. You can even take unit exams on your mobile device.
Room to Improve
Aceable Agent doesn’t offer continuing education, so once you get your license, you’ll need to find another Florida real estate school to complete your post-licensing hours. You might consider The CE Shop (below) for this.
Bottom Line
Aceable Agent features a fantastic mobile-first design for anyone looking to get a real estate license in Florida.
Can You Be a Part-time Real Estate Agent? (+ Free Guide & Videos)
Best Real Estate School in Florida for Continuing Education: The CE Shop
The CE Shop offers:
- Prelicensing
- Exam prep
- Continuing education
- Post-licensing
- Broker prelicensing
The CE Shop is another major player in the real estate school space, getting its start in continuing education. Today, the company is known for providing high-quality real estate education for every part of your real estate career.
In Florida, The CE Shop offers loaded prelicensing packages that include exam prep and career resources. Plus, they offer a huge variety of continuing education courses to make renewing your license thereafter a snap.
The CE Shop is another major player in the real estate school space, getting its start in continuing education. Today, the company is known for providing high-quality real estate education for every part of your real estate career.
In Florida, The CE Shop offers loaded prelicensing packages that include exam prep and career resources. One option even includes the 45 hours of post-licensing education you’ll need to complete within two years of getting licensed. Plus, they offer a huge variety of continuing education courses to make renewing your license thereafter a snap.
| The CE Shop Pros | The CE Shop Cons |
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The CE Shop Pricing
In Florida, The CE Shop offers four prelicensing course bundles for real estate school students.
- Courses-only Package ($139): You’ll receive your prelicensing course, business e-books, career resources, and a study schedule.
- Standard Package ($199): Enjoy the features of the Courses-only package plus Exam Prep Edge to ensure you’re ready to pass the license exam.
- Value Package ($245): You’ll get everything from the Standard package plus business-building courses designed to help new agents.
- Premium Package ($369): You’ll get everything from the previous package plus a 45-hour post-licensing package.
(The CE Shop prelicensing package prices as of August 2023)
SAVE 35% at The CE Shop. Use promo code TheClose35 at checkout.
Best Feature
One of The CE Shop’s best features is the inclusion of 45 hours of post-licensing classes in their premium package. Also, we have to shout out The CE Shop’s career resources that offer useful tips, such as finding your niche in real estate.
Room to Improve
You won’t find live instructor support at The CE Shop through Q&A sessions or webinars. If you think you’ll need additional instructor support to adequately prepare yourself for the Florida real estate exam, take a look at Florida Real Estate School or Gold Coast Schools.
Bottom Line
Don’t hesitate to start your real estate education with The CE Shop, one of the most trusted names to take your real estate career to the next level. They are one of the only schools to offer a free trial, so you can see how you like working with their online tools.
Try The CE Shop’s FREE 5-DAY TRIAL!
The CE Shop is the only school on our list that lets you test drive their courses and features before you buy. Visit their website today!
Best Real Estate School in Florida for Live Stream Exam Prep: Gold Coast Schools
Gold Coast Schools offers:
- Prelicensing
- Exam prep
- Continuing education
- Post-licensing
- Broker prelicensing
Since Gold Coast Schools opened in 1970, they have helped more than a million people get their Florida real estate licenses, so they must be doing something right. In 2022, Colibri Real Estate acquired Gold Coast Schools. This Florida real estate school has kept up with the times and currently offers online prelicensing courses in both English and Spanish.
Gold Coast Schools Pricing
In Florida, Gold Coast Schools offers three tiers of classes, each of which are available in self-paced, live stream, and in-person format.
- Gold Coast Essentials ($329-$599): This package includes the course material with a textbook, exam cram course, weekly tutoring sessions, and access to an exclusive career fair.
- Gold Coast Plus ($429-$699): You’ll receive everything in the previous package plus live workshops, a state exam online simulator, and digital flashcards.
- Gold Coast Pro ($529-$799): This includes everything in the previous package plus all of your continuing education and post-licensing requirements.
(Gold Coast Schools prelicensing package prices as of August 2023)
Best Feature
We love Gold Coast Schools’ live stream options and Exam Cram weekends. Review exam material with an instructor and other students in these 2.5-day study sessions, plus you’ll get access to in-person classrooms in seven locations throughout the state.
Room to Improve
Gold Coast Schools is the perfect option for students who need to interact with others to learn, but it’ll cost you more for in-class and live stream options. Gold Coast Schools doesn’t offer a money-back guarantee, so you won’t be reimbursed if you fail the state exam.
Bottom Line
If you feel you could benefit from in-person learning and an intensive, live stream review session, try Gold Coast Schools. But since they were recently acquired by Colibri Real Estate, there may be changes ahead. We’ll keep an eye on it!
Best Real Estate School in Florida for Instructor Access: Florida Real Estate School
Florida Real Estate School offers:
- Prelicensing
- Exam prep
- Continuing education
- Post-licensing
- Broker prelicensing
Florida Real Estate School offers self-paced video instruction based on the FRESH method (flexibility, reinforcement, engagement, support, and history). They’ve been offering real estate education since 2004 and focus on creating an efficient and enjoyable learning experience.
Florida Real Estate School Pricing
You’ll find Florida Real Estate School offers three prelicensing packages for prospective students to accommodate different budgets.
- Basic ($340): This includes fully narrated online materials with six months of access to the course, instructor support, progress quizzes, and practice exams.
- Value ($470): This includes everything in the previous package, but you’ll have a full year to complete your course of study, access to the state Exam Cram prep course, and digital flashcards.
- Unlimited ($630): Students have two attempts to pass the end-of-course exam with the first two packages. With the unlimited package, you’ll get free, unlimited course access for as long as you need to pass the exam.
(Florida Real Estate School prelicensing package prices as of August 2023)
Click our Florida Real Estate School link to SAVE 15% on their prelicensing packages.
Best Feature
We definitely appreciate the unlimited 24/7 instructor access that Florida Real Estate School offers. This unique feature is perfect for night owls, parents of small kids, and anyone working another job. Another commendable feature of Florida Real Estate School is that they offer a tuition reimbursement program to students who join their partner brokerages.
Room to Improve
Florida Real Estate School is more expensive than many of the other options on this list. However, they often run sales on their prelicensing courses. If affordability is crucial for you, opt instead for courses offered at RealEstateU (below).
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a local, self-paced option, check out the FRESH approach offered by Florida Real Estate School.
Best Real Estate School in Florida for Students on a Budget: RealEstateU
RealEstateU offers:
- Prelicensing
- Exam prep
- Post-licensing
RealEstateU prides itself on providing expert education that’s affordable. It serves 14 states across the country and hosts top real estate professionals and scholars to teach their material.
The course format is 100% online so you can learn from the comfort of home, and RealEstateU offers exam prep packages too. RealEstateU’s course format is simple, using audio lectures over slides and infographics to help you learn the material. The school skips extra features for quality content and a minimalist course structure.
RealEstateU Pricing
In Florida, RealEstateU has three prelicensing packages that tackle everything you need to fulfill your real estate license requirements:
- Course Only ($99): This 63-hour bundle includes required courses delivered via audio lessons with transcripts, infographics, and quizzes.
- Course + Study Guide ($224): Apart from the prelicensing course, you’ll get a study guide with sample questions and practice exams.
- Course + Study Guide + e-Textbook ($253): This bundle includes everything from the previous package, plus e-books with course content and infographics.
(RealEstateU prelicensing package price as of August 2023)
Readers of The Close get special pricing at RealEstateU. Use coupon code “TheClose10” to save on the online course bundle (regularly $99) today!
Best Feature
RealEstateU offers a solid package at the most affordable price on our list. The course doesn’t skimp on key features, either. Their chapters finish with quizzes you must pass with at least 70% to be able to gain access to further lessons, making sure you know your stuff before moving on. Similar to The CE Shop’s policy, RealEstateU offers a refund within 30 days of purchase as long as you’re less than halfway through the course material.
Room to Improve
RealEstateU’s prelicensing course is an audio-recorded lesson with overlaid text. For people who prefer to see someone, a video lecture or live stream option would be better.
Bottom Line
If you’re not looking for flashy features, can study independently, and are looking for a good deal, RealEstateU is a great Florida real estate school option. If you’re more interested in a variety of online features or extra instructor support, you might want to check out Colibri Real Estate.
How We Selected the Best Real Estate Schools in Florida
To come up with a list of the best real estate schools in Florida, our team of real estate professionals, writers, and editors used a weighted rubric to evaluate all the schools according to the following criteria:
At The Close, we always strive to provide the best options for your real estate education. Read more about our methodology here.
Best Real Estate Schools in Florida: Helpful Info
Here are the types of real estate courses you can expect to take throughout your real estate career.
Prelicensing
Before you can sit for the Florida real estate license exam, you need to complete 63 hours of prelicensing classes. All of the Florida real estate schools on our list offer the required prelicensing education.
Exam Preparation
You’ll learn a ton from your courses, but you might consider extra test prep if you want to feel confident taking your license exam. Exam prep packages often offer helpful tools like flashcards, study schedules, and practice tests to make your study time more efficient. You’ll find exam prep offered at most real estate schools in Florida. Consider the high-quality test prep resources included in the exam prep package offered by Gold Coast Schools, which includes practice tests.
Post-licensing
Within 24 months of receiving your Florida real estate license, you’ll also need to take 45 hours of post-licensing courses. Continuing education and professional development courses generally don’t count. We recommend checking out Florida Real Estate School’s post-license package, which includes live instructor support alongside the state-required coursework.
Continuing Education
After you’ve renewed your real estate license for the first time via post-licensing, you’ll be required to take 14 hours of continuing education (CE) courses every two years to keep your Florida real estate license. You’ll need to renew your license every two years.
If you enjoy the course format of your prelicensing course, chances are you’ll like their continuing education courses too. Check out our top pick for continuing education, The CE Shop, which offers the largest variety of CE courses on our list.
Best Real Estate Schools in Florida FAQs
Got questions? We’ve got answers! Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about real estate schools in Florida with answers designed to help you choose which one is right for your needs.
Can I get my Florida real estate license online?
Yes, you can complete most of your Florida real estate license requirements online. You’ll be able to choose an online real estate school to complete the 63-hour prelicensing course. You’ll also be able to schedule your license exam online and take the test from home thanks to live proctor monitoring. However, you’ll have to get fingerprinted in person for your background check in order to obtain your license.
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Florida?
It can cost as little as $300 to get your real estate license in Florida. Most entry-level packages for online Florida real estate schools are between $120 and $250. Then, you’ll need to pay several fees throughout the licensing process. Here are some of the fixed costs you’ll have to pay to get your license:
- State exam fee: $36.75
- License fee: $83.75
- Background check and fingerprinting fee: $54.55
How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Florida?
It takes about three months to become a real estate agent in Florida. You can complete classes in a week if you are willing to work nine hours a day. Gold Coast Schools has a seven-day session that will push you along if you think you’d struggle to get through the material on your own in that short amount of time.
You also need to study for, schedule, and take the exam. Then you’ll need to wait for the state licensing department to process your application and background check before you receive your license.
How difficult are Florida real estate courses?
The 63-hour prelicensing course required to qualify for the Florida real estate exam isn’t a walk in the park, but it’s very doable if you’re willing to put in the work and learn the material.
Remember, real estate agents are the shepherds for some of the most critical financial moments of their clients’ lives. They need to make sure they know the ins and outs of the business and are qualified to make transactions successful.
How many Realtors are there in Florida?
According to the National Association of Realtors’ data, there are 225,657 Realtors in Florida, which is a slight increase from last year. Florida has the most agents in the country, followed closely by California.
How much do real estate agents make in Florida?
It all depends on the number of deals and commission splits, but according to The Close’s salary information database, a real estate agent in Florida makes an average of $68,536 per year, which is lower than the national average of $73,985.
What’s the average home price in Florida?
According to Zillow, the average home value in Florida is up 0.7% from this time last year, at $392,922. Miami values are up by a higher percentage, rising 6.2% to reach $568,926.
Real Estate Broker vs. Agent: A Head-to-Head Analysis
Bringing It All Together
Overall, it’s a great time to launch a career in real estate. We hope our expertise and research on the best real estate schools in Florida helped you choose one that’s right for you. At The Close, we’re here to help at every stage of your career.
Have thoughts or questions? Leave a comment below!
