Are you ready for an exciting career challenge? If you’ve enjoyed success while working in Florida real estate sales, you might be ready to advance your career by earning your Florida real estate broker license.
Becoming a Florida real estate broker may come with additional financial benefits. You might find it easier to land big clients as a broker, and you’ll be able to collect desk fees and up to 50% of the commissions of the agents you manage. Here’s what you need to know about the process of earning your Florida real estate broker license.
What Are the Florida Real Estate Broker License Requirements?
It’s worth noting that the Florida Real Estate Commission does not require you to be a resident of the state to become a broker. However, you will need to meet the following basic Florida real estate broker license requirements:
You also must have a minimum level of professional experience as a licensed real estate agent in Florida. You must either:
Before we dig into the steps you’ll need to take to earn your Florida real estate broker license, we’ll review the costs involved. Finally, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions about the Florida real estate broker exam, the time commitment required, and more.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Real Estate Broker License in Florida?
It costs approximately $400 to $600 to obtain a real estate broker license in Florida, which is slightly less than the costs of obtaining a salesperson’s license. If you’re not yet a licensed real estate agent in the Sunshine State, read our article and learn How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Florida in 8 Easy Steps.
Florida Real Estate Broker License Costs
| Classes (72 Hours) | $199 to $398 (through Colibri Real Estate) |
|---|---|
| Florida Broker License Application Fee | $91.75 |
| Fingerprinting Fee | $50 |
| Exam Fee | $36.75 |
| Total Costs | $377.50 to $576.50 |
How to Get a Florida Real Estate Broker License
Step 1: Complete a 72-Hour Florida Real Estate Broker License Course
Step 2: Complete a Background Check
Step 3: Complete the Florida Broker License Application
Step 4: Pass the Florida Real Estate Broker Exam
Since you’ve already been through the process of earning your Florida real estate license, you may know that to become a broker you’ll need to take classes, complete a background check, fill out an application, and pass an exam. Here are the steps you’ll need to take to earn your Florida real estate broker license.
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1. Complete a 72-Hour Florida Real Estate Broker License Course
Cost: $199 to $398 with Colibri Real Estate
Time commitment: 1-2 months
As soon as you meet your real estate salesperson experience requirements, you can enroll in the 72-hour Florida real estate broker license course. This course must be taught by a qualified instructor at an approved real estate school.
Please note that your prelicensing courses (or continuing education courses) that you completed to earn and keep your Florida real estate license can’t be applied to this broker education requirement.
The Florida real estate broker license courses aren’t broken down into individual classes. However, the state requires that each broker course covers the following topics:
- Getting Started in the Real Estate Brokerage Business
- Valuing Real Property
- Listing and Selling Real Property
- Specialties
Within 18 to 24 months of obtaining your Florida real estate broker license, you will need to take an additional 60 hours of post-licensing courses to renew your license.
As you know from earning your agent’s license, choosing the right Florida real estate school will be crucial to your success. We recommend that you take your Florida real estate broker license course through Colibri Real Estate.
Their Broker Ultimate Learning Package includes the Florida real estate broker license course requirements, the Principles of Real Estate Practice eBook, a Real Estate Math e-book, support from a state-approved instructor, access to a discussion board, and 60 hours of post-licensing courses.
2. Complete a Background Check
Cost: $50
Time commitment: Less than one hour
Processing time: 2-4 days
At least five days before you submit your Florida real estate broker application (and after you’ve completed your classes), you need to visit a LiveScan service provider to be fingerprinted. You need to complete this process even if you already submitted your fingerprints to earn your salesperson license.
Each LiveScan provider charges a different amount, but applicants should plan to spend around $50. You must bring at least two valid forms of ID, including one that was government-issued. The fingerprinting process should take 5 to 10 minutes.
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3. Complete the Florida Broker License Application
Cost: $91.75
Time commitment: 1-2 hours
The next step to becoming a real estate broker in Florida is to set up an online account with the Florida Real Estate Commission. If you already have an account and your current license is linked to it, you can begin to fill out your online application for a broker license.
The application asks for your personal information, information about your current real estate license, as well as a series of questions about your potential criminal history.
You’ll also be required to submit documentation to prove that you completed your Florida real estate broker license course and work experience requirements. Once you’ve completed your application, submit it to the state with the $91.75 fee.
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4. Pass the Florida Real Estate Broker Exam
You can take the Florida real estate broker exam from the comfort of your own home. At home tests can be administered if you have a desktop computer or laptop with a webcam, microphone, and strong internet connection. The Florida real estate exam testing sites are located in the following cities:
- Boynton Beach
- Coral Gables
- Doral
- Ft. Lauderdale
- Fort Myers
- Gainesville
- Hollywood
- Jacksonville
- Lakeland
- Lake Mary
- Melbourne
- Miami
- Oakland Park
- Orlando
- Ormond Beach
- Pensacola
- Sarasota
- St. Petersburg
- Tallahassee
- Tampa
When taking the Florida real estate broker exam, you must bring two forms of valid, signed ID (one must be government-issued). You must also present your Certificate of Prelicensing Education Completion, which shows you have completed the Florida real estate broker license requirements within the last two years.
Learn more about the exam by downloading the Candidate Information Booklet, which discusses how to reschedule your exam if you’re ill and what to leave at home (including everyday items like purses and cell phones).
You’ll learn whether you passed or failed immediately upon finishing the exam. If you didn’t pass, you can retake the exam as many times as necessary, as long as you’re successful within two years of your application approval.
Once you pass the licensing exam, you must fill out one additional form to activate your broker license. This form, called the Florida Real Estate Commission Broker Transactions Form, is submitted free to the Florida Real Estate Commission.
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Florida Real Estate Broker License FAQs
Are you wondering if it’s worth all that effort to become a real estate broker in Florida? It’s a lot of work, but the financial benefits and other rewards may make it worthwhile. Here’s some additional information about the licensing process that’ll help you decide.
Should I get my broker license in Florida?
There may be financial advantages to earning your Florida real estate broker license, but the license upgrade comes with additional responsibilities and expenses as well.
According to Indeed, the average yearly income of a real estate broker in Florida is about $120,000, which is about $28,000 higher than the income of a Florida real estate agent. This additional income typically comes from having real estate agents work under you and collecting desk fees and a share of their commissions.
While there are pros and cons to upgrading your license, you’ll need to decide whether increasing your expenses and responsibilities is worth the additional income.
For example, if you open your own brokerage, you’re responsible for operating a business that’ll support your staff. You’ll need to pay for rent, utilities, and agent training.
Additionally, your responsibilities may include overseeing the contracts and transactions of real estate agents working under you. This additional responsibility may occur whether you open your own brokerage or become a managing broker at your current firm.
Learn more about a broker’s income and expenses by reading Real Estate Broker vs Agent: A Head-to-Head Analysis.
How long does it take to become a real estate broker in Florida?
It takes three to six months to become a real estate broker in Florida.
We know that the real estate market is booming in Florida. This means that if you’re currently working as a real estate agent, you’ll have to take your classes in your spare time, which may be a challenge.
Even though there are Florida real estate schools that meet in person, you might appreciate being able to take your Florida real estate broker license course from an online school.
We recommend Colibri Real Estate. Colibri Real Estate has helped over 500,000 Americans earn their real estate license. Their Broker Ultimate Learning Package has everything you need to earn your broker license in Florida (and renew your license within 18 to 24 months).
How much money do real estate brokers make in Florida?
Real estate brokers in Florida make an average of $120,000. This is a great income, considering the average salary of those living in the Sunshine State is about $28,000. However, this income isn’t a sure thing, which you understand if you’ve been working in the industry for some time.
Even though some months may be more profitable than others, a broker sometimes has additional sources of income. A Florida real estate broker may collect desk fees and a percentage of the commissions of the real estate sales agents working under them.
Additionally, some real estate brokers receive income from the ownership of businesses like title companies or mortgage companies.
Finally, sometimes real estate brokers enjoy an increase in the number of clients they serve because they’ve earned the upgrade in their certification. Homeowners facing high-dollar real estate transactions may trust a broker to handle their purchase or sale more than a real estate agent.
How difficult is the Florida real estate broker exam?
The last time the pass/fail rates for the Florida real estate broker exam were published, the success rate among first-time exam takers was 63%. This is higher than the sales associate exam, but that doesn’t mean that the broker exam is necessarily easier.
Increase the chances of passing your Florida real estate broker exam on the first try by using all of the test prep materials included in the packages offered by Colibri Real Estate.
More Career Resources From The Close
We hope you’re excited to earn your Florida real estate broker license. Now that you know how to take the first steps, it’s time to learn more. The Close offers plenty of career resources for every stage of your real estate career. The Close Pro is our subscription resource for ongoing career development.
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