With so many beautiful properties in Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville, it’s no wonder you might be thinking about how to become a real estate agent in Florida. Getting your real estate license here is a breeze, so don’t sweat it! I’m here to help you out, amigo. Just follow this guide, and soon you’ll be selling homes like a pro. Time to ride the wave and make some sweet deals! 🏖️

Quick Facts & Costs for Florida Licensees

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Quick Steps to Get a Florida Real Estate License (+ Costs)
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Step 1: Meet Florida Requirements (No Cost)
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Step 2: Complete a 63-hour Prelicensing Course (Cost: $100+)
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Step 3: Pass a Background Check (Cost: $50-$80)
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Step 4: Apply for Your Florida Real Estate License (Cost: $83.75)
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Step 5: Pass the Florida License Exam (Cost: $36.75)
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Step 6: Join a Real Estate Brokerage (No Cost)
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Step 7: Start a Successful Career in Florida (No Cost)

Types of Licensees in Florida & How Much They Earn

  • Real estate sales associate (salary range: $40,000 to $51,000): An entry-level licensee who works under a broker and helps clients buy, sell, or rent properties. 
  • Real estate broker (salary range: $194,000 to $359,000): A licensed individual who can operate independently, manage their own brokerage, and oversee sales associates. 
  • Broker associate (salary range: $223,000 to $417,000): A rank within the Real Estate Broker or Sales license type.
  • Real estate school instructor (salary range: $72,098 to $101,331): Includes instructor by examination, instructor by degree and broker’s license, and instructor by degree, experience, and broker’s license

Step-by-Step Breakdown: How to Get a Florida Real Estate License

Step 1: Meet Florida Requirements

To be eligible for a Florida real estate license, you need to:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be a US citizen or have legal working status in the US
  • Have a Social Security number
  • Possess a high school diploma

Step 2: Choose a Florida Real Estate School

Your first step on how to become a real estate agent in Florida is to complete a 63-hour prelicensing course. If you have a four-year degree in a real estate-related field or you’re a member of the Florida Bar Association, you may be eligible to skip your prelicensing requirements. Plenty of schools offer in-person or online courses to help you choose how you want to complete your education.

Screenshot of Colibri Real Estate's education dashboard.
Colibri Real Estate dashboard (Source: Colibri)

If you prefer an online program that lets you study at your own pace, I recommend checking out Colibri Real Estate. Its classes are flexible and affordable, with a range of options. Colibri Real Estate offers four packages, ranging from $147 to $447, and every package includes support from Florida instructors and a satisfaction guarantee.

Readers of The Close can SAVE 40% on any Colibri Real Estate prelicensing course in Florida. Use promo code TheClose40 at checkout

Step 3: Pass a Background Check

All applicants must submit fingerprints for eligibility for a Florida real estate license as part of a background check. Here are the details:

  • The Florida Department of Law Enforcement must perform your national background check, including fingerprinting.
  • At least five days before submitting your application, submit your fingerprints to a Livescan service provider. 
  • When submitting your fingerprints, you must give the Livescan provider the correct code (FL920010Z). Otherwise, the application process may be delayed.
  • The charge for fingerprinting varies with each location, but expect to pay around $50. 
  • You’ll need to bring two forms of ID when fingerprinted. 
  • Results typically take up to two weeks to process. For more information, check out the Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s (DBPR) helpful FAQ sheet.

Step 4: Apply for a Florida Real Estate License

To apply online, create an account with the DBPR. The current application fee is $83.75, which you will pay online. Besides providing your Social Security number and legal name, you’ll have to answer various background questions regarding your criminal history, legal investigations, and previous licenses. You may be required to provide supporting legal documents with your application.

Note: Military members and their spouses may be eligible for a fee waiver—visit the DBPR website for more information. 

Step 5: Pass the Florida Real Estate License Exam

Test Format and Number of QuestionsMultiple choice format and 100 total questions
Where to Register for Exam
Items to Bring to Testing Center
  • Two pieces of ID
  • Silent, hand-held, battery-powered, non-programmable calculator
  • Proof that you have completed the necessary educational requirements to take the exam (Florida Division of Real Estate Authorization Notice and the Certificate of Pre-Licensing Education Completion). Even if the original copy of these documents was mailed to the Division of Real Estate, bring a photocopy of the documents to your testing center.
Passing Grade75%

You’ll receive your exam result report immediately following your exam. If you fail the exam, you must wait 24 hours to schedule an examination. Luckily, you may take the exam as many times as you need within a year. For extra practice, you can schedule a review session with Pearson within 21 days to review the questions you answered incorrectly. The review costs $35.

Step 6: Join a Real Estate Brokerage

Congratulations! If you’ve made it this far, you’ve completed all the steps on how to become a real estate agent in Florida. The only thing you need to do now is to get hired by a Florida real estate brokerage. As a real estate agent in Florida, you’ll be required to work under a broker to assist clients in buying or selling real estate. Interview with brokerages to get a position at the firm, and be choosy on which is best for your real estate business!

Start looking for brokerages in the areas you’d like to work in to jump-start your new career and check out our Best Real Estate Company to Work For guide to learn about some of the larger firms.

Step 7: Start a Successful Career in Florida

Kick off your exciting career in Florida by diving into the vibrant real estate scene. It’s a fantastic place where you can really shine and find plenty of opportunities. Check out some of our friendly guides designed just for new real estate agents:

  • Network with others: Socialize with clients, other agents, and people associated with the industry.
  • Utilize social media: Know how to use Instagram and Facebook for your listings in building your brand. 
  • Keep learning: Taking courses, seminars, and real estate certifications are wonderful ways to further your education and stay competitive.
  • Apply technology to your real estate business: Tools like CRMs and lead generation tools will make your life easier.
  • Mentorship: Coordinating with senior agents will help in getting the knowledge and tactics needed for success.
  • Focus on customer service: It’s the surest way of getting referrals and repeat business.

FAQs

Back to You

Getting started as a real estate agent in Florida can be an exciting journey. To begin, you’ll want to pick a real estate school that suits your needs. From there, you’ll complete a few requirements and submit your application. Finally, you’ll take the state exam to get your license. By getting familiar with each step of how to become a real estate agent in Florida, you’ll be well-prepared to kick off your real estate career and make it a smooth and enjoyable ride.

Have more questions about getting a Florida real estate license? Let us know below!