How to Become a Licensed Real Estate Agent in Florida

I get many visitors for various reasons to my website many of whom inquire about how to obtain a real estate license in Florida. I presume one of the reasons I get so many inquiries is that I hire new agents with little to no experience for my team.

Since the requirements vary for non Florida residents, I will only discuss those that applicable to residents of Florida.

Those interested in obtaining a real estate license should consider not only the time investment in obtaining a license, but also the expenses both initial and on going that are incurred when licensed as an agent.

The Requirements

While obtaining a Florida real estate license is not overly complicated, it is regulated by the Florida Division of Real Estate and there are specific requirements.

Here are the general requirements for obtaining a Florida license:

You must be at least 18 years of age
Have high school diploma or GED
Complete and pass the state approved 63 hour Sales Associate Pre-License course
Submit application to the Division of Real Estate with the appropriate fee
Pass the state exam

There are few exceptions to the above the requirements:

If you are an attorney with a current Florida Bar Card
If you have a 4 year Degree in Real Estate

In addition, there is also the requirement of being finger printed and having a background check performed prior to taking the Florida exam.

Initial Expenses and Course Types

Enrolling in the 63 hour Sales Associate Pre-License course is actually quite easy. You can either enroll in an instructor led course, or if you prefer you can take the course on-line.

A quick internet search will help you find both types of courses.

While the above may be the actual minimum requirements, there are expenses associated with obtaining a Florida real estate license which include:

Course fee
Exam fee
License fee
Finger printing fee
Travel expenses as needed

Both of these course types have benefits and drawbacks.

The benefits of attending an instructor led course include having an instructor available to which questions can be directed immediately. There are also student participation benefits as well as having a formal classroom experience.

The drawbacks to an instructor led course are primarily the schedule. Not only are you required to attend all classes, but you have to locate a course near you or be prepared to travel and incur additional expenses.

On-line course benefits include being able to take the class at your leisure as well as study at your own pace. Since on-line courses are timed, you can easily study a chapter at your pace until all chapters are completed and you have fulfilled the 63 hour requirement.

The drawbacks of on-line courses tend to be the lack of interaction with an instructor. Having someone available to direct questions such as a licensed broker or agent will help those who opt for this option.

Which ever course of instruction is chosen, there is a required test at the end which must be passed in order to proceed with taking the actual Florida exam.

The Florida exam is given at specific, certified locations to which either the instructor or the on-line course will direct you.

Once you’ve submitted the application, passed the course, had your fingerprints taken and passed the state exam you are then issued a license number at the testing facility.

Once you have that license, all that remains is to find a Broker where you can “hang” your license.

Additional Expenses

Having a Florida real estate license is not the end of your expenses. Once you have a real estate license there are continuing expenses which should be considered and budgeted:

Continuing Education Requirements
Local Board of Realtor fees,
Possible on-going broker fees
License Renewal fees and more.

As you can see, obtaining a Florida real estate license while not overly difficult or complicated is none the less a regulated process.

It is true that just about anyone may obtain a real estate license; however there are significant considerations and expenses that should be understood prior to taking that first step towards obtaining a Florida real estate license.