Becoming a Florida real estate agent is now easier than you think!
Florida is home to a diverse number of flourishing industries, from entertainment and media to technology, travel, and tourism.
Among them is another exciting and rewarding industry of Florida’s booming real estate which is a major attraction for aspiring and experienced working professionals.
Did you know that Florida currently ranks amongst the top 3 most popular real estate markets in the country?
The Peach State is a hot favorite amongst homebuyers, skilled migrants, and real estate investors who are looking to grab a piece of the proverbial pie.
Florida’s picturesque beaches, scenic views, diverse culture, and strong economic outlook are some of the factors behind its steady real estate growth.
With a median home price of $400K which is significantly lower than the national average, housing in FL is an attractive option for many residents, retirees, and first-time homeowners.
People from other states are migrating to Florida and the state has the highest net margin of migration across the country.
Florida’s real estate market is a great opportunity pool for aspiring agents and brokers who want to be a part of the action and earn as much as $180K annually.
If you are seeking a rewarding, challenging, and exciting career path where opportunities for earning and commissions are plenty, then working in Florida real estate can make your professional dream a reality.
Imagine working in an industry where there is no upper limit on how much you can earn and where you can set your own working schedule and be your own boss.
Sounds too good to be true? All you need to kickstart your real estate career is a Florida real estate license and you will be set to work with clients anywhere in the state.
Wondering what are the Florida real estate license requirements and how you can obtain a license easily and quickly?
Well, if you read till the end of this article, we will give you a detailed deep dive into what it takes to work as a professional real estate salesperson by obtaining a real estate license.
Florida’s growing real estate market
Since last year, Florida’s housing market saw an increase of around 36% in homes for sale and the demand for single-family homes increased significantly.
Further, the state’s economic outlook continues to show strong signs of growth across various sectors such as - agriculture, tourism, technology, and aerospace.
This has led to a positive job outlook for Florida residents and migrant workers. In Florida, the job market is projected to grow in areas such as Miami, Orlando, and Tampa.
A flourishing job market is an indicator of economic stability and prosperity, which is a welcome sign for homebuyers and real estate investors.
Overall, real estate in Florida continues to be a popular market in attracting the interest of individuals from around the country.
Additionally, the lack of a state income tax in Florida is another factor that positively impacts the influx of real estate investments in the state.
If you are preparing for a thriving and rewarding career, then working in Florida real estate can give you a great head start.
The need for a real estate license
Real estate is a fast-moving, dynamic, and competitive industry, and it demands the best from professionals at all skill levels.
Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned expert, working in real estate requires you to stay on top of emerging trends, the latest regulations, and evolving consumer preferences.
In return, the industry rewards skilled and knowledgeable professionals with higher earning prospects and sustained career growth.
Like most states, Florida requires all aspiring applicants to complete mandatory education and obtain a state-approved salesperson license.
Getting a license is crucial to starting your career and working with clients who want to buy or sell real estate.
Licensing is one of the most important Florida real estate licensing requirements and a critical aspect of your professional journey.
As per the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC), only licensed agents and brokers can take part in a real estate transaction.
Earning your license will prepare you for the challenges and expectations of working in Florida real estate.
Plus, it will also equip you with the skills and training required to build a thriving, successful career.
Florida Real Estate Licensing Requirements
With the thriving real estate market and growth prospects, now is a good time to take your first steps into the industry.
Ready to embark on an exhilarating professional journey to achieve your professional goals with a license?
Did you know that you do not necessarily have to be a Florida resident to be eligible to work in the state’s real estate market?
Getting a license might seem overwhelming for many beginners, especially if you are applying for one for the first time.
To help you get started with clarity and confidence, we have covered the Florida real estate requirements in detail below.
Let’s start with the basic qualifying requirements that will prove your eligibility to apply for a FL salesperson license.
As per the Florida Department of Business Regulation (DBPR), all applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years of age or older
- Have legal proof of residence as a US citizen or as a lawfully admitted alien
- Have a high school diploma in education or GED equivalent
You can proceed to the remaining steps of the licensing process only if you meet the above-listed statutory requirements.
Florida pre-licensing education requirements
Like most states, Florida also requires aspiring real estate professionals to complete the mandatory education and training to become qualified for working with clients.
As per the state of Florida real estate license requirements, you must complete 63 hours of pre-licensing education to qualify for a salesperson license.
The pre-licensing coursework is designed to give applicants an overview of the state and national real estate industry.
During your training, you will be exposed to fundamental principles of working in the real estate industry.
Some core courses are - real estate laws, principles of real estate, ethics, and fair trade among others.
Many students think that completing pre-licensing education is merely a mandatory requirement that must be checked off the list.
However, education is more than an item on a checklist - it is the foundation upon which a successful and thriving career is built. ,
Real estate is a fast-moving, complex world with a range of laws, regulations, and guidelines for professionals.
In order to stay compliant with the state and federal rules for agents, it is important that you are fully aware of the best practices.
Moreover, completing pre-licensing coursework will prepare you for the next important step in your licensing journey which is passing the Florida real estate salesperson licensing test.
What is the Florida real estate licensing exam
After you have obtained a certificate of completion of your pre-licensing education, you will be ready to take on the next challenge which is the state licensing exam.
Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) requires all applicants and students to take the salesperson licensing test and score a minimum of 75 percent to pass the test.
The exam will consist of 100 questions in total, and that means you will have to get at least 75 questions correct.
The exam is a closed-book, multiple choice questions test that is based on the topics covered in your pre-licensing courses.
You can schedule your exam by visiting the official website of the Florida DBPR and choosing your preferred date and time slot. Note that you will have to pay $36 for each attempt.
If you are unable to pass the test on your first attempt, worry not as you can easily reschedule it by paying the exam fee again.
Many students often wonder about the difficulty of the salesperson licensing exam in FL and the answer depends on your level of preparation.
The pass rate for first-time applicants is around 60 percent however that should not deter you or shake your confidence at all.
If you have completed your pre-licensing coursework with diligence and have practiced using sample questions and mock tests, passing the exam should not be a challenge.
Understanding the cost of obtaining a Florida real estate license
Starting a new career can be a significant expense, especially if it is going to be your first job and you have limited knowledge of how to plan and budget the various steps of the journey.
In general, you can expect to spend anywhere between $200 to $800 to become a licensed salesperson in Florida.
To help you get a sense of how much it will cost to obtain an FL salesperson license, we have covered the key expenses below with their cost estimates.
Tuition fees for pre-licensing education
There are many real estate schools, colleges, and online course providers you can choose from in Florida for every budget and need.
The cost of pre-licensing education will vary depending on the course provider you choose to learn from and their course fees.
Generally, the tuition fees for pre-licensing education in Florida can vary between $80 to $400 depending on your course provider, type of learning package, and the content delivery medium.
Many students prefer enrolling in online real estate classes as they are relatively less expensive than attending an in-person, classroom-only environment.
Irrespective of the type of class or course you opt for, keep in mind that you should only learn from a state-approved education provider.
License application fees
To schedule your final licensing exam, you must first submit your real estate license application to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
You will be charged a licensing fee of $84 to process your application.
Background verification fees
The Florida DBPR requires all applicants to complete mandatory background verification and criminal history checks to prove that they meet the minimum standards of honesty, integrity, and truthfulness.
Completing a background check requires you to submit an electronic copy of your fingerprints to the Florida DBPR.
It will cost you $50 to get a fingerprint live scan done at any of the state-approved centers.
License renewal fees
After obtaining your Florida real estate salesperson license, you will be required to pay renewal fees in order to maintain and update your license.
After completing one year with your real estate agent license, all active agents are required to complete 45 hours of post-licensing training or continuing education for license renewal.
Generally, the estimated cost for completing additional continuing education is around $110.
You should think of it as an investment for your career - as the FREC requires all active licensees to continually stay updated with the laws, trends, and guidelines.