Steps to Becoming a Real Estate Agent in Florida

There are six steps to get a real estate agent license in Florida. However, before starting the process, you must complete certain mandatory eligibility norms. These are as follows: 

• Be at least 18 years of age 
• Have a high school diploma or a GED
• Have the United States Social Security Number
• Pass a background check. 

Now, coming to the six steps to get a Florida real estate agent license:

• Step 1: Complete 63 hours of pre-licensing coursework. The course provider must be on the approved list of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
• Step 2: Pass the Florida Real Estate License Course Exam.
• Step 3: Apply online on the DBPR portal for your Florida Real Estate Sales Associate License. 
• Step 4: Get your fingerprints and background verified for past criminal records by an approved Livescan Service Provider.
• Step 5: Register with Pearson Vue and pass the Florida Real Estate State Exam. 
• Step 6: After passing this exam, you can activate your Florida Sales Associate License and launch your real estate career in the state.

 Fixed cost comprises the following fees. 

• The Application Fee (fiscal years 2024-2025) for a FL real estate license is $83.75.
• The Examination Fee to take the real estate licensing exam in Florida is $36.75.
• You must undergo a background check for any past criminal history by submitting your fingerprints. The cost of this check ranges from $50 to $80 

The variable cost is what you pay for enrolling in a Florida real estate license course. It might be anywhere between $69 to $1,000 depending on the subjects covered. Typically, online courses are cheaper than classroom-based courses which might be $799 on the higher level. 

RealEstateU offers one of the best online courses for a Florida real estate license, yet the price is among the lowest in this niche. The basic course starts at $69 with costs for additional aids such as study guides and test prep.

Hence, the total spent to get a Florida real estate license is between $400 to $1,000.

You will get several schools in the state offering classroom-based or online Florida real estate courses. However, the best in this field is RealEstateU, a course provider that offers affordable high-quality courses. 

We also have study guides and test prep that help you prepare better for the licensing exam.

There are several topics covered in the FL real estate license course. These are as follows:

• Real Estate Business
• Real Estate Laws and Licenses
• Real Estate Contracts
• Federal and State Laws
• Real Estate Commission Rules
• Real Estate Brokerage and Procedures
• Real Estate Appraisal
• Authorized Relationships, Disclosures, and Duties
• Violations of Real Estate Laws, Penalties and Procedures
• Types of Mortgages
• Titles, Deeds, and Ownership Types
• Real Estate Financing

The Florida real estate course is available both online and in a classroom environment. However, an online Florida real estate course offers the flexibility to study from anywhere and at any time.

The average base salary for a real estate sales associate in Florida is $102,702 per year. However, it also depends on the city you practice. According to Indeed.com, Tampa leads the way with $105,916, followed by Miami at $105,614, Fort Lauderdale at $105,356, and Orlando at $103,776, all above the state average.

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is the body that issues real estate licenses in Florida.

A real estate sales associate or broker who is a member of the National Association of Realtors is a Realtor.

A Florida real estate license is required when you buy or sell properties on behalf of a client against commission.

No, a FL real estate license obtained in any city in Florida is valid throughout the state.

The Florida real estate exam is 3.5 hours duration and has 100 multi-choice national and state-specific questions. Subjects covered include Real Estate Law, Real Estate Principles and Practices, and Real Estate Mathematics. The pass grade is 75%. You will be informed of your results in pass/fail grades by Pearson Vue as soon as this online exam is over.

Becoming a real estate agent is the first step in the industry and the first license in your career. Initially, you have to work in a brokerage firm and gain experience. 

You must have 4 years of experience as a real estate agent to become a broker. You should also have 360 Experience Points in the last five years. The points are calculated as follows:

• 30 points for each closed deal of residential property. 
• 30 points for each closed sale of commercial or industrial property,
• 50 points for each closed deal that is related to a farm or ranch property transaction.  

You must also complete a broker pre-licensing course to become a broker from a real estate agent.

Yes, a convicted felon can get a real estate license in Florida but it is at the discretion of DBPR.   

Some of the points considered are as follows: 

• The type of crime as there is no compromise for the serious ones.
• How long ago was the crime committed and when were you convicted.
• Whether you have been an active participant in community affairs thereafter and have contributed meaningfully to society