How to become a licensed real estate agent in Florida
Beyond the vast and flourishing tourism spots and world-class entertainment and leisure choices, Florida is home to a strong economy and a growing job market.
The Peach State has historically been renowned for attracting visitors from around the country, thanks to its picturesque natural views, beautiful scenic landscapes, and warm, temperate climate.
It is no surprise that Florida’s real estate market has been steadily growing in the last few years.
Florida’s economic outlook is looking promising and the number of job openings in the state has skyrocketed year on year due to many companies and businesses flocking to the state.
This has led to a significant rise in population which in turn has led to increasing demand for residential housing and rental real estate. In fact, it has become the fastest-growing state by population in the country.
The population boom in Florida and the state’s lack of income tax for residents are two crucial factors influencing the state’s real estate market positively.
Florida’s business, tourism and taxation friendly policies have offered numerous incentives to homebuyers and real estate investors from across the country.
The real estate landscape in Florida offers a compelling mix of high demand, growing population, low taxation, and tourism-driven attractions.
If you are considering a career in real estate, look no further than the Peach State which offers a wealth of opportunities for aspiring agents and brokers.
You will be surprised to learn that a career in Florida real estate does not require years of education or any advanced degree.
All you need to do is fulfill the state specific licensing requirements and obtain your real estate license in Florida and you’ll be on your way to close deals and work with clients.
Getting a license might seem overwhelming or daunting at first, however, if you follow the series of steps listed in this article, it will be easier than you imagined.
We have put together this in-depth article to help you embark on a journey to become a licensed real estate agent in Florida.
After reading this article, you will get answers to all the frequently asked questions and benefit from the practical tips shared for your career.
Benefits of working in Florida real estate
Before we discuss the Florida real estate requirements in detail, allow us to give you a look into the exciting career journey you are going to embark on.
As we are stepping into the new year soon, it is important to understand why now is an ideal time to launch your career.
Here are some key benefits of embracing a career as a real estate agent in Florida.
1. More flexibility
Unlike a conventional nine-to-five job, real estate agents can choose to establish their own schedules and set their working hours.
This means you will have the power to define and suit your schedule as per your personal and professional preferences.
With such a high level of flexibility, working as a real estate agent can help you achieve a better work-life balance and give time to other aspects of your life.
Many individuals prefer working remotely and some also like to work from an office environment - the choice is yours and you can decide where you work from.
2. Multiple career possibilities
Although there are thousands of real estate agents in Florida, they are not the same because there are multiple niches and specializations to choose from.
As an aspiring agent in a diverse real estate landscape like Florida, you will be excited to learn that you can choose to work in residential, commercial, luxury, and vacation rental properties.
Depending on your area of interest and preference, you can define your career path and even switch paths as and when required.
The multiple possibilities help agents to align their careers with their strengths and areas of interest.
3. High earning potential
One of the most common reasons why you should consider a part-time or a full-time career in real estate is due to the high earning potential offered by the profession.
Real estate agents in Florida can tap into the state’s diverse and robust property market and make the most of the growing population and strong demand.
As a real estate agent, there is no limit to how much you can make. The more deals you close, the more commissions you earn.
In fact, the top agents in FL easily make a six figure income annually while earning anywhere between 5 to 6 percent of commission on a property’s selling price.
Additionally, you can also generate a recurring income stream through referrals and repeat clients which can add to your earnings and earn substantial commissions.
4. Professional networking opportunities
The world of real estate is vast and consists of diverse roles and plethora of professionals such as - brokers, realtors, appraisers, developers, loan officers, attorneys among many others.
Working in Florida real estate will provide you the opportunity to meet and network with experienced professionals and expand your professional circle.
Licensed real estate agents can join members-only events, local and federal real estate associations and specialized professional groups in Florida.
With exposure to experienced professionals and industry veterans, you can grow yourself professionally, expand your knowledge, find mentors, and stay updated with the latest developments and emerging trends.
Beyond monetary rewards and professional benefits, a career in real estate also gives you the opportunity to meet people and help them achieve their homeownership goals.
Imagine earning a six-figure income while being your own boss and your own schedule to help your clients buy and sell real estate - sounds like a professional dream come true?
If you cannot wait to enjoy a life of professional independence, financial freedom, and career satisfaction, then now is the time to prepare for getting your real estate license in Florida.
Need for a Florida real estate license
Before we dive deeper into the various Florida real estate license requirements and the steps required to complete them, let us share an important aspect of why licensing is a must.
Since real estate is a fast-moving, dynamic industry that is governed by state and federal laws and regulations, it is important to meet the minimum standards set for professionals.
Like most states, Florida also requires all aspiring real estate agents to meet state-specific qualifying education and licensing requirements.
According to the FREC (Florida Real Estate Commission), if you want to work with clients in selling or buying of real estate anywhere in the state, you must obtain a valid license first.
To protect the rights and interests of consumers, the state authority ensures that only knowledgeable, skilled and individuals with good moral character are given the opportunity to work in the industry.
The Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) has outlined all the latest and current licensing guidelines for aspiring agents.
As per the FREC, you must meet the basic eligibility requirements which are:
- You must be at least 18 years of age or older
- You must be a legal citizen of the US or a lawfully residing alien.
- You should have a high school diploma or GED equivalent in education
- You must not have any history of felony or criminal activity
If you meet the above statutory requirements, you can apply for a real estate license by completing the additional requirements.
To start with, you should apply for a salesperson license and get your foot through the door. After you have gained industry experience, you can apply for a broker’s license in FL.
Steps to obtain a Florida salesperson license
Applying for a license might seem overwhelming to beginners, but all you need to do is follow the step-by-step process and you will be on your way to getting licensed.
Step 1: Complete pre-licensing education
Florida law requires only knowledgeable and skilled individuals to apply for a license. To ensure this, the FREC has set up qualifying education guidelines for aspiring agents.
As per the FREC, you must complete 63 hours of state-approved course credits, also known as pre-licensing education to become eligible for a salesperson license in Florida.
Completing pre licensing education is mandatory for all individuals and you must choose a FREC approved and accredited real estate college, school or online course for the same.
Many students prefer enrolling in an online Florida real estate course to complete the course at their own pace from anywhere.
Completing an online real estate prep course is a more convenient and flexible way to complete your education without having to physically travel to an in-person classroom.
When it comes to the coursework, you can expect to learn about the various principles of real estate and other foundational topics.
Additionally, you will also learn about the state and federal laws, consumer rights, regulations and best practices for real estate professionals.
Listed below are the key courses you will learn in your pre-licensing education:
- Principles of Real Estate
- Laws of Real Estate
- Property Rights
- Laws of Agency
- Real Estate Finance
- Real Estate Business
- Promulgated Contract Forms
The purpose of pre licensing education is to equip you with an understanding of the industry and more specifically, your job role and its associated responsibilities and regulations.
Step 2: Pass the Florida licensing exam
After you have obtained a certificate of completion from a state-approved education provider, you can schedule your salesperson licensing exam in Florida.
To schedule your test, you need to submit a proof of completion of pre licensing training along with an electronic scan of your fingerprints for background check and verification.
Once your documents have been verified, you can take the FL real estate sales associate exam in person at one of the Pearson Vue centers based on your preferred location.
The duration of the test is three hours within which you will have to answer 100 multiple-choice questions. In order to clear the test, you must score at least 75 percent or above.
Step 3: Find employer sponsorship
Congratulations on passing the sales associate licensing exam, you will now receive your state issued salesperson license in a few weeks.
However, to work with clients, you need to activate your license first by finding employer sponsorship in Florida.
The state law requires all newly licensed agents to work under the supervision of a senior brokerage or broker with a valid real estate license.
Do not worry as this step is pretty easy to complete. You can search for brokerage firms or independent brokers in your region and reach out to them seeking sponsorship.
Note that you will have to submit details about your employer sponsorship to the FREC for review and approval post which your license will be activated.