How to become financially independent with a career in Florida real estate

By Ciprian Morariu Published: January 30, 2025

How to become financially independent with a career in Florida real estate

Florida real estate has grown steadily over the last few years and the state continues to attract homebuyers, migrant workers, and investors.

Be it the scenic beaches, enticing vacation homes, diverse culture, or the growing job market, there are many reasons contributing to Florida’s real estate boom.

Even the valuation of residential real estate soared by around 80 percent in the last five years which is a testament to the growing population and influx of workers and retirees.

In addition to entertainment, employment, and tourism, relatively affordable median pricing of around $400K for a home is another alluring reason for many first-time homebuyers.

It is no surprise that more individuals are migrating to Florida and the Peach State has the highest net margin of migration in the U.S.

Florida’s strong economic outlook and growing population are indicators of the bright potential of the real estate market - if you are planning to work in FL real estate, now could be a good time to start. 

Entering the real estate industry now can help you tap into the exciting possibilities and build a successful side hustle or a thriving, full-time career as a real estate agent.

Real estate is an exciting and rewarding career path where opportunities for growth are abundant if you are willing to put in the effort.

Working in Florida real estate can help you earn a six-figure salary while giving you additional avenues for earning thousands of dollars in commission.

The best part is that you do not even need a bachelor’s degree to start working with clients - all you need is a real estate license in Florida to find your first job as an agent.

As per the FL law, you must earn a real estate license first before helping individuals buy or sell properties anywhere in the state.

This article will explain the key steps of getting a license - from the basic eligibility criteria to the qualifying education and beyond.

What makes Florida a great market for agents and brokers

Before embarking on a career, it is important to understand what to expect, especially if it is your first job or if you are someone switching careers to work in real estate.

Since getting a license requires time, effort, and cost, it is important to understand the return on investment of your decision to become a licensed real estate agent.

Did you know that in 2023, Florida’s real estate market was valued as the second highest in the country?

The number of homes sold rose by an impressive 36 percent year-on-year, indicating consistent demand for housing and residential real estate.

Florida’s economic outlook is also strong and growing across sectors like - tourism, agriculture, technology, and aerospace.

Here are some factors contributing to Florida’s real estate growth and demand: 

Favorable Weather:

The weather in Florida is pleasant, humidity-free, and warm year-round and that is an attractive destination for homebuyers and retirees.

Thanks to warm springs and late autumn, the state is an outdoor lover’s dream and perfect for living in a balanced climate.

Winters in Florida last only a few months and many parts do not see extreme cold or freezing temperatures.

The charm of coastal living by the beach further adds to the charm of the state, making it an ideal location for thousands.

Beautiful Beaches:

Boasting clear water and breathtaking views, Florida is home to 1000 miles of shoreline and 600 miles of beaches, the highest in the country.

The tourism and recreational economy of Florida is huge and continues to grow, attracting visitors and buyers from around the world.

Many people flock to popular beaches in Miami and Orlando due to the perfect weather, fresh air, and unmatched peace and quiet.

The state has witnessed a steady increase in interest from homeowners who are rushing to pay a premium for sea-facing and beach-ready luxury properties.

Growing Job Opportunities:

Florida is one of the fastest-growing economies in the country and is home to a thriving infrastructure and an attractive business climate.

Aviation, Defense, IT, Manufacturing, Healthcare, and Logistics are some of the prominent industries that have contributed to growing job opportunities.

Since the last decade, Florida has added half a million new jobs and the prospects are looking bright for the future.

This has led to net positive migration and population growth in Florida, resulting in a growing demand for housing.

Working in Florida real estate can be a profitable career move, especially if you want to achieve financial independence and work independently in the future.

However, to unlock your career’s full growth potential, you need to apply and get an FL real estate license and start your journey from there.

What does a real estate agent do?

It is estimated that around 80 percent of clients prefer working with a licensed professional to make property-related decisions.

Real estate agents can represent buyers and sellers and provide them with services and assistance to earn commissions on the value of a real estate transaction.

At the start of your career, you will be working under the supervision of senior brokers as part of brokerage firms.

A day in the life of a real estate agent is a mix of sales, customer service, administrative, operational, and marketing-related duties. Here are some common tasks you will perform:

  • Replying to texts, emails, or phone calls from prospects and meeting them in person to answer their queries and understand their needs.
  • Guiding homeowners in setting up their property for showings, property visits, site tours, and open houses to attract potential buyers.
  • Liaising with brokers, loan officers, home inspectors, underwriters, and property appraisers to facilitate the transaction.
  • Answering all the questions and doubts of your clients and helping them get the best value for their money.
  • Finding potential homes and properties for sale using the local property listing services and databases.
  • Preparing and submitting bids on behalf of clients and negotiating for the best deal.
  • Completing the paperwork such as contracts, deeds, and agreements on behalf of a buyer or a seller to complete a transaction.
  • Maintaining regulatory compliance with Florida real estate laws, federal guidelines, and industry standards.
  • Advertising properties with promotional materials and marketing tools
  • Drafting, filing, and maintaining paperwork and documentation on behalf of your employer or brokerage firm.
  • Staying updated about the industry trends, forecasts, and developments at the local and federal levels.

Now that you have learned about what your job role will entail, let us walk you through the steps on how to start in the direction of getting licensed.

Note that in the beginning, you must apply for a salesperson license in Florida and enter the industry to take your first job.

As you gain experience and build a clientele, you can complete additional education to acquire a broker’s license and advance in your career.

Basic Eligibility Requirements for a Florida Salesperson License

Florida follows a set of licensing laws and requirements for aspiring professionals and it is the duty of the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) to issue and renew licenses.

As per the FREC licensing requirements, it is mandatory to complete the minimum requirements to become eligible for a license. These are as follows:

  • You must be at least 18 years of age or older
  • You must be a legal resident in the state of Florida or a lawfully residing alien
  • You must possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent in education

Only if you meet the above statutory requirements, you can proceed to complete the next set of licensing requirements.

Education requirements for a Florida real estate license

Florida law requires every individual to complete a minimum qualifying education to become eligible for a salesperson license.

As per the FREC, it is mandatory to complete 63 hours of pre-license coursework from a state-approved education provider.

Completing pre-license education will help you understand the fundamentals of real estate, including state and federal laws.

The 63 hours of coursework will include the following courses:

  • Principles of Real Estate
  • Real Estate Finance
  • Laws of Real Estate
  • Law of Agency
  • Promulgated Contract Forms

Note that you can choose to complete your pre-licensing education by joining a physical, classroom-based real estate college or by enrolling in an online Florida real estate course.

For most students, online courses offer more flexibility and convenience as they can be completed from anywhere on any device.

If you are wondering how much time and costs it takes to complete qualifying education, it generally takes a few weeks to a couple of months and will cost you anywhere from $100 to $800 depending on your education provider, learning medium, and course package. 

Exam Requirements for Florida Salesperson License

The FREC requires every student to pass the salesperson licensing exam in Florida as it is a mandatory requirement for a license.

After you have completed your Florida real estate course, the next step is to take the state licensing exam.

You can visit the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) to schedule the test and take the exam at any of the Pearson VUE centers in the state.

The exam consists of both state-specific and national-specific portions and it will test your knowledge of state and federal laws, ethics, consumer rights, and general industry topics.

The licensing exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and you must score at least 75 percent or above to pass the exam.

Note that if you do not clear the licensing exam on your first attempt, you can re-appear for the exam by paying the  $36 exam fee.

Background verification for Florida real estate license

The Florida licensing law requires all applicants to meet the minimum standards for honesty, integrity, and good moral conduct.

In Florida, all individuals must undergo a federal criminal history check and background verification to prove their eligibility for working with clients.

To complete this requirement, you must submit an electronic scan of your fingerprints to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

It will cost you $58 to get your electronic fingerprint scan and you can get your scan at any of the approved live scan vendors in Florida.

Along with the fingerprint scan, you can submit your license application and pay a $40 fee to process your application.

If your application is reviewed and approved, you will receive your salesperson license within a few weeks.

Finding employer sponsorship

After getting your salesperson license, you will have to complete one additional step to start working with clients.

As per the Florida DBPR, newly licensed agents must work under the supervision of a supervising broker or brokerage firm to gain industry experience.