How To Build A Successful Career in Florida Real Estate

Working as a real estate agent in Florida is a great opportunity if you want to earn six figures, have a flexible work schedule, and be your own boss. That means that you have the flexibility to meet your lifestyle needs and personal preferences. 

To achieve all these goals, you must become a top-performing real estate agent or broker by fulfilling all state and federal requirements and getting a real estate license. 

In this post, we will guide you on how to get a Florida real estate license.    

Benefits of working in Florida real estate

Let’s take a detailed look at some of the most enjoyable and promising benefits of starting a new career in real estate. 

1. Professional Independence

For many, the freedom to break free from the 9 to 5 grind is a compelling reason to choose a career in real estate. 

One of the biggest perks of working as a salesperson or broker is the ability to define your working hours on your own. 

The nature of the job is such that you are only concerned about meeting clients, helping with their needs, and closing deals. 

As long as you are fulfilling your objectives, you need not worry about sticking to a set schedule or daily routine. 

2. Unlimited earning potential

A career in real estate means significant earnings. The harder you work, the more you earn. This is because your income is based on commissions from deals closed. 

3. Better growth prospects

Real estate is a dynamic industry with high growth potential and career opportunities. For example, you might start as a real estate agent and after a few years of experience, go on to be a broker with your own brokerage firm.

You can then become a senior broker with a real estate license in Florida and venture into niche markets such as luxury real estate.  

You can also progress to start your own brokerage firm or real estate agency in Florida in a few years. 

4. A professional community

Whether you decide to work as a part-time or as a full-time professional, real estate welcomes professionals from different walks of life. 

You will be working alongside brokers, realtors, appraisers, home inspectors, mortgage brokers, and contractors. This will give you a rich and varied professional experience and help you expand your professional network easily. 

The real estate community will provide you with the support and mentorship required for professional development. 

Plus, as your network expands, so will your pool of opportunities for working with new clients. 

All that you need is a Fl real estate license to embark on a lucrative career. The advantage now is that you can complete the entire process online without upsetting your daily routine. 

Even though there are various types of licenses in the real estate industry, start with getting a salesperson’s license in Florida. 

Before starting the licensing process, let us give you an overview of the FL salesperson licensing requirements first. 

Florida Real Estate Requirements for Salesperson License

The Florida real estate license requirements include several norms that must be fulfilled first. The controlling body for overseeing the license process is the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).   

These guidelines and requirements are enforced to ensure only qualified and eligible 

individuals are allowed to work with clients and help consumers buy and sell properties. 

Step 1: Fulfill the pre-licensing criteria

To obtain a salesperson license, you must first qualify by completing the requirements which are as follows: 

• You must be at least 18 years or older in age
• You must have a high school diploma in education or a GED equivalent
• You must have a legal proof of residency in Florida
• You must have a valid social security number

Step 2: Complete the pre-licensing education

Florida requires all aspiring salespersons to complete 63 hours of pre-licensing education from a state-approved education provider. This is mandated by the FREC. 

The purpose of this coursework is to impart knowledge about the fundamental principles and practices of the real estate industry. The study materials include topics relevant both at the national and the state levels. 

Knowing about real estate principles, practices, ethics, and consumer rights will help you to offer good services to your clients in the future.   

You can complete the 63 hours of course credits from a real estate school or any online Florida real estate course in the state. 

At this point, it is necessary to choose a top-quality FREC-approved course provider that can guide you on how to maximize your real estate knowledge and pass the licensing exam. 

After completing the coursework, appear for the licensing exam and pass it. Now upload all relevant documents to FREC and apply for a real estate license in Florida.  

Note that you will have to pay a $36 fee to schedule the exam which you can do online or via phone. 

Step 3: Pass the Florida real estate licensing exam

To pass the licensing exam you must score a minimum of 75%. 

The exam will consist of 100 questions in total, and that means you will have to get at least 75 questions correct to pass the test. 

In case you are unable to pass the test on your first attempt, you can reschedule it by paying the $36 fee again.

Step 4: Get fingerprinted

All applicants applying for a real estate license in Florida must undergo a background check for past criminal records. Submit your fingerprints electronically at a fingerprint scan center in Florida. Complete this step at least 5 days before applying for a real estate license in Florida by paying $50 for the scan.   

Step 5: Find a sponsoring employer

To activate your real estate license, you must initially work in a brokerage firm under the guidance of an experienced broker. 

Although you can easily find a sponsoring broker, you must do your research before finalizing and choosing one. 

Since you will be learning the ropes and gaining real-world experience with your first employer, it is important to make an informed choice. 

Start by checking out reviews about the top brokerage firms in your area or state and shortlist on that basis. It is advisable to schedule meetings with these firms to get first-hand knowledge about their working environment and the commission structure.