Want to Know How Do You Get Your Real Estate License in Florida Easily? Read this
Florida’s real estate landscape is enjoying an unprecedented boom, thanks to the rising population, net positive migration, strong economic outlook and beautiful beaches.
Currently placed amongst the fastest growing real estate markets in the country, Florida is witnessing a strong demand for residential, rental and commercial properties.
Thanks to a vast coastline, pleasant climate and an abundance of entertainment choices, homebuyers, retirees, vacationers and real estate investors are flocking to the state.
Florida’s dynamic market and rising popularity continues to attract investors and homebuyers from all over the country.
Home prices in FL have increased over the last few years and so have the number of homes sold indicating a growth period for the market and sustained demand.
With around an 80 percent increase in property valuation, Florida real estate is showing no signs of slowing down and the market has huge potential for the future.
Florida’s economic outlook continues to show strong growth across various sectors such as - agriculture, tourism, technology and aerospace.
Breathtaking coastal views, rich cultural attractions and high-end cuisine and entertainment choices are some additional reasons why property valuations are soaring.
On top of it, the job outlook in FL is also boosted and the market is projected to grow in Miami, Orlando, Tampa and Jacksonville in the coming years.
A flourishing job market is an indicator of economic stability and prosperity, which is a welcome sign for homebuyers and real estate investors.
Do you plan to become a real estate agent in Florida and be a part of a rewarding and fulfilling career where you earn a six-figure income and help people achieve their goals?
If yes, now is a good time to start preparing to pursue the opportunity to become a licensed real estate professional and reap advantages of working in Florida’s booming real estate.
Imagine working in a profession where you can earn as much as you want without any limit to how much commissions you can earn.
Real estate agents enjoy the flexibility to define their own working hours, set their goals and control the trajectory of their career.
To enjoy the benefits and advantages of working in Florida real estate, you need to obtain a Florida salesperson license to begin with.
Getting a license is a crucial and essential step of starting your career in real estate - this is a state and federal requirement for all professionals who want to work with clients.
If you are a complete beginner, getting a license might seem overwhelming, but if you follow a step-by-step process, it is a straightforward process.
To help you get started, this in-depth article covers all the key aspects of how to get your real estate license in FL and work in a dynamic, fast-moving industry.
After reading this resource, you will get answers to all your questions on how to start a thriving part-time or full-time career in real estate.
Why do you need a real estate license
Like most professions, real estate is also governed by a set of pre-established state and federal laws, guidelines and industry standards for professionals.
To establish the operating principles for real estate professionals and firms, the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) has enforced a set of laws and guidelines.
This helps to protect and safeguard the rights and interests of consumers while maintaining high standards of professionalism in the industry.
As real estate is a fast-moving industry with its changing set of laws and regulations, it is important to meet the current standards as a professional.
Real estate agents are expected to stay on top of emerging trends, latest regulations and evolving consumer needs.
Getting your license is a way to prove your eligibility and qualification to work with consumers and assist them in buying and selling properties in Florida.
Whether you want to build a part-time revenue stream or start a full-time thriving career, working in real estate requires you to apply and obtain a state approved license.
By completing the various Florida real estate license laws and requirements, you show your commitment to your career and professional development.
In return, the industry will reward you with the opportunity to find your own clients and boost your earning potential significantly.
Getting a license is an essential stepping stone to kickstart your career and make the most of the various opportunities in Florida real estate.
Licensing is one of the most important steps and a critical aspect of your professional journey.
As per the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC), only licensed agents can engage in a real estate transaction and earn money through deals.
Earning your license will prepare you for the challenges and expectations of working in the industry while giving you the knowledge and skills required to assist clients.
When it comes to getting licensed, you can start your career by applying for a salesperson license as it is the easiest way to enter real estate as a professional.
As you gain experience and build a clientele, you can complete additional requirements to obtain a Florida broker’s license.
Now that you have learned about the importance of getting licensed, let us walk you through the step-by-step process of how to get the real estate license in Florida.
Florida Real Estate Licensing Requirements
With the thriving real estate market and exciting growth prospects, now is a great time to join Florida real estate as an agent.
If you have made up your mind to work in real estate, Florida can offer you a fertile opportunity ground to tap into opportunities for commissions.
Like other states, Florida also follows a set of state specific license guidelines and regulations which are applicable for aspiring real estate agents and brokers.
In Florida, it is the duty of the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) and the Florida DBPR (Department of Business and Professional Regulation) to issue and renew licenses.
Getting a license might seem like a daunting task, especially if you are a complete beginner and applying for one for the first time.
Let’s start by understanding the basic qualifying requirements to prove your eligibility to apply for a license. These are:
- You must be at least 18 years of age or older
- You must a legal US citizen or as a lawfully residing alien
- You must have a high school diploma in education or GED equivalent
If you meet the basic statutory requirements, you can proceed to the remaining steps of the licensing process.
Completing pre licensing education in Florida
Like most states, Florida also requires aspiring real estate agents to complete a minimum level of education and training to qualify for working with clients.
As per the FREC license guidelines, you must complete 63 hours of pre-licensing education to qualify for a real estate license.
The purpose of completing pre license education is to learn about the real estate principles, laws, industry standards and other fundamental concepts of working in the industry.
The pre-licensing course curriculum is formulated to give students an overview of their job duties, tasks and responsibilities.
Some mandatory courses you will complete include - principles of real estate, real estate laws, real estate finance, ethics and consumer rights among others.
Many students wonder about the practical benefits of completing 63 hours of coursework in Florida and is it merely a mandatory requirement which must be checked off from the list.
Pre license courses and education is beyond just a mandatory requirement- it is the core foundation upon which a successful career is built.
Working in real estate requires you to have a solid grasp on the fundamental principles, state and federal laws, consumer rights and various regulations, it is important that you are fully prepared.
Most importantly, completing pre license education will help you prepare you for the Florida real estate salesperson licensing test, passing which is a mandatory step to get a license.
Passing the Florida real estate license exam
To obtain a license, you must be prepared to take and pass the Florida salesperson license exam as it is one of the mandatory requirements.
As per the FREC, in order to obtain a license, every aspiring real estate agent must prove their knowledge and skills by passing the state license test.
After completing your pre license coursework, you can schedule your test by submitting an application to the FREC with a certificate of completion of education along with a proof for your background check and verification.
The real estate license exam in Florida is three hours in duration and comprises 100 multiple choice questions covering both state and national specific portions.
The exam is a closed-book, multiple choice questions test which is based on the topics covered in your pre licensing courses.
To pass the test you must score at least 75 percent or above and if you are unable to pass the test on your first attempt, you can easily reschedule it by paying the exam fee again.
If you have been thinking about how to get my real estate license in Florida, you might wonder about the difficulty of the real estate license test.
Although the current pass rate for first time applicants is around 45 to 55 percent, that does not imply that passing the test on the first attempt is not possible.
To give you a sense of what to expect in terms of the topics for exam preparation, below is a checklist:
- Federal and State Laws
- Real Estate Commission Rules
- Property Rights
- Types of Mortgages
- Titles, Deeds and Ownership Types
- Real Estate Financing
- Real Estate Business
- Real Estate Laws and Licenses
- Real Estate Contracts and Deeds
- Real Estate Appraisal
- Authorized Relationships, Disclosures and Duties
How to Prepare for the Florida Real Estate Exam
Understand the Exam Format and Content
The most important aspect of any exam, and often the most overlooked one, is the format and structure of the test itself.
Before diving into preparing for the exam topics, it is important to take some time and learn about the format of the exam and its contents.
The first step of your real estate exam prep should be to familiarise yourself with exam format and how the test is conducted, including what all languages are supported.
Create a Study Schedule
Preparing for a real estate licensing exam can be mentally and physically overwhelming for students, especially for the ones without a proper schedule.
Create a structured learning routine for yourself and pace your studies accordingly and it also helps you avoid unwanted stress and burnout.
Review Course Materials and Textbooks
Your exam test preparation course provider will provide you with valuable learning materials and textbooks.
A few days before the final exam, make sure to go over the course materials in a summary format and give a quick glance to key topics.
You should also revisit your notes and textbooks for any previous notes or important points before the exam.
Use Exam Prep Resources
To ace the FL real estate license test, it helps to have the assistance of dedicated exam prep resources and learning material.
By practicing using mock tests and sample questions, you can become familiar with the type of questions asked commonly in the exam.
Further, practicing using sample tests also help you manage your time better and
By taking mock tests and practicing questions, you can let go of exam anxiety and learn how to manage your time effectively for the final exam.
Understanding the cost to obtain 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 on how to plan and budget the various steps of the journey.
If you are thinking about how to get a FL real estate license and start your career, it is important to understand the investment required in the process.
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 a FL salesperson license, we have covered the key expenses below with their cost estimates.
Cost of completing pre license education
There are many real estate schools, colleges and education providers you can choose from in Florida to complete 63 hours of pre license course credits.
The final cost of completing pre license education will vary depending on the type of course package you opt for, your preferred medium of learning and any additional features.
Generally, the cost to complete Florida pre license education varies between $100 to $700 and it also depends on the pass rate and reputation of the education provider.
As a rule of thumb, online pre license courses in FL are relatively more affordable as compared to physical, classroom based learning.
The important thing to keep in mind is that you should only opt for a state approved pre license education provider.
Cost to apply for a salesperson license application
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.
Complete federal background verification check
The Florida DBPR requires all applicants to complete mandatory background verification and criminal history check 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 and this will cost you $50 to complete this step.
License renewal fees
Simply having a real estate license in Florida isn’t enough - after obtaining your salesperson license, you will be required to pay renewal fees in order to maintain it.
Since real estate is a highly competitive field, you need to invest in your career growth to to stay ahead of the competition,
To renew your license before its expiration date, you need to complete continuing education and stay updated with the latest guidelines, standards and guidelines for professionals.
The Florida DBPR requires every real estate professional to complete 45 hours of post licensing training and continuing education to renew their licenses.
Generally, the estimated cost for completing post license continuing education is between $100 to $120.
Overall cost to obtain a Florida salesperson license
Now that you have learned about how do you get a real estate license in Florida and the different cost components, let us give you a summary of the overall cost which includes:
- Complete your Florida prelicensing education: $135
- Take the Florida real estate exam: $36
- Get your fingerprints scanned: $50
- Submit your license application: $84
- Other additional costs: $10-$20
To conclude, you will be expected to shell out anywhere between $300 to $500 to obtain a real estate agent license and start working with clients.
Note that after obtaining your license, you need to find a sponsoring broker or brokerage firm licensed in Florida to activate your license.