Wondering How Much To Get a Real Estate License in Florida? Here’s what you need to know
One of the most sought after locations, Florida’s real estate market has been growing at a steady pace year-on-year.
Thanks to its world-class beaches, pristine natural beauty, pleasant weather and a thriving economy, Florida continues to be amongst the hottest destinations for buyers and investors.
A career in real estate, especially in a popular and growing market like Florida, can help you launch a profitable, rewarding and emotionally fulfilling career path.
In recent years, Miami has displaced Washington D.C. to claim the fifth spot as the most valuable metro in the U.S and Florida has emerged as the second most popular real estate market in the country.
Miami, Tampa, Orlando and Jacksonville - Florida, is the state is home to four of the top highest growing real estate markets in the country.
Florida is home to more than 20 million residents and the population growth is showing no signs of slowing down in the coming future.
In the last five years, housing prices in Florida have increased by almost 80% and the growth is a sign of the real estate boom and sustained popularity of the Peach State.
The demand for residential and vacation real estate is reaching record high levels and Florida has exciting possibilities for every buyer.
If you are looking for a lucrative and fulfilling career, working in FL real estate can be a good fit for your goals and now is a great time to get started on an exciting journey.
The top real estate agents in FL can earn as high as $150K annually while working with clients and helping them achieve their homeownership goals.
Florida is home to more than 200K real estate professionals, and the market prospects are indicating that there is a lot of potential waiting to be tapped into.
Working in FL real estate can bring you a six figure salary and help you achieve a life of financial stability and professional autonomy.
In this article, we will walk you through the step-by-step process on how to get your real estate license in FL. Plus, we will also dive deep into the various important aspects of starting a new career.
Understanding Florida’s real estate market landscape
Due to the growing economy, world-class beaches, pleasant weather and a diverse population, Florida is emerging as one of the most attractive and popular cities in the country for migrants and investors.
Recently, Florida has surpassed New York to become the second most valuable real estate market in the country. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons behind the real estate boom:
Diverse Lifestyle
Florida’s property market is also growing due to the attractive lifestyle options it provides to homebuyers and investors. Beautiful beaches, scenic views, golf courses, entertainment centers, national and theme parks make Florida an excellent investment option for those looking for a well-rounded living.
Pleasant Weather
Sunny Florida has become a hub for migrants from across the country who are flocking to this state due to its pleasant weather. Central Florida feels temperate during winters while Southern Florida has a summery climate around the year, making the climate diverse across seasons.
Growing Job Market
Florida has added around half a million new jobs since the last two decades. Cities like Tampa and Orlando have shown a steady increase in the number of work opportunities. Even Jacksonville ranks among the top 50 cities in the country for its job outlook. In Florida, the job market is projected to grow in areas such as Miami, Tampa and Orlando.
Better Tax Benefits
One of the most advantageous factors of living in Florida is that residents do not have to pay any income tax. This means savings on capital gains and no need to pay additional taxes. This puts Florida amongst the top most affordable states to live across the country.
The inventory levels in Florida are high and the growth in the number of homes sold is around 3 percent year-on-year.
As of 2024, the median sale price of a home in Florida was around $450K and mortgage rates in Florida are currently at more than 7 percent.
To understand the Florida real estate landscape objectively, let’s take a closer look at the real estate markets closely:
Miami
A perfect tourist hub with a thriving economy, Miami is home to a booming housing and property market. Most suitable for short and long term investment opportunities due to the high influx of travelers and tourists. The city enjoys an average occupancy rate of around ~70%, which is significantly higher than the country average of 48%.
Jacksonville
Most suitable if you are on a tight budget as the entry price is lower than other cities in Florida. Ideal for price conscious buyers and renters who are looking for short and long-term opportunities. The market has witnessed 25 percent growth in the last few years.
Tampa:
One of the emerging real estate markets in Florida, Tampa is most suitable for first-time homebuyers and investors. Historically, Tampa has been a high growth real estate market and housing prices have increased by around 35 percent in the last few years.
Orlando
Most suitable if you are looking for a long-term investment especially due to the various entertainment centers, theme parks and growing employment rates. It is one of the most popular real estate markets offering both low-end to luxury properties, giving buyers a range of investment options.
With its bustling popularity, diverse real estate landscape and a growing population, Florida real estate market predictions are pointing towards continued growth and strong demand for real estate in the upcoming years.
If you are planning a career, now is a great time to enter the market and reap dividends for your future.
Are you thinking about how to obtain a real estate license in Florida. Before we give you the step-by-step process, it is important to understand what you are signing up for.
Choosing a career path and pursuing it is an important professional decision, and you must carefully evaluate the pros and cons before embarking on this journey.
Career outlook of working in Florida real estate
Real estate has become a highly sought after profession and many ambitious first-timers and experienced professionals are ready to start working in Florida’s burgeoning market.
Becoming a real estate agent is the easiest way to enter the industry and learn the ropes about how the real estate market works.
A real estate agent is responsible for guiding their clients during real estate transactions.whether it is buying, selling or leasing of any property.
As an agent, you will be expected to fulfil the expectations and needs of their clients i.e. buyers, sellers and investors and help them to make informed decisions and best represent your clients’ interests in a real estate deal.
The journey to become a successful real estate professional requires time, patience and careful planning. If you are keen to invest the effort, here are some benefits you will reap.
Higher earning potential
As a licensed agent, you can earn a good income and there is no upper bound on how much money you can make in this career.
Better networking
Only licensed agents get access to exclusive groups, events and real estate communities to grow their professional network.
Regulatory compliance
The Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) requires all real estate professionals to earn their license and update it to work with clients.
Professional autonomy
Licensed agents can work on their own and independently run their own real estate business or agency in Florida.
In the coming sections, we will dive deep into the exact process you need to follow and complete the various Florida state license requirements for aspiring real estate agents.
Become eligible for a real estate license in Florida
Like most states, Florida also requires aspiring real estate agents to meet the minimum eligibility requirements to apply for a salesperson license. These are:
- You must be at least 18 years of age or older
- You must be a legal resident of the state of Florida
- You must have a high school diploma in education or GED equivalent
Only if you meet the above statutory requirements, you will be eligible to apply for a salesperson license in Florida.
If you qualify, let us give you the steps on how to get my real estate license in FL and become a licensed professional.
Step 1: Complete pre licensing education
In the state of Florida, all aspiring real estate agents are required to complete qualifying education and training to become eligible for a license.
Specifically, you will be required to complete 63 hours of state approved pre licensing education approved by the Florida DBPR (Department of Business and Professional Regulation).
Pre licensing education comprises mandatory courses which cover the fundamental topics and subjects related to working in the real estate industry.
The coursework is targeted to provide applicants an overview of the various state, federal and industry specific laws.
During your education, you will learn about real estate licenses, transactions, agency relationships, commission rules, titles, deeds, legal descriptions and other federal and state specific laws pertaining to real estate professionals.
Pre license education will give your career the strong foundation it needs to become knowledgeable and skilled. Most importantly, it will help you prepare for the next steps in your license journey which is passing the Florida real estate license exam.
Step 2: Pass the Florida salesperson licensing exam
In Florida, it is mandatory for all applicants to take and pass the salesperson licensing exam to become eligible for a salesperson license.
It is a closed book test which consists of 100 multiple choice questions and you will get 3.5 hours in total to attempt them. To pass the test, you must score at least 75 percent.
The exam is designed to test your knowledge and preparation of the course subjects and topics covered in your pre licensing education.
Passing the Florida real estate licensing exam might seem like a daunting task, especially if you are attempting the exam for the first time. This is why choosing the right pre license education provider is crucial to success.
You can also practice using mock tests and sample questions to get a better understanding of the exam content and the type of questions asked.
Step 3: Clear Federal background verification check
After successfully completing your education and passing the state license exam, you might be wondering how do I get a real estate license in Florida and start working with clients?
The next step in your licensing journey is to pass the federal criminal history and background verification check.
As per the Florida DBPR, every aspiring real estate professional must meet the minimum standards for honesty, integrity and truthfulness in your moral conduct and actions.
To complete this step, you must submit a copy of your fingerprints via a livescan provider in Florida and submit the scan to the DBPR for review along with your license application.
You can visit any state approved live scan vendor and get your fingerprints taken. You can then visit the Florida DBPR and submit your application and electronic fingerprints.
After your documents and application is approved, you will receive your license within a few weeks.
The Cost of Getting a Real Estate License in Florida
Many beginner students and aspiring real estate agents often wonder how much does it cost to start a career.
Real estate is a highly dynamic, fast-moving industry governed by state and federal regulations and guidelines.
To work with clients and earn commissions, you must follow a step-by-step process for starting your career.
Becoming a licensed professional requires you to invest more than just time and effort, it also costs money. Let’s take a look at the different steps and their associated costs.
Real Estate School Cost
To become a Florida real estate agent, you must complete 63 hours of state approved pre license qualifying education as directed by the Florida Real Estate Commission.
The cost of completing pre license education varies depending on the school, college or education provider.
Generally, the cost can be between $100 to $700 and there are multiple options available at each budget range.
For most students, completing pre license education online is more convenient and cost effective. Not to mention that you can go through the coursework at your own pace, and manage your time easily.
Another added advantage of joining an experienced, well-established course provider is getting access to useful learning resources such as - mock tests, sample questions, embedded videos and preparation notes to augment your learning.
Irrespective of whether you choose a physical, classroom-based real estate school or an online pre license course, keep in mind that you should only learn from a state-approved and accredited education provider.
Your education is one of the most crucial steps of your license journey. Thus, it is recommended that you should not try to cut corners when choosing your education provider.
Florida Real Estate Exam Cost
Passing the Florida salesperson license exam is a mandatory step to become licensed in the state.
The cost of the Florida salesperson license exam is around $37 for every attempt you take. Note that if you are unable to pass the test, you will have to pay the exam fee again.
Salesperson License Application Cost
In order to become a licensed real estate agent in Florida, you will have to submit an application to the Florida DBPR and pay an application processing fee of $84.
Florida Real Estate License Renewal Fee
After becoming licensed, you still need to keep your license active and valid by completing post license renewal requirements.
Think of it as a career investment - the Florida DBPR requires active professionals to stay relevant and evolve with the changing times.
As per the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC), every active license holder must complete additional education to renew their licence by completing post licensing or continuing education.
The FREC has made the licensing renewal process simple and easy to complete for active license holders.
To renew your license before the stipulated expiration date, you need to complete post license education and pay the license renewal fee.
The cost of completing 45 hours of continuing education can vary, depending on the learning medium and course format.
However, you can expect to spend around $100 to $200 to fulfill the continuing education requirements. Additionally, it will cost you $25 to $30 to renew your salesperson license.
It is important to note that if you are unable to renew your license before the expiration date, then you will have to pay an additional fee of $25 in late charges along with the renewal cost.