Your guide to starting a successful career in Florida real estate
Florida’s dynamic market and rising popularity continue to attract investors and homebuyers from all over the country.
Did you know that Florida’s real estate market is currently at the 2nd spot in terms of the most sought-after locations for homeowners and migrants?
Last year, the Florida real estate market witnessed an increase of ~36% in the total number of homes sold as compared to the previous year.
As one of the hottest markets in the country, Florida’s favorable tax environment, strong job market, and pleasant climate are leading to the burgeoning demand for residential real estate.
In the last five years alone, the housing prices in FL have increased by almost 80% and it is projected that the Sunshine State will continue to witness an influx of homebuyers and real estate investors.
Working in Florida real estate can open new doors for building a thriving and successful career, especially since the market is brimming with opportunities for buyers and sellers.
Are you interested in becoming a part of Florida’s flourishing real estate market and starting a successful career as a real estate agent?
Now is a great time to embark on a rewarding and exciting career by getting your Florida real estate license.
However, if you wish to work with clients and be a part of real estate deals, then it is mandatory that you earn your real estate license first.
In order to kickstart your real estate career, you must become a licensed agent or broker to connect with opportunities.
Like most states, Florida also requires aspiring professionals to earn their specific real estate license to work in the industry legally.
If you are new to the world of real estate and want to learn how to navigate the journey to obtain a license, then this guide will help you get started in the right direction.
We will cover all the key aspects of becoming a licensed agent in Florida - from state-specific licensing requirements to the application process, qualifying requirements, and everything else in between applying for a license and getting one.
Before we give you a rundown of the licensing process and the steps involved, let us start by discussing the job profile of a real estate agent.
The Career path of a Real Estate agent
One of the most popular career choices, a career in real estate is known for its flexibility and financial freedom.
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.
If you have done even the slightest research about real estate, you might have come across the title of a real estate agent or broker already.
Real estate agents and brokers are two highly common and preferred career paths in the industry.
Becoming a real estate agent is the easiest way to enter the industry and learn the ropes about how the real estate market works.
Before you get too excited to start applying for a license, it is important to take a pause and ask yourself - are you aware of what the job entails and how are you expected to work and grow in this profession?
Before we discuss Florida real estate requirements in detail, let us give you a brief overview of what real estate agents do and their key job duties.
A real estate agent is responsible for guiding their clients during real estate transactions, whether it is buying, selling, or leasing any property.
An agent fulfills the expectations and needs of their clients i.e. buyers, sellers, and investors, and helps them to get the best value for their money.
It is the duty of a real estate agent to understand the needs and requirements of their clients and best represent their client’s interests in a real estate deal.
As a real estate agent in Florida, you can start your career by working under the supervision of a senior broker or brokerage firm.
Alternatively, as you gain more experience, you can continue to work on your own and start your own independent real estate agency.
Benefits of getting a Florida real estate license
Many aspiring professionals often wonder whether getting a real estate license in Florida is worth it or not.
Aspiring real estate agents wonder about this especially as the process involves completing multiple tasks and investing time, effort, and cost.
The journey to obtain your license might seem overwhelming and difficult at first, but it is definitely worth the investment involved because it offers a plethora of benefits for your career growth and success.
Here are some of the key benefits of earning your Florida real estate salesperson license.
- Higher earning potential: As a licensed agent, you can earn as much as you want without any restrictions or limitations to your career.
- Complete independence: Licensed agents can work on their own and independently run their own real estate business or agency in Florida.
- Better networking: Only licensed agents get access to exclusive groups, events, and communities which are valuable in expanding your network.
- Legal compliance: The state of Florida requires all real estate professionals to earn their licenses and keep them updated by following the state and federal guidelines.
Now that you have learned about the importance and advantage of getting a license, let’s take you through the steps required to become a licensed real estate agent in Florida.
Basic Eligibility Requirements for Agents
Like most states, Florida also requires aspiring real estate professionals to prove their eligibility for applying for a salesperson or broker’s license.
Before we discuss state-specific Florida real estate license requirements, take a look at some of the basic qualifying requirements to become eligible for applying for a license.
- 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 a GED equivalent
Only if you meet the above statutory requirements, you will be eligible to apply for a salesperson license in Florida.
Steps for getting a salesperson license in Florida
Wondering how to get a Florida real estate license and embark on a rewarding, challenging, and fulfilling career path?
Let us give you the step-by-step process to help you plan your licensing journey better and gain confidence about how to get your salesperson license.
Step 1: Complete pre-licensing education
Florida requires all aspiring real estate agents to complete certain prerequisites for qualifying education and training.
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 covers fundamental topics and courses related to working in the real estate industry.
The coursework is targeted to provide applicants with an overview of the various state, federal, and industry-specific laws.
Additionally, you will get an overview of the real estate industry and learn about the different types of activities performed by real estate salespersons.
You will also get knowledge about titles, deeds, legal descriptions, real estate contracts, and closing transactions.
The coursework will also cover state and federal real estate licensing laws and regulations to equip you with the best practices and guidelines for working in the industry.
Plus, the course will also expose students to the different types of agency relationships, commission rules, license status types, types of real estate transactions, and other federal and state specific-laws pertaining to real estate professionals.
Many students think that completing 63 hours of pre-licensing course credits is simply a mandatory requirement that needs to be ticked off.
However, it is much more than just an obligatory step in your licensing journey - education and knowledge will give your career the strong foundation it needs to succeed.
Step 2: Pass the Florida salesperson licensing exam
Once you have completed state-approved pre-licensing coursework and obtained a certificate of completion, you can start preparing for the Florida real estate 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.
The exam is designed to test your knowledge and preparation of the course subjects and topics covered in your pre-licensing education.
It is a closed-book test that consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and you will get 3.5 hours in total to attempt them.
Note that the test covers both state and national-specific portions to test your understanding of the various laws, rules, regulations, and guidelines.
Passing the Florida real estate licensing exam might seem like a difficult or daunting task, especially if you are attempting the exam for the first time.
This is why it is recommended that you invest in choosing the right education provider to complete your course credits.
Experienced real estate colleges and online course providers offer students the guidance, training, and resources required to prepare better for the licensing exam.
Once you are ready and confident with your preparation, you can visit the nearest Pearson Vue center or schedule your exam reservation online.
Note that you must score at least 75 percent i.e. answer 75 questions out of 100 to pass the salesperson licensing exam.
In case you are unable to clear the exam on a particular attempt, you can pay the $36 fee to reschedule it after 24 hours.
Step 3: Complete background verification
In the state of Florida, it is mandatory for every aspiring real estate professional to undergo background verification and criminal history checks.
To work in real estate requires you to meet the minimum standards for honesty, integrity, and truthfulness in your moral conduct and actions.
As part of the licensing process, you must submit a copy of your fingerprints via a livescan provider in Florida.
Additionally, if you have any history of felony or criminal activity, you must obtain and submit a certificate of clearance from the local sheriff’s office.
Step 4: Prepare and submit your application
Once you are through with the background verification, you can prepare your salesperson licensing application and submit the required documents along with it to the Florida DBPR.
With your license application and attached documents submitted, it is simply a waiting game of a few weeks.
If the Florida DBPR reviews and approves your application, you shall receive your salesperson license.
Congratulations! You are now an officially licensed salesperson in Florida and can start working in the industry legally.
However, you must find a sponsoring broker or a state-based brokerage firm that can provide you with employer sponsorship to activate your salesperson license.