Florida Real Estate License Requirements – Complete 2025 Guide

Getting your Florida real estate license requires completing 63 hours of state-approved education, passing the official exam, and securing a sponsoring broker. The entire process can range from a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on your schedule and how quickly you complete the steps. This guide provides everything you need to know to become a licensed real estate sales associate in Florida.

Quick Florida License Facts

Requirement	Details
Education Hours	63 hours (One primary course)
Estimated Timeline	4-8 weeks, varies by study schedule
Age Requirement	18+ years old
Background Check	Required (Fingerprinting)
Exam Format	Computer-based, multiple-choice
Official Body	Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC)

Disclaimer: Always verify current requirements with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) at myfloridalicense.com.

How to Get Your Florida Real Estate License in 4 Steps

Step 1: Complete 63 Hours of Pre-License Education

Florida requires aspiring sales associates to complete a 63-hour pre-licensing course from an approved real estate school. Unlike some states with multiple courses, Florida consolidates the core curriculum into a single, comprehensive program.

Required Course: Sales Associate Course I (63 hours)
Study Schedule: The time to complete the course is flexible. Dedicated students may finish in a couple of weeks, while others might take a month or two.

Step 2: Pass the Florida Real Estate Exam

After successfully completing your coursework, you must pass the Florida Real Estate Sales Associate Exam. The exam is administered by Pearson VUE.

Format: Computer-based test
Content: The exam covers both national real estate principles and Florida-specific laws and practices.
Passing Score: You must achieve a score of 75% or higher to pass.
Exam Topics Include:

Florida real estate law and license regulations
Real property rights and legal descriptions
Real estate contracts and closing procedures
Market analysis and property valuation
Real estate finance and mortgage concepts
Federal and state housing laws

Always check with the DBPR or Pearson VUE for the most current exam details, fees, and scheduling information.

Step 3: Submit Your License Application & Fingerprints

Before or after passing the exam, you must submit a formal application to the DBPR.

Application: Complete the official sales associate license application.
Fees: Pay all required application and licensing fees.
Fingerprinting: You must submit electronic fingerprints through a state-approved vendor for a background check.
Disclosure: Florida law requires full disclosure of any past criminal history. Be prepared to provide all necessary documentation.

Step 4: Find a Sponsoring Broker

In Florida, a sales associate must work under the supervision of a licensed real estate broker. Your broker will activate your license, allowing you to legally practice real estate.

Broker Role: Your broker provides essential training, mentorship, and oversight for all transactions.
Finding a Broker: Research local brokerages to find one that aligns with your career goals, offers a supportive environment, and has a fair commission structure.

Florida Real Estate License Costs

The total cost to get your license in Florida can vary, but here is a general breakdown of expenses.

Expense Category	Estimated Cost Range	Notes
Pre-License Education	$150 – $350	Varies by school and package (online vs. in-person).
State Application Fee	~$85	Set by the Florida DBPR.
Exam Fee	~$37	Paid to the testing vendor (Pearson VUE).
Fingerprinting Fee	~$50 – $80	Varies by vendor.
Total Estimated Cost	$322 – $552	Does not include optional materials or post-license costs.

Note: These are estimates. Always check the official DBPR and Pearson VUE websites for the most current fee schedules.

Ongoing Costs to Consider:

License Renewal: Your license must be renewed every two years (after the initial licensing period).
Post-License & Continuing Education: Required for every renewal cycle.
MLS Fees: Varies by local board/association.
Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance: Often required by your broker.
Professional Association Dues: Fees for joining local, state, and national Realtor® associations.

Check the Florida DRE website for current fee schedules and each school’s website for current pricing.

Florida Real Estate License Cost Breakdown

Estimated Initial Licensing Costs in Florida

A visual breakdown of typical startup expenses for a Florida license.

Disclaimer: These figures are estimates for 2025 and can vary significantly based on the school chosen, location for fingerprinting, and optional materials purchased. Always check with the Florida DBPR for the most current fees.

Florida Real Estate Schools

When selecting a real estate school, consider factors like learning format, support services, pricing, and student reviews. Here are some well-known state-approved providers:

The CE Shop

Benefits: Offers a 40% military discount and reports high pass rates. Ideal for self-paced online learning.
Website: theceshop.com

Gold Coast Schools

Benefits: A popular Florida-based school offering career fairs, networking events, and courses in Spanish.
Website: goldcoastschools.com

Colibri Real Estate

Benefits: Features a “Pass or Don’t Pay” guarantee and provides multiple package options to fit different needs.
Website: colibrirealestate.com

School Selection Tips:

Compare current pricing and package options.
Read recent student reviews and success rates.
Consider your preferred learning style.
Check for money-back guarantees or pass guarantees.
Verify military discounts if applicable.
Ensure the school is approved by the Florida DBPR.

Contact schools directly for current pricing, promotions, and specific features.

Florida Real Estate Exam Preparation

Study Strategies for Success

Set a consistent study schedule based on your availability.
Focus on understanding concepts, not just memorization.
Take practice exams to identify weak areas.
Review Florida-specific laws and regulations thoroughly.
Allow adequate time for exam preparation after completing courses.

Key Areas to Master

Real estate math and calculations.
Agency relationships and fiduciary duties.
Florida disclosure requirements.
Contract law and purchase agreements.
Fair housing regulations.
Property valuation methods.

Common Study Mistakes to Avoid

Rushing through course material.
Skipping practice exams.
Insufficient focus on Florida-specific content.
Poor time management during the actual exam.
Not reading questions completely.

Success Timeline by Professional Background

Different professional backgrounds may influence your licensing timeline and approach:

Sales Professionals: Potential advantages: Strong communication skills, understanding of commission-based income, experience with client relationships.
Teachers and Educators: Potential advantages: Strong study habits, excellent presentation skills, patience with detailed processes.
Military and Veterans: Potential advantages: Discipline, reliability, understanding of relocation, potential access to education benefits.
Career Changers: Considerations: May need more time for industry concepts, but transferable skills and a fresh perspective are valuable.

Individual results vary regardless of background. Success depends on dedication, study habits, and commitment to learning.

Florida Real Estate Market Context

Market Characteristics

Florida’s real estate market includes:

Diverse regional markets with varying price points.
High demand from retirees, vacation home buyers, and international investors.
Active luxury and investment property markets.
Strong demand in many areas.

Opportunities for New Agents

Potential specialization areas include:

First-time home buyers
Military and veteran clients (VA loans)
Retirement communities (55+)
Vacation and second homes
International buyers
Investment properties

Market conditions change regularly. Stay informed through local MLS data, market reports, and industry publications.

Florida-Specific Legal Requirements

Disclosure

Florida places a strong emphasis on property disclosure. You will learn about the required forms and the importance of disclosing all known material facts about a property.

Criminal History

The Florida Real Estate Commission requires applicants to disclose all criminal convictions. Having a record is not an automatic disqualifier, but failure to disclose is a serious offense. Honesty and transparency are key.

Disclosure requirements and other state laws are complex. Proper training and broker guidance are essential.

Getting Started – Action Steps

Immediate Next Steps: Research schools, verify DBPR requirements, and enroll in your course.
During Your Education: Stay engaged, use school support, and start networking.
Preparing for Career Launch: Research brokerages, consider your target market, and prepare for interviews.

Continuing Education and License Renewal

Renewal Requirements

Florida real estate licenses must be renewed every two years (after the initial period). This requires:

First Renewal: 45 hours of post-licensing education.
Subsequent Renewals: 14 hours of continuing education.

Check the FREC website for current continuing education requirements and topics.

Professional Development

Consider ongoing education in market specializations, technology, and legal updates to stay competitive.

Official Resources and Support

Florida DBPR/FREC: The official source for all licensing rules, applications, and fee schedules (myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/real-estate-commission/).
Pearson VUE: The official vendor for scheduling and taking the state exam.
Florida Realtors®: The state’s largest professional association for real estate agents, offering resources, education, and advocacy.

Disclaimers

Accuracy Notice: This guide is for informational purposes. All requirements, fees, and timelines are subject to change. Always verify information with the official Florida Real Estate Commission.
No Legal Advice: This content is not legal or financial advice.
School Information: School offerings, prices, and promotions change. Contact schools directly for the most current details.

This guide was last updated in July 2025. For a personalized plan based on your background and goals, use the AI Real Estate Career Planner tool.