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Florida is home to some incredible real estate. From the sparkling shores of Miami to the Gulf and everywhere in between, the Sunshine State offers plenty of opportunity for real estate agents. In this article, we’ll show you how to get a real estate license in Florida in five simple steps and recommend the best courses to complete the required 63-hour real estate course. To be eligible for a Florida real estate license, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma
- Have a social security number
Quick Facts: Florida real estate licensing
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) requires all students to complete an approved course of study totaling 63 class hours. Some of our favorite online real estate schools in Florida include The CE Shop, Aceable Agent, Florida Real Estate School, and Gold Coast Schools by Colibri Real Estate.
The California real estate exam is comprised of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes 3 hours to complete. You’ll need a passing grade of 70% to get licensed.
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Related article
7 best online real estate schools in Florida (FL) for 2024
How to get a real estate license in Florida in 5 steps
Here we detail the five steps to get a real estate license in Florida. The total estimated cost of getting a Florida real estate license ranges from $300 and $800, depending on the real estate course you choose to help you prepare for the state exam.
1. Complete an approved 63-hour course
Estimated cost: $100 to $500
Before you sit for the Florida state exam, you’re required to complete the 63-hour prelicensing course for sales associates. Available online or in person, the course teaches the ins and outs of the real estate profession and provides the training you’ll need to move forward to take the licensing exam successfully.
Florida real estate courses have a starting price of $116. Online courses tend to be the most budget-friendly and convenient. Some popular options (and our top picks) include The CE Shop, Aceable Agent and Colibri Real Estate Education. You can save 30% using our promo code HW30 at The CE Shop or promo code HousingWire30 at Colibri.
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation deems your course good for two years from your date of completion, meaning you can sit the state exam anytime within that period.
PRO TIP
Are you a member of the Florida Bar Association? Attorneys in good standing with the Florida Bar and those with a four-year degree or higher are exempt from taking the education requirement but must take the licensing exam, according to the Florida DBPR. However, your exemption will be determined based on an original certified transcript submitted along with your application. It must be submitted to: Division of Real Estate, Attention: Education Section, 400 West Robinson Street, Suite N801 Orlando, Florida 32801.
2. Pass the course final exam
Before you can sit the state exam, you need to pass the course final exam which consists of 100 questions To pass the three-hour course exam, you must score 70% or higher. If you fail, you’ll need to wait 30 days to retake it. You can take the test a second time within the same year. If you fail it twice, you’ll be required to retake the course from the beginning.
3. Submit your Florida real estate license application
You must pay the required $83.75 licensing fee with your application for the exam. You can complete the application by visiting the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s website and clicking on the “Online Services” link or the “Printable Application” link at the bottom of the page.
If you’re a military veteran, a spouse of a military veteran, or a Florida National Guard member, you may be eligible for a fee waiver, fee reimbursement, and/or fee discount. There is a potential fee waiver for those with low income. If you think this may apply to you, visit the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s website here for more information.
4. Pass a background check & biometric screening
As part of the licensing process, you’ll need to undergo a background check mmediately after submitting your application for licensure. It includes submitting your fingerprints (a biometric screening) using a Livescan Service Provider registered with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. While fingerprinting only takes 5 to 10 minutes of your time, it may take as many as five days for your results to be processed.
Just be sure to bring two forms of identification to the electronic fingerprinting site on the day of your scheduled biometrics. One of the two types of identification must bear your picture and signature, such as a driver’s license, state identification card or passport. You won’t be able to complete this step without proper ID. It costs about $50 to complete your fingerprinting, but prices may vary.
Helpful Link
Florida Dept. of Business & Professional Regulation — FAQs on Electronic Fingerprinting
5. Pass the Florida real estate licensing exam
After you complete the 63-hour prelicense education, you must pass the real estate licensing exam. The exam fee us $36.75 and it is administered by Pearson VUE. When your application is approved by the DBPR, you can schedule your exam at a nearby location. you can take your Florida Real Estate exam from home through OnVUE, an online proctoring system that allows a live proctor to monitor you through the webcam on your workstation.
You may choose to take the exam in person. It is strongly recommended that you call at least five business days before your preferred exam date to make a reservation. If you’d like to cancel your exam, contact Pearson VUE two days before the scheduled appointment. If you cancel an exam less than two days before your appointment, missing the exam may result in forfeiting your exam fees. The Florida real estate exam has a pass rate of 75 percent.
Helpful LinkS
- Florida Candidate Information Booklet
- Florida Department of Business Regulation, Division of Real Estate
Florida real estate schools: Our top picks
Your Florida real estate course should help you prepare for the state exam, and ideally, it should also help you to succeed as a newly licensed agent in Florida. Check out our top picks for Florida real estate schools below.
Our Top Pick
The CE Shop
Courses in all 50 states, with a free 5-day trial
Intuitive user dashboard. Streamlined navigation. 5-day free trial. A pass guarantee with packages that incl. Exam Prep Edge.
Starting from:
$139 to $425
Visit The CE Shop
Budget Pick
Aceable Agent
Affordable online, audio & mobile app courses
Versatile learning options with hands-free audio recordings and a mobile app. Video content and excellent study tools. Available in 14 states.
Starting from:
$116 to $329
Visit Aceable Agent
Upgrade Pick
Gold Coast by Colibri
Online real estate courses in 40 states
Excellent student support, intuitive online platform, and package upgrades that feature instructor engagement, exam prep and career resources.
Starting from:
$419 to $559
