6 Best Real Estate Schools in Florida 2024

Florida real estate properties have seen a boom in recent years, leading to a lucrative career for real estate agents in the area. 

According to the National Association of REALTORS®, there are 224,016 Florida realtors registered with NAR as of August 2023. The total number of real estate agents may even be higher as some do not opt to register with the association. 

To date, Florida remains the state with the most real estate agents in the country. They are said to earn an average annual income of $67,204 based on ZipRecruiter data. For top earners, income can exceed $100,000 annually.

For those interested in this career path, a stable and abundant future seems promising. However, hard work, time, and dedication are necessary. 

For starters, a Florida real estate license is required for all agents. This entails enrolling in a real estate school, completing a course, and passing the Florida real estate exam.

Fortunately for Florida residents, the state is home to many accredited real estate schools, many of which offer online courses for flexibility and convenience.

In this article, we share the six best online real estate schools in Florida for 2023. This guide covers everything, from tuition fees to course details to pass rates. 

How we choose an Online Real Estate School

As is the case with any profession, knowledge and proper training will set the stage for a successful career. For real estate education, there is a wide range of options available for students. These include online schools, which offer flexible, convenient learning without sacrificing quality. 

When choosing between the many online real estate course offerings in Florida, make sure to consider these factors: accreditation, available courses, student support resources, tuition and fees, and pass rates.

Accreditation

Accreditation is a certification from an overseeing body that a school meets set educational standards and is thus recognized by licensing entities.

One of the requirements to become a real estate agent in Florida is to complete a 63-hour course from an accredited real estate school. That is if you do not have a four-year degree in real estate. 

Always verify that your chosen school is accredited by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), the governing body that handles the registration and licensing of real estate agents. 

The good news is there are many accredited real estate schools in Florida, although the quality and mode of delivery can vary – which is why the next point matters.

Course Offerings

Depending on where you are in your real estate journey, your real estate agent training needs will differ. 

While beginners would look for pre-licensing courses, seasoned professionals might be in search of continuing education or post-licensing courses.

Below are the different courses offered by online real estate schools: 

• Pre-licensing Course

A pre-licensing course is for aspiring real estate agents seeking real estate licensure or certification. It includes a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for the state license exam.

In Florida, agents are required to complete a 63-hour pre-license course to be eligible to take the exam and get a license.

• Exam Prep

Compared to pre-licensing courses, an exam prep course is focused on specific topics and practice questions to help students pass the real estate exam.

This type of course can serve as a supplementary class for agents who are already done with pre-licensing education and want to refresh their knowledge before taking the state license exam.

• Post-licensing Course

A post-licensing course is for individuals who already have a real estate license. It serves as additional coursework for agents to renew their license.

The required number of hours differs per state. For Florida, 45 hours must be completed between the time an agent gets their license and their first renewal period.

• Continuing Education (CE) Course

After an agent’s first renewal period, they proceed to go through continuing education courses, which they must complete during each license renewal period.

Florida real estate agents are required to complete 14 hours of CE courses per renewal period and must continue to do so for their license to stay active throughout their careers. 

Student Support Resources

Alongside the core curriculum, additional support can be the determining factor in a student’s success. 

Schools that offer resources such as instructor-led sessions, discussion forums, and tutoring provide a more comprehensive learning experience.

As such, it may be helpful to enroll in an online real estate school that goes beyond the basic coursework to ensure a higher pass rate.

Pass Rates

The pass rate for the Florida real estate state exam is an indicator of the school’s effectiveness in preparing students. 

A high passing rate suggests that the school’s curriculum is aligned with the exam’s requirements and that the school has adequately prepared its students. 

While state averages can fluctuate, any school boasting numbers significantly higher than the Florida real estate exam pass rates, which is reportedly an average of 50% to 55% for first-timers, is worth considering.

Tuition and Fees

For aspiring real estate agents, tuition fees can be a determining factor in choosing a suitable online real estate school.

Based on an assessment of several online real estate course costs, a Florida real estate pre-licensing course may be anywhere between $100 to $600, with variations based on course comprehensiveness and additional offerings.

While some schools may offer competitive tuition rates, it is essential to be wary of hidden fees or additional costs for resources.

6 Best Real Estate Schools in Florida for 2023

Based on the criteria above, below is a shortlist of the best online real estate schools in Florida: 

Colibri Real Estate

Colibri Real Estate is considered by many as the best Florida real estate school. Trusted by more than 520,000 students for their real estate exam prep, the school is known to stand out for its full instructor support, live-streamed course videos, and 24/7 access to helpful resources and materials.

While the school offers a “Pass or Don’t Pay” guarantee, it is not available in all states, including Florida, New Jersey, and Tennessee.

Aceable Agent

Aceable Agent is considered one of the best online real estate schools in the country, mostly for its engaging coursework materials, high passing rate, and value-for-money packages.

The school focuses on pre-licensing courses, complete with interactive videos, games, and add-ons for student support and the Florida real estate exam prep. Its mobile app is a standout feature, allowing students to learn anytime, anywhere. 

The CE Shop

The CE Shop offers a diverse curriculum that caters to all stages of Florida real estate career training, emphasizing both theory and practical applications. 

It provides resource-rich packages that include e-books, digital flashcards, and a study schedule, boasting high student satisfaction rates.

Bob Hogue School of Real Estate

Bob Hogue School of Real Estate is one of the oldest and most reputable Florida real estate education providers, offering courses designed by industry veteran Bob Hogue. 

Partnering with Kaplan for coursework and instructional materials, the school offers a wide variety of courses for different stages in the real estate career path. 

MLS Campus Real Estate School

MLS Campus focuses on making real estate education approachable and particularly targets students struggling with the math portions of the licensing exam. 

The courses are multimedia-rich and come at an affordable price with a money-back guarantee. 

360training Agent Campus

360training’s Agent Campus is an affordable and straightforward choice for students who prefer real estate self-paced learning without the hassle and complexities. The course is accessible for up to a year, allowing students to learn freely without pressure. It is noted for offering one of the lowest tuition fees and a user-friendly interface.

Detailed Reviews of Real Estate Schools in florida

Colibri Real Estate

Colibri Real Estate is a front-runner in online real estate education in Florida. 

Offering a “step-by-step path to success,” the school aims to ensure that students are well-prepared for both exams and real-world real estate activities. It has built a strong reputation over a decade and a half and comes highly recommended for its holistic approach.

Pros

• Expansive Instructor Pool: With 132 qualified instructors, Colibri offers a range of perspectives and specialties to enrich the learning experience.
• Accessibility: 24/7 access to course materials means students can learn at their convenience, balancing other commitments.
• Flexibility in Learning: Whether you prefer self-paced study or live-streamed videos, Colibri has you covered. It also offers full instructor support and exam prep materials.
• Track Record: The school has been used by over 520,000 people, which testifies to its efficacy and reputation.

Cons

• Premium Pricing: Given its rich features and extensive resources, the cost of courses may be higher than average.

Aceable Agent

Aceable Agent offers an online pre-licensing course crafted by real estate industry professionals and educators. 

Its unique selling point is the mobile learning option it offers, allowing students to study “whenever, wherever.” With a focus on engaging content and interactive learning, Aceable Agent positions itself as a provider of new-age solutions to real estate education.

Pros

• Convenience: The mobile app allows you to study anywhere, fitting education around your lifestyle.
• Quality Resources: The school is known for its engaging and interactive materials, inclusive of videos, games, and infographics.
• High Pass Rates: With a 95% pass rate among Florida students, Aceable Agent clearly delivers effective Florida real estate license training.
• Course Options: Multiple tiers ensure that you can choose the right level of instruction for your needs, from Basic (essential need-to-knows) to Deluxe (additional exam prep and resources) to Premium (live instructor support and webinars).
• Financial Security: With a 30-day refund policy and an “Ace or Don’t Pay” guarantee, you are financially protected if you find the course isn’t right for you.

Cons

• Time Limitation: Courses must be completed within 12 months, and an extension costs an additional $49 for six months.
• Mobile App Issues: As is the case with many mobile apps, students may encounter some minor bugs.

The CE Shop

The CE Shop is “committed to helping professionals succeed.” It offers a range of courses for different career stages, from pre-licensing and exam prep to Florida real estate continuing education. 

Leveraging industry expertise, The CE Shop emphasizes applied learning, ensuring students gain not just theoretical knowledge but also practical insights.

Pros

• Course Variety: From a 63-hour pre-licensing course to continuing education, there is something for everyone.
• Resource-Rich: Packages include e-books, career resources, digital flashcards, and a study schedule.
• Reputation: The school boasts a 96% student satisfaction rate and a 64% pass rate, which is higher than the national average.

Cons

• Limited Differentiation: While comprehensive, it may lack some unique features offered by competitors, such as mobile learning or specialized exam guarantees.

Bob Hogue School of Real Estate

The Bob Hogue School of Real Estate has been serving Florida since 1978, making it one of the most established institutions in the state. 

Its courses, designed by Bob Hogue himself, carry a legacy of excellence. The school prides itself on its comprehensive curriculum and commitment to student success, both in exams and their subsequent careers.

Pros

• Long-standing Reputation:  As one of the oldest Florida real estate schools, it offers a wealth of experience and credibility.
• Partnership with Kaplan: This ensures high-quality coursework and a robust academic environment.
• Career Paths: The school’s range of courses allows for varied real estate careers, from agent to broker to property manager.
• Additional Courses: It offers Real Estate Accelerator, Mutual Recognition, and Home Inspection courses that provide extra value.

Cons

• Lack of Modernity: While the reputation is solid, it may lack some of the tech-savvy features new schools offer.

MLS Campus Real Estate School

MLS Campus, as showcased on its site, offers a “stress-free” approach to real estate learning. With the goal of providing clear, easy-to-understand content, the school makes the journey of becoming a real estate agent more approachable.

The school has a reputation for being particularly effective for students who struggle with the mathematical aspect of real estate, focusing on specific topics and exam questions that will ensure a high pass rate.

Pros

• Math Focus: Specialized attention to the 10-15% of the Florida real estate exam that covers math.
• Affordability: A money-back guarantee and high pass rates make it a safe choice.
• Inclusive Materials: Courses feature various media resources to enhance learning.

Cons

• Specialized Focus: While the math help is great, the courses might not offer as broad a curriculum as some competitors.

360training Agent Campus

360training’s Agent Campus presents itself as a comprehensive platform for professional training and certifications across various industries, including real estate. The school highlights its user-friendly interface and expert-authored courses and the flexibility it offers to learners, ensuring that getting a real estate education is both efficient and effective.

Pros

• Budget-Friendly: It offers one of the lowest tuition fees among the schools, with no hidden costs.
• Ease of Use: A simple, user-friendly interface is ideal for those who prefer a no-frills educational experience.

Cons

• Basic Offerings: The platform lacks some of the additional resources, expert faculty, and guarantees that competitors provide.

Comparison of Online Real Estate Classes in Florida

Given the excellent online real estate schools in Florida, it is good practice to compare the different options based on your specific preferences and standards.

When deciding on the best Florida real estate license course, some factors to consider include:

• Online real estate course cost and fees: Apart from the tuition fee, are there hidden fees you should know about? On a positive note, there are other perks like money-back guarantee and refund policies.

• Online real estate course length: How long does it take to complete the course? Will it complement your current lifestyle and other responsibilities outside schooling? Some courses are designed to be completed in weeks, while others take months.
• Online real estate course format: Is the course self-paced or has a set schedule? Which format do you prefer based on your lifestyle?
• Online real estate course offerings: Does the school offer the courses you need for your career stage?
• Online real estate student support resources: Beyond just instructor support, does the school offer exam prep or other resources?
• Pass rates: What is the school’s passing rate? This serves as a good indicator of its effectiveness.

If you are considering any of the Florida real estate schools above, take some time to compare these factors to guide you in making an informed decision.

Benefits of Taking an Online Real Estate Course

Flexibility and Convenience

Perhaps the biggest benefit of an online Florida real estate course is its flexibility. It offers a real estate remote learning setup, allowing students to study at their own pace and on their own schedule. It serves as a convenient option, especially for those who are employed or have other responsibilities.

Resources

Most online real estate schools offer a variety of resources alongside the basic coursework. These include instructor support, practice exams, and career path materials. Not only are these additional resources helpful for exam takers, but they also serve as a great source of continuous knowledge throughout a realtor’s career. 

Affordability

Affordability is another perk of online real estate courses.

Florida real estate e-learning has become a widely accepted educational standard in the real estate industry, thus making courses relatively cheaper as instructors and materials are purely virtual. But despite their cost-effective nature, they still promise quality curriculum and teaching.

Moreover, several schools offer courses with tiered pricing, catering to students with different budgets. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Real Estate Agents in Florida

How do I know if an online real estate school is accredited?

You can check the school’s website for badges or mentions of online real estate school accreditation. 

Additionally, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) lists accredited real estate schools.

What are the requirements to become a real estate agent in Florida?

Real estate agents and brokers in Florida are subject to the following requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must have a high school diploma or GED
• Must complete a state-approved 63-hour pre-licensing real estate course or have a four-year degree in real estate
• Must pass the final real estate exam

How do I prepare for the Florida real estate exam?

Proper preparation for the Florida real estate exam starts with completing the required pre-license course. Simultaneously, it pays to make the most of the school’s practice exams and student resources and materials.

If possible, it may be good practice to attend additional Florida real estate exam prep classes, which some online schools offer as part of their curriculum.

• Related Article : Best Online Real Estate Schools in South Carolina

Conclusion

Choosing the right real estate school is a crucial step for anyone aiming to succeed in Florida’s thriving real estate market. 

From the premium offerings of Colibri Real Estate to the budget-friendly options at 360training’s Agent Campus, each of the six schools profiled here offers a unique blend of features, ranging from diverse course offerings and high pass rates to flexible payment options and robust student support. 

Before you decide on the best choice for you, make sure to do your research on each school by visiting their official website and understanding their course offerings. Additionally, read up on Florida real estate school reviews to get a fair assessment of each school.

Your choice of school will play a pivotal role in preparing you for the licensing exam and equipping you with the skills needed for a successful real estate career, so weigh your options carefully.