Florida is home to one of the country’s most active and lucrative real estate markets. From the high-rise condos of Miami to the sprawling waterside mansions of Palm Beach, there are opportunities to earn a substantial income as a Florida real estate agent. All you need is a Florida real estate license, and that will only take two to three months to earn.
After securing a license, you can work anywhere in the state. There are always new homes being built and coming onto the market. There are opportunities for commercial real estate and rental properties. As a certified real estate agent, you can be front and center, making all those deals happen. The following guide will explain all the details on how to get real estate license in Florida.
Florida Real Estate License Requirements
The requirements for getting a license are simple. Here is what Florida requires for the license:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must have high school diploma or GED equivalent
- Must complete 63 hours of real estate coursework through an approved school or have a four-year degree in real estate
- Must pass a final license exam
- Must be truthful about all information provided and pass a criminal history background check
Add it all up, and obtaining the license could happen in as little as two months. The following are the Florida real estate license steps to follow:
Step 1: Complete a Pre-licensing Course
The Florida pre license course consists of 19 levels totaling 63 hours mandatory course instruction. Here are a few of examples of the courses you’ll be taking:
- Real Estate License Law and Qualifications for Licensure
- Real Estate License Law and Commission Rules
- Authorized Relationships, Duties, and Disclosures
- Real Estate Brokerage Activities and Procedures
- Violations of License Law, Penalties, and Procedures
- Federal and State Laws Pertaining to Real Estate
- Property Rights: Estates and Tenancies; Condominiums, Co-operatives, Community Development Districts, Homeowner Associations, and Time-Sharing
- Title, Deeds, and Ownership Restrictions
- Legal Descriptions
- Real Estate Contracts
Where to Find a Pre-licensing Course in Florida
A quick Google search for “where to find a pre license course in Florida” will reveal dozens of options for online and in-person schools where you can complete the coursework and prepare to take the salesperson license exam.
You want to choose an entity with a solid reputation based on reviews from former students. You also want to find a course that works with your schedule. If you can’t devote full-time to the coursework, you want to be able to drop in and out to get the work done.
Step 2: Pass the Florida Real Estate Salesperson License Exam
What is the Florida real estate salesperson license exam, and what does it cover? The Florida real estate sales associate exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. Of these, 45 questions pertain to real estate principles and practices, another 45 focus on Florida and Federal legal compliance, and the remaining 10 require mathematical calculations.
That final exam is conducted at a designated testing center. To aid you during this exam, you will be provided with a dry-erase sheet of paper and an erasable marker for making notes and performing calculations.
Completing the pre-license coursework is essential for helping you prepare for the Florida real estate salesperson license exam. You should take detailed notes and complete all the assignments throughout the course. You can ask your instructor if there are any areas you need clarification on.
Tips for Taking the Florida Real Estate Salesperson License Exam
The following are some helpful tips for taking the Florida state exam:
- Review online sources – There are many online study guides to help you prepare for the exam.
- Be part of a study group – You will take your pre-licensing course with other students. It will help to set up a study group where you can quiz each other and review the coursework for the state exam.
- Make a test plan – The Florida real estate exam is timed. That means you should try to answer all the easy questions first and then return to the more challenging ones. Avoid leaving any questions blank. A “guess” is often correct because of all your study work.
Step 3: Apply for a Florida Real Estate License
What is required to apply for a real estate license? You must have a passing score of 75% or higher on your exam. If you fail in your first attempt, you can reapply and take the state exam as many times as needed to pass.
Once you pass the state exam, your sales associate license will be issued within 10 business days. That license has to be activated by your employer, who will then submit the application to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. That is Florida real estate commission that covers the industry.
Step 4: Set Up Broker Affiliation
You can earn a commission by representing buyers or sellers in any real estate transaction when you have your license. However, you still need to be supervised by a designated Florida real estate license broker. A brokerage firm can also hire you.
You need to work for that sponsoring broker for 24 months before you can practice on your own. Affiliating with a licensed real estate broker will provide you with direct knowledge about the real estate market and teach you how to track industry trends. It will also boost your customer relationship skills.
You can find a licensed real estate broker to affiliate with as you would with any other type of job. Some brokers are actively looking for new associates. You might already have a relationship with a broker who will take you on. Once you set up that relationship, you can begin the work.
Step 5: Join a Florida Realtor Association/Board
Joining a local realty association such as the National Association of Realtors provides you with many benefits. The first benefit is access to a network of Florida real estate agents and brokers who can provide valuable support for your career.
You will also have access to additional training. As with every industry, there are always changes in regulations and zoning laws that you want to stay informed about. You will also have access to cutting-edge real estate software to help you generate listings and contracts.
You can join a local realtor association/board through their online portals. Continuing education is a vital part of the real estate industry.
Additional Information
In Florida, there are two distinct categories of real estate licenses: Sales Agent and Broker licenses. A Sales Agent is the introductory license obtained by individuals aspiring to work as a Florida real estate agent, enabling them to engage in real estate sales.
A licensed broker represents an elevated level of licensure, granting the license holder the authority to operate at a more advanced capacity within the realm of real estate enterprises in Florida.
You must be a salesperson for five years before applying for a broker license. That requires completing a 45-hour post license education course.
License Costs
Becoming a real estate professional in Florida entails a significant investment of time but not so much money. Here’s how the online money management site Investopedia breaks down the expenses:
Licensing exam coursework costs can vary, with some real estate schools in Florida offering rates as low as $80. However, individuals can expect to pay approximately $245 to $400 for this essential training.
Exam fees are standardized for sales associates and brokers, amounting to $36.75.
Both licenses require you to submit fingerprints. The processing costs vary slightly, depending on the chosen service provider.
Skills and Qualities Needed to Be a Successful Real Estate Agent in Florida
You need to develop several essential skills to become a successful real estate agent in Florida. Real estate professionals need to effectively communicate with their clients. They need to understand their needs and be able to relate complex contract information in a clear and accessible manner.
You must also develop sharp negotiating skills to secure favorable deals for your clients. It is also important to have good knowledge of all aspects of the housing market. Understanding local market trends, property values, and the intricacies of various neighborhoods is fundamental to guiding clients toward wise investment decisions.
Additionally, you will need the ability to market and sell properties is important. Real estate agents must have a knack for showcasing properties in their best light, leveraging marketing strategies, and reaching potential buyers. That is how to build a successful real estate career.
Frequently Asked Questions about Florida Real Estate License
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Florida?
Getting a license will cost between $500 and $600. Those costs include all the coursework, application fee, real estate exam fee and background checks.
What is the fastest way to get a real estate license in Florida?
The fastest way to get a license is to sign up at an approved school for an online pre license course.
How long does it take to get a real estate license in Florida?
You will need to successfully complete 63 hours of pre licensing instruction, several hours of dedicated study time, take the final exam and pass a background check before you can start your real estate career.
- Related Topic: How to Get a Real Estate License in Texas
- Related Topic: How to Get an Arizona Real Estate License
Get Your Florida Real Estate Agent Career Started
You can start your successful career as a Florida real estate agent today. And within a matter of weeks, you can show homes and sell real estate in Orlando, Tampa, Key West, or South Beach. When you become a real estate agent, you’ll be part of a network of hard-working realtors dedicated to making the best deals for their clients.
