Florida is one of the most popular and attractive states for real estate professionals. With its sunny weather, diverse population, and booming economy, Florida offers many opportunities for buying and selling properties. However, before you can start your career as a real estate agent or broker in Florida, you need to obtain a license from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). In this article, we will explain the steps and requirements to get a real estate license in Florida.
Complete the Pre-Licensing Course
The first step to get a real estate license in Florida is to complete a state-approved pre-licensing course. This course covers the basic principles and practices of real estate, such as:
- Property rights and ownership
- Contracts and disclosures
- Financing and appraisal
- Agency and ethics
- Federal and state laws and regulations
The pre-licensing course consists of 63 hours of instruction, which can be taken online or in-person at a real estate school or a Realtor association. The course fee varies depending on the provider, but it usually ranges from $100 to $500. You can find a list of approved providers on the DBPR website.
To pass the course, you need to score at least 70% on the final exam. You will receive a certificate of completion after you pass the exam, which is valid for two years. You will need this certificate to apply for the state licensing exam.
Note: If you are a licensed attorney in Florida, you are exempt from taking the pre-licensing course. You can apply for the state licensing exam by attaching a copy of your current Florida Bar card to the application.
Apply for the State Licensing Exam
The second step to get a real estate license in Florida is to apply for the state licensing exam. This exam is administered by Pearson VUE, a testing company that works with the DBPR. To apply for the exam, you need to do the following:
- Get your electronic fingerprints. The DBPR requires your fingerprints to conduct a background check. You need to get your fingerprints taken at least five days before you submit your application. You can find a list of approved fingerprint vendors on the DBPR website. The fingerprint fee is usually between $50 and $80.
- Submit your application to the DBPR. You can apply online or by mail using the form RE 1. You need to provide your personal information, education history, criminal history, and other relevant details. You also need to pay an application fee of $83.75, which can be paid online or by check or money order.
- Wait for your approval notice. The DBPR will review your application and verify your eligibility. This process can take from 10 to 30 days. Once your application is approved, you will receive an email from Pearson VUE with an authorization to test (ATT) number. This number is required to schedule your exam with Pearson VUE.
Take and Pass the State Licensing Exam
The third step to get a real estate license in Florida is to take and pass the state licensing exam. This exam tests your knowledge and understanding of the topics covered in the pre-licensing course. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, which are divided into two sections:
- Section 1: 45 questions on real estate principles and practices
- Section 2: 45 questions on Florida real estate law
- Section 3: 10 questions on real estate math
You have three and a half hours to complete the exam. You need to score at least 75% on each section to pass the exam. The exam fee is $36.75 per attempt.
You can schedule your exam with Pearson VUE online or by phone using your ATT number. You can choose from various testing locations across Florida or take the exam remotely using an online proctoring service. You need to bring two forms of identification and your certificate of completion from the pre-licensing course to the exam site.
You will receive your score report immediately after you finish the exam. If you pass the exam, you will also receive an activation form that you need to submit to activate your license.
Activate Your License
The fourth and final step to get a real estate license in Florida is to activate your license. To activate your license, you need to do one of the following:
- Find a sponsoring broker. A broker is a licensed real estate professional who can supervise and train you as an agent. You need to find a broker who agrees to sponsor you and sign your activation form. You can search for brokers on the DBPR website or use other online platforms such as Zillow or Realtor.com. You also need to pay a license fee of $64 to the DBPR.
- Request a voluntary inactive status. If you are not ready to work as an agent yet, you can request a voluntary inactive status for your license. This means that you will not be able to practice real estate until you find a sponsoring broker and activate your license. You need to submit your activation form without a broker signature and pay a license fee of $64 to the DBPR.
Once you activate your license, you will receive your license number and a wallet card from the DBPR. You can also print your license online using the DBPR website. You are now ready to start your career as a real estate agent in Florida.
Conclusion
Getting a real estate license in Florida is a rewarding and achievable goal for anyone who wants to join the real estate industry. By following the four steps outlined in this article, you can complete the required education, pass the state exam, and activate your license in a matter of weeks or months. However, getting a license is only the beginning of your journey. To succeed as a real estate agent in Florida, you also need to:
- Join a local Realtor association and the National Association of Realtors (NAR). This will give you access to various benefits, such as the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), professional development, networking, advocacy, and more.
- Complete the post-licensing course. Within 18 to 24 months of obtaining your license, you need to complete a 45-hour post-licensing course that covers more advanced topics in real estate. This course is required to renew your license for the first time.
- Complete the continuing education courses. After your first renewal, you need to complete 14 hours of continuing education courses every two years to maintain your license. These courses cover various topics that are relevant to your professional growth and development.
- Build your skills and reputation. As a real estate agent, you need to constantly improve your skills and knowledge in areas such as marketing, sales, negotiation, communication, technology, and more. You also need to build your reputation and credibility by providing excellent service and value to your clients and customers.
By following these steps and tips, you can get a real estate license in Florida and enjoy a fulfilling and lucrative career in one of the most attractive states for real estate professionals.
