How to Get a Florida Real Estate License

Florida, the third-most populous state in the U.S., offers incredible opportunities for real estate professionals looking to build a thriving career. If you're ready to break into the industry, earning your Florida real estate license is the first essential step. 

You'll need to meet eligibility requirements, complete pre-licensing education, and pass the state exam. Keep reading for a step-by-step guide to help you launch your real estate journey in the Sunshine State.

Getting Your Florida Real Estate License in 5 Easy Steps

There are 5 easy steps you can follow to get your real estate license and become a real estate agent in Florida. Here are the steps to follow:

#1. Meet the Basic Florida Requirements

Before you can begin your journey as a real estate agent in Florida, you must meet the eligibility criteria set by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). 

These requirements are designed to uphold the professionalism and integrity of the real estate industry in the state.

To qualify, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Hold a high school diploma or equivalent
• Have a valid U.S. Social Security number
  

Once you meet these requirements, you’ll be eligible to move forward with your real estate education and begin preparing for the state exam.

#2. Enroll in an Accredited Florida Real Estate School

Once you’ve met the basic eligibility requirements, your next step is to enroll in a 63-hour pre-licensing course through a FREC-approved school. This course is required for all aspiring real estate agents in Florida and lays the foundation for your future success in the industry.

The curriculum is designed to prepare you for both the licensing exam and real-world real estate practice. Topics include:

• Principles of the real estate business
• Florida real estate laws and statutes
• Property rights and ownership
• Real estate contracts and agency relationships
• Financing, mortgages, and investment fundamentals

To move on to the licensing exam, you’ll need to pass the course final exam with a score of at least 70%. Once completed, you’ll receive a course completion certificate that remains valid for two years—meaning you must apply for and pass the state licensing exam within that time frame.

#3. Apply to the Florida Real Estate Exam

Once you’ve finished your required coursework, it’s time to officially apply to take the Florida real estate exam. To do this, you’ll need to complete the Sales Associate Application (Form RE 1) through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

You have two options for submitting your application:

• Apply online through the DBPR’s website, or
• Download and mail in a paper form to their office.

Applications are usually reviewed and approved within 10 to 30 days. After your application is processed, the DBPR will send you an email containing a Candidate ID number, which you'll use to book your exam appointment with Pearson VUE, the official testing provider.

Don’t forget—you’ll also need to submit fingerprints through a DBPR-approved Livescan service. This is a required part of the application and helps complete your background screening. Pearson VUE and other vendors across Florida can handle this step, and results are typically sent to the DBPR within a few days.

#4. Pass the Florida Real Estate Exam

Once your application is approved, the next step is to pass the state licensing exam. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, and you’ll have 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete it. A passing score is 75%, meaning you must answer at least 75 questions correctly.

You’ll take the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center, and you’ll need to bring valid identification and proof that you completed your pre-licensing course. While some remote testing options exist, most students take the exam in person.

If you don’t pass on your first try, you’re allowed to retake the exam after a 24-hour waiting period. There’s no limit to the number of retakes, but you must pass the exam within two years of finishing your course. Though the exam can be challenging—only about half of test takers pass on their first attempt—good study habits and exam preparation can make all the difference.

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#5. Sign with a Florida Brokerage

After passing the exam, you’ll receive your real estate license, but it won’t be active yet. To legally work as a real estate agent in Florida, you need to partner with a licensed real estate broker who will sponsor you.

Start by reaching out to brokerages you’re interested in. Let them know you're newly licensed and looking for a brokerage to work with. Once a broker agrees to bring you on, they’ll help you submit an activation request through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

Once processed, your license will be officially active, and you’ll be ready to begin working with buyers, sellers, and investors across the state.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Florida Real Estate License?

On average, becoming a licensed real estate agent in Florida takes about one to two months—but the timeline can vary depending on how quickly you move through each step. 

You'll start with a required 63-hour pre-licensing course, which some complete in just a few weeks, while others may take longer depending on their schedule and study pace.

Once your coursework is done, the next steps include choosing a broker to work under, submitting your license application, waiting for approval, and finally, passing the state exam. Each part of the process plays a role in how quickly you can launch your new career in real estate.

How Much Does a Florida Real Estate License Cost?

Earning your Florida real estate license requires both time and financial investment. While costs can vary slightly depending on the path you take, most new agents should expect to spend between $400 and $500 to get started.

Here’s a breakdown of the typical expenses:

• Pre-Licensing Course: Prices range widely depending on the school and package. Basic courses may start around $80, but most fall between $245 and $400.
• Application Fee (DBPR): Approximately $83.75 to $89 to submit your licensing application.
• State Exam Fee: $36.75 per attempt, paid to Pearson VUE.
• Fingerprinting & Background Check: Usually costs around $57, though it can vary slightly by provider.

The upfront cost to become a real estate agent in Florida typically lands in the $400–$500 range, assuming you choose a standard course and pass your exam on the first try. 

However, your total investment could be higher if you opt for premium packages, take additional exam prep, or need to retake the test. Either way, it’s a relatively affordable path to launching a professional career with high earning potential.

Should You Become a Real Estate Agent in Florida?

Pursuing a career in real estate can be incredibly rewarding—both personally and financially—but success doesn’t come without effort. It takes dedication, discipline, and a willingness to learn the ins and outs of the business. 

From building your brand and generating leads to managing transactions and connecting with clients, being an agent means wearing many hats and staying people-focused every step of the way.

If you're excited by the idea of helping others while growing your own business, real estate might just be the perfect path for you.

Final Thoughts on Getting Your Real Estate License in Florida

Getting started in Florida’s real estate industry may come with its share of challenges, but with the right drive and determination, you can tackle each step with confidence.

Follow the five steps we’ve covered, stay focused, and you’ll be well on your way to building a strong foundation in this exciting field.

Ready to take the first step? Enroll in our parternered Florida real estate licensing course today—and enjoy an exclusive discount when you sign up.