How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Florida: A Step-by-Step Guide 

To become a real estate agent in Florida, you must meet the state’s basic eligibility requirements, complete a 63-hour pre-licensing education course, submit an application and fingerprints to the state, pass the Florida real estate exam, and activate your license with a registered brokerage. 

Florida’s real estate market is thriving, with endless opportunities to help individuals and families find their dream homes or investment properties. Whether you’re looking for a flexible career path or have always been passionate about real estate, the Sunshine State offers an ideal market to get started. This step-by-step guide will serve as your roadmap, so let’s go! 

Table of Contents  

• Why Choose Real Estate as a Career in Florida? 
• 5 Steps to Becoming a Real Estate Agent in Florida 
• Cost and Fees for Getting a Real Estate License in Florida 
• License Renewal and Continuing Education 
• Frequently Asked Questions 

Why Choose Real Estate as a Career in Florida? 

It’s a great time to become a real estate agent in Florida! A career in Florida real estate offers strong earning potential and diverse opportunities for full or part-time work. 

Growing population equals sustained demand 

Florida’s population was estimated at about 23.46 million in 2025, up nearly 8.9% since 2020, driven by domestic and international migration. This continued influx supports long-term demand for housing and relocation-related real estate activity, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. 

Strong home values support earning potential 

Statewide data from 2025 indicates the median closed price was roughly $412,000, reflecting continued demand even as price growth moderates compared with past years. 

Inventory shifts create opportunity 

In 2025, home inventory and for-sale listings increased compared with 2024, giving buyers more options and agents more listings to work. Higher inventory leads to more transaction opportunities for proactive agents. 

Flexible and diverse career paths 

From luxury waterfront homes to vacation rentals and suburban resale, Florida’s market allows agents to specialize or build multiple income streams while setting their own schedule. 

5 Steps to Becoming a Real Estate Agent in Florida 

Whether you dream of working part-time or plan to jump into real estate with both feet, understanding the license requirements is your first step toward success. Here’s what you need to do to earn your license in the Sunshine State. 

Step 1: Confirm eligibility requirements 

To avoid any snags as you proceed through the application process, confirm you meet this simple checklist: 

• Minimum Age: You must be at least 18 years of age. 
• Education: You must hold a high school diploma or its equivalent (e.g., a GED). 
• Citizenship: You must have a United States Social Security Number. There’s no citizenship requirement to become a real estate agent in Florida, and you do not need to be a Florida resident to apply. 
• Background Check Preparedness: Applicants must meet the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s (DBPR) requirements for good moral character, which involves full disclosure of any past legal infractions. 

Step 2: Complete the required pre-licensing education 

To qualify for the state exam, you must complete a state-approved 63-hour pre-licensing education course that covers Florida property laws, real estate principles, and ethical practices. 

This educational foundation is the cornerstone of your licensure. If you hold a 4-year degree in real estate or are an active member of the Florida Bar, you may be exempt from this requirement. For all others, choosing a trusted educational provider is critical. 

• Total Hours Required: 63
• Course Topics: Property laws, contracts, financing, appraisals, and ethics 
• Availability: Courses can be taken online at your own pace. 

Tip: Partner with an established provider like Colibri Real Estate. With over 25 years of experience and more than 1.5 million alumni, Colibri Real Estate offers affordable, flexible education designed to fit your busy schedule and prepare you for the real-world market. 

Step 3: Submit your application and fingerprints to the Florida DBPR 

Next, you must submit your initial Sales Associate application and undergo an electronic fingerprint background check through a Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) approved vendor. 

Combining your application and background check early ensures faster processing. Here’s how the application process works: 

1. Submit the Application: Apply online via the DBPR portal. You can submit your application before finishing your pre-licensing education, but you must complete the course before taking the exam. 
2. Get Electronic Fingerprints: Schedule an appointment with an approved Livescan Service Provider. You will need to provide the specific Originating Agency Identification (ORI) number for real estate sales associates: FL920010Z. 
3. Wait for Approval: Expect the review process to take up to 30 days. Once approved, you’ll receive authorization to take your licensing exam. 

Step 4: Pass the Florida real estate exam 

To earn your real estate license, you must pass the official Florida Real Estate Sales Associate Examination, administered by Pearson VUE. The exam assesses your understanding of essential real estate concepts, state laws, and real estate mathematics. 

Here’s what you need to know to be prepared: 

• Format: 100 multiple-choice questions 
• Duration: 3.5 hours 
• Passing Score: 75% (at least 75 correct answers) 
• Cost: $36.75 per attempt 
• Locations: Pearson VUE test centers are located across Florida, including in major cities like Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville. 

Preparation Strategies: 

• Take Practice Exams: Familiarize yourself with the question formats and time constraints. 
• Focus on Weighting: Review the Candidate Information Booklet. Heavy-weighted topics include Real Estate Contracts (12%) and Real Estate Brokerage Activities and Procedures (12%). 
• Utilize Exam Prep Tools: Take advantage of resources like Colibri Real Estate’s top-tier exam prep, including live Q&A sessions, cram courses, and readiness assessments to enter test day with total confidence. 

Step 5: Activate your license by joining a brokerage 

Once you pass the exam, your license is officially issued but remains inactive; to activate it, you must register under a licensed Florida real estate brokerage. 

A great brokerage serves as a springboard to future success. When choosing the right broker, keep these criteria in mind: 

• Training and Support: Look for brokerages offering dedicated mentorship or in-depth training for new agents. 
• Commission Split: Understand if the broker offers competitive commission rates (e.g., a 75/25 or 50/50 split). 
• Reputation: Choose a broker with a solid local footprint and a culture that aligns with your professional goals. 

Cost and Fees for Getting a Real Estate License in Florida 

The total cost to become a real estate agent in Florida typically ranges from $300 to $1,000, depending on your chosen education provider and vendor fees. 

Budgeting for your new career requires knowing the exact costs upfront. For 2026, expect the following breakdown: 

Fee	Cost Range
Pre-Licensing Education	$120 – $800
State Application Fee	$83.75
Fingerprinting Fee	$50 – $80
State Exam Fee	$36.75
Total Estimated Cost	$300 – $1,000