How to become a real estate agent in Florida 

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 (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 pre-licensing education course that covers Florida property laws, real estate principles, and ethical practices. 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. 

---

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 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. 

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

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. 

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 brokerage, 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. 

Note: To maintain your Florida real estate license, you must complete a post-licensing course before your first renewal. After that, you’ll need to complete continuing education courses every two years.