Commercial Real Estate in Florida: A Career with Significant Growth Potential
To build a long-term career in a valuable market, consider working in commercial real estate in Florida. Commercial agents deal with office buildings, retail centers, industrial sites, multifamily properties, and land for development. This is different from residential real estate, which focuses on homes and condos.
This field offers bigger commissions, repeat clients, and deep business relationships. With the right training and support from LEAP Academy in Orlando, you can enter commercial real estate. You can find your place in one of Florida’s strongest industries.
What is Commercial Real Estate?
Commercial real estate (CRE) involves property used exclusively for business or investment purposes. This includes:
- Office buildings
- Retail shopping centers and strip malls
- Warehouses and logistics centers
- Multifamily housing with more than four units
- Medical and hospitality facilities
- Undeveloped land for commercial use
Professionals in this field may specialize in sales, leasing, property management, or development.
Why Work in Commercial Real Estate in Florida?
Florida’s commercial market is thriving thanks to population growth, tourism, and business expansion. From Miami to Orlando to Tampa, companies are relocating, building, and investing in Florida properties.
Here’s why this path is attractive:
- Higher property values = larger commissions
- Business clients often become repeat clients
- Transactions can involve millions in assets
- Variety of niches and specialties to explore
- Year-round demand thanks to the state’s economy
If you’re analytical, confident, and relationship-driven, commercial real estate could be a perfect match.
Types of Commercial Real Estate Careers
Working in commercial real estate in Florida doesn’t mean one-size-fits-all. Here are common roles to consider:
1. Commercial Sales Associate
These agents help buyers and sellers close deals on office buildings, retail space, or land. Sales associates negotiate contracts, analyze market value, and often work with investors, developers, and corporate clients.
2. Leasing Agent
Specializes in matching businesses with rental properties. You’ll handle everything from tenant sourcing to lease negotiation and renewal.
3. Property Manager
Oversees day-to-day operations of commercial buildings. Responsible for tenant relations, maintenance, budgeting, and lease compliance.
4. Commercial Real Estate Broker
A licensed professional who can run their own firm and supervise agents. Requires additional education and experience.
5. CRE Analyst or Consultant
Focuses on financial modeling, investing, and conducting market research. Ideal for those with a finance background or interest in data.
Each of these roles has its own licensing and experience requirements, which LEAP Academy can help you navigate.
Getting Licensed for Commercial Real Estate in Florida
To work in CRE sales or leasing, you typically need a Florida Real Estate Sales Associate License. The process is the same as for residential real estate but your focus after licensing will shift.
Steps to get licensed:
- Be 18+ with a high school diploma or equivalent
- Complete a 63-hour pre-license course
- Pass the Florida Real Estate Exam
- Pass a background check and submit fingerprints
- Register with a brokerage (can be commercial-focused)
LEAP Academy offers flexible training options that help you pass the exam and obtain your license quickly. You can then work under a commercial real estate firm or transition into that sector over time.
Skills Needed for Commercial Real Estate Careers
Commercial real estate requires a broader understanding of business and finance than most residential roles.
Successful professionals tend to be:
- Analytical: Understand property value, zoning, investment return, and market trends
- Professional: Communicate clearly with business owners and investors
- Strategic: Create long-term plans for client portfolios
- Confident negotiators: CRE deals are high-stakes and detail-driven
- Resilient and persistent: Some deals take months or even years
Don’t worry if you are new. LEAP Academy can help you build these skills or guide you to further education.
Commercial vs. Residential Real Estate
Let’s compare the two:
| Factor | Commercial Real Estate | Residential Real Estate |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction Size | Large (often millions) | Small to medium (home prices) |
| Sales Cycle | Longer (months to years) | Shorter (30-60 days typical) |
| Client Type | Business owners, investors | Families and individuals |
| Licensing | Same basic license | Same |
| Income Potential | Higher per transaction | More frequent transactions |
Many real estate professionals begin in residential and shift into commercial as they gain experience.
Where Commercial Real Estate is Booming in Florida
Here are key regions with growing CRE opportunities:
- Orlando: Logistics, retail, multifamily housing, tourism development
- Tampa Bay: Tech expansion, mixed-use projects, healthcare facilities
- Miami: International investment, high-rise office and retail
- Jacksonville: Industrial growth, affordable commercial land
- Southwest Florida: Senior housing, retail centers, and hotels
Florida’s strong infrastructure and growing population continue to fuel demand in all sectors.
How LEAP Academy Supports Your Commercial Goals
LEAP Academy provides the first step in your commercial career through our state-approved Sales Associate licensing course. We also offer:
- Guidance on finding a CRE-focused brokerage
- Post-license education with real-world application
- Flexible course formats (online or in-person)
- Support beyond the exam, including resume tips and job leads
Whether you aspire to be a broker or investor, LEAP provides the legal knowledge you need. It helps you operate professionally in the Florida market.
Tips for Getting Started in Commercial Real Estate
- Choose the right mentor or firm. Look for brokerages that specialize in CRE.
- Continue your education. Learn about cap rates, NOI, 1031 exchanges, and other industry terms.
- Network with purpose. Attend local business events, real estate conferences, and chamber of commerce mixers.
- Build your brand. A professional online presence and strong LinkedIn profile are key.
- Stay current. Florida zoning laws, taxes, and development projects evolve quickly.
Start Your Commercial Real Estate Career Today
For a lively career focused on business, consider commercial real estate in Florida. No limit exists to how much you can earn. Whether you’re starting from scratch or pivoting from residential sales, now is the time to learn, license, and leap.
Let LEAP Academy in Orlando help you get there. We offer expert-led training, flexible scheduling, and long-term support to get your career off the ground.
