Continuing education (CE) is essential for maintaining your real estate license in Florida. If you are a sales associate, broker, home inspector, or mortgage loan originator, Florida law requires continuing education (CE). This helps professionals stay updated on industry practices, laws, and ethics. LEAP Academy in Orlando offers flexible, state-approved courses. These courses help you meet your requirements and grow your career.
What Is Continuing Education?
Continuing education refers to the required coursework professionals must complete during each renewal cycle to keep their licenses active. These courses cover:
- Legal updates
- Ethics and fair housing
- Industry best practices
- Risk management
- Specialized knowledge
CE requirements differ by profession but are mandatory for all active licensees in Florida.
Why Continuing Education Matters
Continuing education is more than a legal requirement. It helps you:
- Stay up to date with law changes
- Improve client service
- Reduce liability and risk
- Learn new tools and strategies
- Stay competitive in your field
Professionals who commit to ongoing learning tend to perform better and build stronger reputations in the marketplace.
CE Requirements by License Type
Here’s a breakdown of continuing education requirements for common Florida real estate-related licenses:
Real Estate Sales Associate
- 14 hours every 2 years
- Must include 3 hours of core law and 3 hours of ethics
- The remaining hours are electives
Real Estate Broker
- 14 hours every 2 years
- Same breakdown as sales associates
- Must complete post-license education before first renewal (60 hours)
Home Inspector
- 14 hours every 2 years
- Courses must be approved by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)
Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO)
- 8 hours every year
- Includes federal law, ethics, and non-traditional mortgage products
- Must be NMLS-approved
LEAP Academy offers continuing education for all the license types listed above.
How to Complete Your CE
You can complete your CE through:
- Online courses (self-paced or scheduled)
- In-person classes (at approved institutions like LEAP Academy)
- Live webinars (instructor-led virtual classes)
Online CE is the most popular choice due to its flexibility. LEAP Academy provides mobile-friendly, state-approved CE courses. You can easily finish your requirements on your own schedule.
When to Renew Your License
Each license type has its own renewal schedule. Generally:
- Real estate sales associates and brokers renew their licenses every 2 years. The renewal dates are March 31 or September 30, based on when the license was issued.
- Home inspectors renew every 2 years on July 31.
- MLOs renew annually by December 31 through the NMLS system.
You must complete your CE before submitting a renewal application. Failure to do so may result in fines, inactive status, or license cancellation.
Tips for Managing CE Requirements
- Mark your renewal deadline on your calendar
- Start CE early to avoid last-minute stress
- Choose CE courses that enhance your skills, not just meet the minimum
- Use a trusted provider like LEAP Academy to ensure compliance
- Keep digital records of your CE completion certificates
Advantages of CE Through LEAP Academy
LEAP Academy offers:
- Florida DBPR and NMLS-approved CE courses
- Easy-to-use online platform
- Affordable pricing and bundled options
- Real-time reporting to state agencies
- Expert support if you have questions
Whether you’re renewing a license or advancing your skills, LEAP Academy makes it simple and convenient.
Build Your Career Through Lifelong Learning
Continuing education isn’t just a rule to follow — it’s an investment in your professional success. Stay informed, stay skilled, and stay licensed with help from LEAP Academy.
