Florida Real Estate License Guide: Everything You Need to Know
To start a career in property sales, this Florida real estate license guide will help you. If you just graduated, are changing jobs, or want a side job that pays well, the real estate industry has great opportunities. This is especially true in Florida’s busy housing market.
Getting your license is the first step to becoming a Real Estate Sales Associate, REALTOR®, or broker in Florida. With training from LEAP Academy in Orlando, you can become a licensed professional faster than you think.
Why Pursue a Florida Real Estate License?
Florida is one of the hottest real estate markets in the U.S.—literally and figuratively. The state’s population keeps growing, especially in places like Orlando, Tampa, and Miami. Job creation, tourism, and development are doing well there.
With a Florida real estate license, you can:
- Work in residential, commercial, or investment real estate
- Join a growing industry with no income ceiling
- Build your own business or work with top brokerages
- Help people make one of the most important decisions of their lives
- Create a flexible schedule and work from anywhere
Real estate jobs in Florida can be rewarding and satisfying. LEAP Academy helps you start your journey.
Who Can Get a Florida Real Estate License?
To apply, you must meet the following basic requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a U.S. Social Security number
- Hold a high school diploma or equivalent
- Pass a background check
- Complete a 63-hour pre-license course from a state-approved provider
- Pass the Florida Real Estate Sales Associate Exam
These criteria are straightforward, making real estate one of the most accessible professional licenses available.
Florida Real Estate License Application Process
Let’s break the process down step by step:
Step 1: Take a Pre-License Course
The first requirement is a 63-hour course from a Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC)-approved provider. LEAP Academy offers this course in-person and online with flexible schedules to suit working adults.
Topics covered include:
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- Florida real estate law
- Property rights and contracts
- Financing and mortgages
- Listing, selling, and leasing processes
- Ethics and professionalism
Step 2: Submit Your License Application
Apply through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). You’ll submit personal information, proof of course completion, and electronic fingerprints for background screening.
Step 3: Pass the State Exam
Pearson VUE administers the exam. It includes 100 multiple-choice questions covering the topics from your course. You must score at least 75% to pass.
LEAP Academy offers test prep and review materials to help you walk in with confidence.
Step 4: Activate Your License
To legally work as an agent, your license must be activated under a licensed real estate broker. This step connects you with an office that supports your early career success.
What Happens After You Obtain Your License?
A Florida real estate license gives you the green light to:
- Show and list homes
- Write and negotiate contracts
- Represent buyers and sellers
- Work with lenders, title agents, and inspectors
- Earn commissions on property transactions
But education doesn’t stop there. Within your first renewal cycle, you’ll need to complete a 45-hour post-license course. LEAP Academy offers this and more—so you can build skills and grow your business.
LEAP Academy: Your Partner from Licensing to Launch
LEAP Academy, based in Orlando, is more than a real estate school—we’re a full-service support system for your career. We guide students through each phase of the Florida real estate license process with:
- Expert instructors who are active in the field
- Easy-to-understand materials for every learning style
- Ongoing mentorship and post-license education
- Career coaching and help choosing the right brokerage
- Flexible online learning for busy professionals
Our students consistently pass the exam on their first try and launch thriving careers across Central Florida.
Common Questions About the Real Estate License
Q: How long does it take to get licensed?
A: Most students complete the course and pass the exam within 2–3 months.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Expect to spend around $800–$1,000 total, including course fees, application fees, fingerprinting, and the state exam.
Q: Is it hard to pass the Florida real estate exam?
A: With the right prep, no! LEAP Academy provides review sessions, practice tests, and personal support to make sure you’re ready.
Q: Can I work part-time as a real estate agent?
A: Absolutely. Many agents begin part-time and transition to full-time as they build their client base.
How Florida Real Estate Compares to Other States
Florida has unique advantages for aspiring agents:
- Reciprocity agreements with other states (fewer steps to transfer your license)
- Large retirement and vacation home markets
- High volume of investment and rental properties
- Strong international buyer interest
Whether you’re from Florida or moving here, the state offers long-term real estate career potential.
The Broker Path: What Comes Next
Once you gain experience as a Sales Associate, you can take the next step and become a Florida Real Estate Broker. You’ll need:
- At least 24 months of active experience in the past 5 years
- Completion of a 72-hour broker pre-license course
- A passing score on the Florida Broker Exam
LEAP Academy offers this course too—so you never have to look elsewhere for advancement.
Start today with LEAP Academy.
The sooner you take your pre-license course, the sooner you can start working—and earning—in Florida’s thriving real estate market. LEAP Academy is here to walk with you every step of the way.
LEAP Academy offers affordable tuition, skilled instructors, and flexible learning options. You can trust us to help you start your real estate career.
Your Florida Real Estate License Journey Begins Now
Use this Florida real estate license guide to take control of your future. LEAP Academy is the best choice for starting strong in real estate. We offer education, exam prep, and career coaching.
