Becoming a licensed real estate agent in Florida starts with one major milestone: passing the Florida Real Estate Sales Associate exam. This test checks if you understand the legal, financial, and practical aspects of real estate before starting your career.
Feeling nervous about the exam is normal. With good preparation, you can pass on your first try.
If you are changing jobs, starting your first job, or seeking a flexible side gig, this guide is for you. This will help you learn what you need to know to pass the Florida real estate exam on your first try.
Understand the Basics: Exam Requirements and Format
Before you sign up for the exam, you should understand the Florida real estate licensing process. You also need to know what the exam covers.
Eligibility
To sit for the exam, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Complete a 63-hour pre-license course from a state-approved provider
- Submit an application and get fingerprinted for a background check
- Receive approval from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)
Exam Details
- Type: 100 multiple-choice questions
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Passing Score: 75% (you need at least 75 correct answers)
- Location: Pearson VUE testing centers or online proctoring
- Cost: $36.75 for the exam fee (plus application and fingerprinting fees)
The test covers a wide range of topics, from real estate law and principles to math and brokerage operations. The design ensures you understand the responsibilities and ethics involved in the profession.
Choose a Quality Pre-License Course
Your success starts with a solid foundation. Florida requires all future licensees to finish a 63-hour pre-license course. However, not all courses are of the same quality.
What to Look for in a Course
- State Approval: Make sure the course is approved by the DBPR.
- Format Options: Choose between in-person, online, or self-paced formats depending on your learning style.
- Practice Exams: A good course should include exam simulations to test your knowledge.
- Instructor Access: Look for courses that offer live Q&A sessions or instructor support.
- Positive Reviews: Check online reviews and testimonials before enrolling.
Many students find online courses helpful because they offer flexibility. This is especially true for those working full-time or managing family duties.
Study Smart, Not Just Hard
The way you study is just as important as how much you study. Here are tips to help you make the most of your prep time:
1. Create a Study Schedule
Dedicate a certain number of hours per week to studying and stick to a routine. Break your studying into chunks by topic to make it manageable. Don’t cram—pace yourself.
2. Use Active Learning Techniques
Don’t just read your notes—engage with the material. Try:
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- Flashcards for key terms
- Teaching concepts to a friend
- Recording your voice explaining a concept and playing it back
- Taking online quizzes
3. Focus on Florida-Specific Content
Florida’s real estate laws and rules differ from other states. Make sure you focus on the unique legal and procedural content that will be on your exam.
4. Take Plenty of Practice Exams
This is one of the best ways to prepare. Practice exams mimic the format and pressure of the real test. Use them to:
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- Identify your weak areas
- Improve your time management
- Build confidence
Master the Real Estate Math
Real estate math must not be scary. With some practice, most students manage it well—even if they haven’t taken a math class in years.
Key math topics include:
- Prorations
- Commission calculations
- Loan-to-value ratios
- Interest calculations
- Property tax estimations
Practice these with formulas and word problems. Remember to use a calculator that the exam will provide.
Review Legal Concepts and Ethics
Florida real estate law is heavily emphasized on the exam. Pay close attention to:
- Licensing and continuing education requirements
- Agency relationships and duties
- Fair housing laws
- Escrow rules
- Contracts and disclosures
Knowing the ethical and legal responsibilities of real estate agents is important. This knowledge will help you pass the exam. Also, essential for your career success.
Test-Taking Strategies for Exam Day
The day of the exam can bring nerves, but these strategies can help you stay calm and focused:
1. Get Ready the Night Before
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- Review your notes, but don’t stay up too late.
- Set out everything you need: two forms of ID, confirmation emails, directions to the testing center.
- Get a full night’s sleep.
2. Arrive Early and Stay Calm
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- Arrive at least 30 minutes early.
- Breathe deeply and stay positive. You’ve done the work—now trust yourself.
3. Read Every Question Carefully
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- Don’t rush. Some questions designers create to be tricky, so read each one thoroughly.
- Eliminate obviously wrong answers first to increase your chances of guessing correctly if needed.
4. Manage Your Time
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- You have 3.5 hours, which is plenty—but keep an eye on the clock.
- Don’t spend too long on a single question. Mark it and come back later if you’re unsure.
What If You Don’t Pass the First Time?
While many pass on the first try, it’s not uncommon to fall short. The good news is:
- You can retake the exam as soon as 24 hours after failing (once the DBPR updates your eligibility).
- Review your performance report and focus on weak areas.
- Many test-takers pass on their second try after refining their strategy.
Your Future Starts at LEAP Academy in Orlando, FL
At LEAP Academy, we specialize in helping students across Florida launch their real estate careers with confidence. Our state-approved 63-hour pre-license course helps you gain the knowledge and tools you need. It also provides support to pass the Florida Real Estate Sales Associate exam on your first try.
No matter where you are in Florida, you can easily start with our online options. This includes Orlando. Learn from skilled teachers, practice with real exam tests, and join a group of motivated future agents like you.
Ready to begin your real estate journey? Enroll in LEAP Academy’s Pre-License Course Today »
