If you like real estate or finance, you might want to help people buy homes. You can do this by becoming a licensed Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) in Florida.
This could be a great career choice for you. MLOs are important in the home-buying process. They guide clients through mortgage options and help them get financing for a significant investment.
At LEAP Academy in Orlando, FL, we provide everything you need to begin. We offer expert instruction and flexible, state-approved courses. In this guide, we will help you become a Florida MLO. We will also explain what to expect during the licensing process.
What Is a Mortgage Loan Originator?
A Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) is a licensed professional who helps borrowers apply for and obtain mortgage loans. MLOs can work for banks, credit unions, mortgage brokers, or lenders.
As an MLO, you’ll:
- Evaluate clients’ credit and financial profiles
- Recommend appropriate loan programs
- Collect and review loan documents
- Coordinate with lenders, underwriters, and closing agents
- Ensure compliance with state and federal lending regulations
A job that mixes customer service, money skills, and careful attention exists. The need for skilled MLOs is still high in Florida.
How to Become a Mortgage Loan Originator in Florida
Here are the steps to get your MLO license in Florida:
1. Complete the Required Education
Florida MLO candidates must complete a 20-hour pre-licensing course that meets NMLS (Nationwide Multistate Licensing System) requirements. At LEAP Academy, our course includes:
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- 3 hours of federal law
- 3 hours of ethics (including fraud, consumer protection, and fair lending)
- 2 hours of nontraditional mortgage products
- 12 hours of elective topics tailored to Florida’s lending environment
This course is your foundation for understanding how mortgage loans work—and how to originate them legally and ethically.
2. Pass the National SAFE MLO Test
Once you complete the course, you’ll take the SAFE Mortgage Loan Originator Test, which covers:
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- Federal mortgage-related laws
- General mortgage knowledge
- Loan origination activities
- Ethics
- Uniform state content
You must score at least 75% to pass. LEAP Academy includes test prep tools and practice exams to help you feel confident on exam day.
3. Submit Your License Application
After passing the test, you’ll apply for your license through the NMLS and complete:
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- Criminal background check (via fingerprinting)
- Credit check
- Payment of application fees
Florida’s Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) will check your application. You will receive your license when you meet all the requirements.
What You’ll Learn in the Pre-License Course
At LEAP Academy, our 20-hour MLO pre-license course goes beyond the basics. Here’s a look at what you’ll study:
Loan Types & Lending Programs
Understand the differences between FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans—and how to match borrowers with the right program.
The Loan Process, Start to Finish
Learn how to guide a client from pre-approval through closing, including documentation, underwriting, and compliance checkpoints.
Credit & Risk Analyzing
Develop skills in evaluating credit scores, debt-to-income ratios, income documents, and red flags for loan fraud.
Mortgage Math
Practice calculating principal, interest, amortization, loan-to-value ratios, and qualifying income using real-world examples.
Legal & Ethical Standards
You will learn about laws like RESPA, TILA, ECOA, and fair lending practices. This will help you ensure compliance and protect consumers.
Career Outlook and Income Potential
Mortgage Loan Originators are in high demand, especially in high-growth markets like Orlando and across Florida. Whether you want to work for a lender or operate independently, licensing opens the door to flexible career options.
Typical income:
While income varies based on experience and performance, MLOs often earn a mix of base salary and commissions. In Florida, full-time originators can make $50,000–$100,000+ annually, with top performers earning even more.
This career drives results and suits motivated, organized people who love helping others.
Why Choose LEAP Academy?
At LEAP Academy, we help students in Orlando, Florida. We support them in starting successful careers. Our focus areas include real estate, inspections, and lending. When you enroll in our NMLS-approved MLO course, you’ll get:
- Easy-to-follow online access
- Instructor support when you need it
- Practice tests and prep guides
- A flexible schedule designed for busy adults
Whether you’re changing careers or just starting, our program makes it easy to move forward—on your time, at your pace.
Start Your Career in Mortgage Lending Today
A Florida MLO license gives you the power to help families, investors, and first-time buyers achieve their real estate dreams. At LEAP Academy in Orlando, FL, we are here to help you. We support you from your first lesson to your first client.
Ready to become a licensed Mortgage Loan Originator in Florida? Enroll in LEAP Academy’s NMLS-Approved Course Today »
