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How to Get Your Florida Real Estate License (South Florida–Focused)

  • Oct 4, 2025
  • 7 min read


Florida’s warm climate, diverse housing stock and bustling tourist industry make it one of the most attractive real‑estate markets in the country. Whether you dream of selling waterfront condos in Fort Lauderdale or helping families find their first home in suburban Broward County, you need a state‑issued real‑estate sales associate license before you can legally earn commissions.


This guide breaks down the licensing process, costs, and local tips so you can get started with confidence.


Why Become a Licensed Real‑Estate Agent in Florida?

  • High earning potential: A Florida real‑estate career rewards hustle. Surveys of Sunshine State agents show incomes well above the national median.

  • Flexibility and independence: Unlike a 9‑to‑5 job, real‑estate agents set their own schedule. Many enjoy the ability to attend mid‑morning gym sessions or pick up children from school while still closing deals.

  • Diverse market opportunities: South Florida offers everything from beachfront condos and luxury penthouses to family neighbourhoods and suburban townhomes. A license allows you to serve buyers and sellers across this spectrum.

  • Local pride: Fort Lauderdale is a boating capital with more than 300 miles of canals. Its year‑round sunshine, thriving arts scene and major cruise‑port make it a destination city. Becoming an agent lets you help newcomers discover the lifestyle locals enjoy every day.


Eligibility Requirements

Florida’s real‑estate profession is regulated by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC). To qualify for a sales‑associate license you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old and hold a high‑school diploma.

  • Possess a U.S. Social Security number (you do not have to be a Florida resident.

  • Be honest and trustworthy. Applicants with criminal records must disclose convictions; the DBPR will evaluate moral‑character issues during the background check.


Step 1 – Complete the 63‑Hour Pre‑Licensing Course

Florida requires sales‑associate candidates to complete 63 hours of FREC‑approved pre‑licensing instruction within two years of applying. You can take this course online or in person through state‑approved schools. Topics include Florida real‑estate law, contracts, financing, ethics and basic real‑estate math. Some programs offer audio narration, flashcards and exam‑prep tools. The pre‑license course typically costs $200–$500.

Local tip: Broward residents often choose classroom courses at local institutions, such as Gold Coast Schools or Broward College, to network with future colleagues. Online programs from providers like Aceable Agent, The CE Shop and Kaplan offer flexibility for busy schedules and include exam‑prep materials.

Step 2 – Submit Fingerprints and Background Check

After registering for your pre‑license course, you must submit electronic fingerprints through a Livescan service provider registered with the Florida Department of Law . You should submit your license application before or at the same time that you schedule. Fingerprinting fees are around $58.12 . The FDLE forwards your background report to the DBPR, which generally processes applications within ten business .


Step 3 – Apply to the DBPR

Once your pre‑licensing course is underway (you need not finish it before applying), create an account on the DBPR’s Online Services portal and submit the Sales Associate Application (Form RE 1). You must pay the state application fee of $83.75.

Active‑duty military, veterans and low‑income applicants may qualify for fee waivers. The DBPR will review your application, background check and course completion certificate.


Required documents

  • Completed online application (RE‑1)

  • Proof of high‑school diploma or GED

  • Social Security number and government‑issued photo ID

  • Certificate of completion from your 63‑hour course (once finished)


Step 4 – Schedule and Pass the Licensing Exam

After your application is approved, FREC authorizes you to sit for the Florida Real Estate Sales Associate exam. Exams are administered through Pearson VUE at testing centers across the state—including one in Fort Lauderdale—and can also be taken online with a remote proctor.


Exam details:

  • Format: 100 multiple‑choice.

  • Sections: 45 national questions, 45 Florida‑specific questions, and 10 real‑estate math.

  • Time limit: 3½ hrs.

  • Passing score: You must answer 75%.

  • Fee: The examination fee is $36.75, payable to Pearson VUE.


Bring two forms of ID to the testing center; one must be a government‑issued photo ID with a. After completing the exam, your score will display immediately. If you pass, you can print your license from your DBPR account once FREC uploads it.

Exam‑prep tips: Break your 63‑hour course into weekly study blocks of 8–10 hours, use flashcards and practice exams, and review Florida statutes and contracts. Focus on math formulas and state‑specific laws; these often trip up test‑takers.

Step 5 – Activate Your License and Choose a Broker

Upon passing the exam, you will hold an inactive license until you activate it through a sponsoring. Interview several brokers in Fort Lauderdale to find the right culture and commission split. Most brokers offer training, mentorship and office space; typical commission splits range from 50/50 to 80/20 on average.


Joining the Association of Realtors and MLS

Most successful agents join their local Realtor® association and the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). NAR membership provides training, ethics standards and MLS access. Membership dues, including local, state and national associations, usually cost $500–$700 per year , and local MLS fees range from $200–$500 annually.


Step 6 – Complete Post‑Licensing and Continuing Education

New Florida licensees must complete a 45‑hour post‑licensing course within the first 18–24 months after obtaining their license. These courses cost $200–$300 and provide practical skills, such as contracts, financing, ethics and property management.


After the post‑license period, you must complete 14 hours of continuing education every two years. Renewal deadlines fall on March 31 or September 30, depending on when your license was. Continuing‑education courses cost about $30–$100 and keep you up to date on legal changes and industry.


What Does It Cost to Become a Florida Real‑Estate Agent?

Expense

Typical Cost

Notes

63‑hour pre‑licensing course

$200–$500

FREC‑approved; online or classroom.

State exam fee (Pearson VUE)

$36.75

Payable when scheduling.

State application fee

$83.75

Paid with Form RE‑1; fee waivers available for military and low‑income applicants.

Fingerprinting/background check

≈ $58

Livescan; schedule via FDLE.

Post‑licensing course

$200–$300

Required within first renewal.

Continuing education (biennial)

$30–$100

14 hours every two years.

License renewal fee

$32 (sales associate)

Due every two years.

Errors & Omissions insurance

≈ $735 per year

Some brokerages include this.

NAR/MLS membership

$500–$700 per

Provides MLS access and professional resources.


Total first‑year costs typically run $350–$700, depending on course prices, exam retakes and whether you invest in extra study materials.


Fort Lauderdale‑Specific Advice

  • Choose a local school: Pre‑license providers such as Gold Coast Schools, the CE Shop and Aceable Agent have campuses or satellite offices in South Florida. In‑person classes in Broward County give you local contacts and insight into South Florida’s unique closing procedures.

  • Schedule your exam early: The Fort Lauderdale Pearson VUE center often fills up quickly during busy months. Once the DBPR approves your application, reserve a date immediately.

  • Network while you learn: Attend open houses, join local meetup groups (e.g., Fort Lauderdale Real Estate Investors Association) and get acquainted with brokers. The real‑estate business thrives on relationships.

  • Understand local market dynamics: Fort Lauderdale’s waterfront neighborhoods—Las Olas Isles, Rio Vista and Harbor Beach—draw luxury buyers, while inland areas like Wilton Manors and Plantation offer more affordable options. Familiarize yourself with flood‑zone regulations and vacation‑rental ordinances because they affect many local transactions.


Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get licensed?

The timeline varies. Most students finish the 63‑hour course within 4–6 weeks, depending on study pace. Fingerprinting and application processing can take 1–2 weeks, and exam dates depend on Pearson VUE availability. Many Fort Lauderdale candidates complete the entire process in two to three months.


Do I have to live in Florida to get a license?

No. Non‑residents can obtain a Florida sales‑associate license as long as they meet age, education and background‑check requirements. Florida also offers mutual‑recognition agreements with several states (e.g., Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi), allowing licensed agents in those states to bypass pre‑licensing education and take a Florida‑law exam.


What happens if I fail the exam?

You can retake the exam as soon as the next available date. However, you must pay the exam fee each time. Use your score report to pinpoint weak areas, revisit your course materials and practice with more sample questions before attempting again.


Do attorneys need a license?

Florida attorneys who are members of the state bar are exempt from the 63‑hour pre‑licensing course and may proceed directly to the exam. They still need to submit fingerprints, apply to the DBPR and complete post‑licensing education.


Is a real‑estate license worth it?

Absolutely—if you are prepared to invest time and money into building your business. Fort Lauderdale’s vibrant market offers opportunities for full‑time professionals and part‑time agents alike. With hard work, strong ethics and continuous learning, a real‑estate career can be both lucrative and personally fulfilling.


Final Thoughts

Getting a real‑estate license in Florida involves education, background checks, application processing, an exam and ongoing training. By following the steps outlined above—completing the 63‑hour course, submitting fingerprints, paying the state application fee, passing the exam and affiliating with a broker—you will be ready to help clients buy and sell property in South Florida and beyond. Stay informed about rule changes by regularly checking the DBPR and FREC websites, and always continue your professional development. The Sunshine State’s real‑estate industry is dynamic; with proper preparation you can thrive in this rewarding career.


RESOURCES

Below is a curated list of official resources you use . These links cover everything a Florida applicant needs to complete the licensing process, from education and fingerprinting to exams and activation.






  • DBPR Fingerprinting Instructions – Describes how to submit electronic fingerprints, the need to use an approved FDLE LiveScan service provider and notes that you must provide the correct ORI number (Real Estate Sales and Brokers – FL920010Z).

    URL: https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/fingerprinting/



  • Pearson VUE – Florida Real Estate Exam Scheduling – Official testing vendor; create an account or call to schedule, reschedule or cancel your exam. The exam fee is $36.75 and you must pass with at least 75 out of 100 points.

    URL: https://www.pearsonvue.com/us/en/fl/realestate.html


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