How to Get Your Real Estate License in Florida (2026)
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Ready to start your real estate career in Florida? Whether you want to help buyers find their dream home or build a business in commercial real estate, getting licensed is your first step. Here is exactly what you need to do, step by step.
Florida requires 63 hours of pre-licensing education, and total government fees run approximately $170.5. The entire process typically takes 5 to 16 weeks from start to finish. For the complete requirements breakdown, see our Florida real estate license requirements page.
Step 1: Meet Basic Eligibility Requirements
Before you invest time in coursework, confirm that you meet Florida's basic eligibility requirements:
- Minimum age: 18 years old
- Residency: Not required
- Background check: Required
- Education: High school diploma or GED required
- Social Security Number: Valid U.S. SSN required
- Sponsoring Broker: Required before license activates — License becomes active only when affiliated with a licensed Florida broker (DBPR Form RE 11).
Licensing is overseen by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) / Division of Real Estate / Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC).
Step 2: Complete 63 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education
Florida requires 63 hours of approved pre-licensing education before you can sit for the licensing exam. You can complete this entirely online through accredited providers, which allows you to study at your own pace.
Your coursework will cover:
- FREC Course I — Sales Associate Pre-License (63 hrs)
Complete your 63 required hours online
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Step 3: Pass the Florida Real Estate Licensing Exam
After completing your education, you will need to pass the Florida real estate licensing exam, administered by Pearson VUE.
| Section | Questions | Time | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sales Associate Exam (combined) | 100 | 210 min | 75% |
Question breakdown: 45 questions on principles/practices, 45 on Florida/Federal law, 10 on math. Score report delivered immediately.
Step 4: Submit Your License Application
Once you pass the exam, submit your license application to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) / Division of Real Estate / Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC). Here is what the process looks like:
Complete 63-Hour Pre-License Course
Complete FREC Course I from an approved provider. Must score 70%+ on the end-of-course exam.
Estimated time: 2–8 weeks
Submit Electronic Fingerprints
Visit an FDLE-registered LiveScan provider using ORI number FL920010Z. Allow 5 days for processing.
Estimated time: 1 week
Submit Application to DBPR
Complete Form RE 1 online at myfloridalicense.com or via printable form. Pay $83.75 application fee.
Estimated time: 30 minutes
Receive DBPR Approval
DBPR processes your application including background check review.
Estimated time: 1–4 weeks
Schedule and Pass State Exam
Schedule via PearsonVUE.com or call 888-204-6289. Pay $36.75. Score 75%+ on the 100-question exam.
Estimated time: 1–2 weeks
License Issued
Typically issued automatically within 7–10 business days of passing exam.
Estimated time: 1–2 weeks
Affiliate with a Sponsoring Broker
Submit DBPR Form RE 11. License is not active until broker affiliation is complete.
Estimated time: 1–2 weeks
Key Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application + License + Unlicensed Activity Fee | $83.75 |
| State Exam Fee | $36.75 |
| Fingerprinting / Background Check | $50 |
| Total Government Fees | $170.5 |
Step 5: Complete Post-License Requirements
Florida requires newly licensed agents to complete additional education after receiving their license:
First renewal requires 45 hours of post-licensing education (not just CE). Failure to complete results in involuntarily inactive license. Holders of a 4-year real estate degree are exempt.
Get ahead on post-license requirements
Complete your Florida post-licensing education online. Start right after you get licensed so you don't fall behind.
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Step 6: Stay Licensed — Continuing Education
Once you are licensed, Florida requires ongoing continuing education (CE) to keep your license active.
- 14 hours of CE every 2 years
- Renewal fee: $64
- CE deadline: First Renewal: March 31 | Subsequent Renewal: September 30
Stay compliant with online CE courses
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Florida Real Estate License: Quick Reference
| Pre-Licensing Hours | 63 hours |
| Total Government Fees | $170.5 |
| Exam Provider | Pearson VUE |
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Estimated Timeline | 5–16 weeks |
| CE Requirement | 14 hours every 2 years |
| Renewal Fee | $64 |
| Licensing Authority | Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) / Division of Real Estate / Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) |
For the complete, detailed requirements, visit our Florida real estate license requirements page.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Start Your Florida Real Estate Education Today
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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Licensing requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) / Division of Real Estate / Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) before making decisions. Data last verified 2026-04-02.
Real Estate Agent Licensing — Quick Reference by State
Median salary, government licensing fees, and estimated timeline. Click any state for full details.
| State | Median Salary | License Fees | Timeline | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $62,420 | $499 | 3 mo | View → |
| Texas | $50,150 | $276.25 | 8 wk | View → |
| Florida | $50,140 | $180.5 | 5 wk | View → |
| New York | $97,440 | $80 | 4 wk | View → |
| Pennsylvania | $53,590 | $178 | 4 wk | View → |
| Illinois | $51,210 | $270 | 4 wk | View → |
| Ohio | $43,860 | $219 | 6 wk | View → |
| Georgia | $56,190 | $329.25 | 5 wk | View → |
| North Carolina | $47,840 | $190 | 4 wk | View → |
| Michigan | $55,600 | $227 | 3 wk | View → |
Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024. Fees & timelines: state licensing boards.
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