Florida Real Estate Licensing Requirements and FAQs

FLORIDA REAL ESTATE LICENSE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When do I need to renew my Florida real estate license?

Florida real estate licenses expire either March 31^st or September 30^th, every other year. Your renewal date will be determined by the date that you passed your exam. Expiration dates are listed on your license.

Are your courses approved by the Florida Real Estate Commission?

No, we do not provide continuing education in the state of Florida

How do I renew my Florida real estate license?

Florida requires all real estate licensees to renew their license through their Online Service portal. If you have not already registered, you will need to do so before you may renew your license. Once you have registered, you will receive an email with a temporary password and then you will create your own unique, secure password. (Check your spam or junk mail folder if you don’t receive that email right away.) After you have successfully logged in you will be able to link your license to the online account you created.

Create your Online Account
Link Your License to Your Online Account

How much does it cost to renew my Florida real estate license?

$32 | Sales Associates
$36 | Brokers

I missed the due date for my Florida real estate license renewal, can I still renew?

Yes. If you fail to complete the renewal process before your expiration, your license will become involuntary inactive, at which point you will have 12 months to complete the required continuing education, pay the renewal fee, and a late fee. You will not be eligible to operate while your license is involuntary inactive.

Failure to complete the 14-hour continuing education within 12 months after the expiration date will result in additional education requirements – 28 hours Reactive Education.

Do I have to complete any continuing education if my Florida real estate license is inactive?

Yes. All Florida real estate licensees are required to complete 14 hours of continuing education each licensing cycle whether they are Current/Active or Current/Inactive.

Are there any continuing education exemptions for Florida real estate licensees?

Yes. Any active member who is in good standing with the Florida Bar is exempt from the 14-hour continuing education requirement. To receive this exemption, the licensees will need to either have a copy of their Bar card or the Bar card membership number provided to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

Does Florida have reciprocity with other states?

Mutual Recognition Information Real Estate Florida has mutual recognition with 8 states: Alabama, Arkansas,Connecticut,Georgia,Illinois,Mississippi, Nebraska,and Rhode Island. Brokers and Sales Associates can qualify for an equivalent type license in Florida if they meet the following qualifications:

Must be 18 years of age and hold a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Applicant must not be a resident of Florida, at time of application.

All applicants must have obtained the Real Estate license by having met the education and examination requirements of the state with which Florida has mutual recognition. Applicant must hold a valid, current and active real estate license, in good standing, issued by the Real Estate licensing agency in the state from which the applicant is applying.

The intent of these agreements is to recognize the education and experience that real estate licensees have acquired in another state. These agreements apply to nonresidents licensed in other jurisdictions. Each licensee who applies for Florida licensure from a state or jurisdiction that has a current mutual recognition agreement with Florida must pass a written Florida-specific real estate law examination.

The exam consists of 40 questions of 1 point in value per question. A grade of 30 points or higher must be achieved to pass the exam. These agreements also ensure that Florida licensees have equal opportunity for licensure in those jurisdictions with which agreements are concluded. Once you have obtained a Florida Real Estate sales associate or broker license, you are subject to all renewal requirements for our state.

Prior to your initial expiration date, listed on your license, you will be required to complete post-license education. (45 hours Post-Education for Sales Associates and 60 hours Post-Education for Brokers). Thereafter you will be required to complete 14 hours of continuing education biannually. The education requirements are in addition to applicable renewal fees. You will be notified within 60 days, prior to your expiration date, that you are due for renewal. Please be sure to visit your online account, frequently for your education requirements, renewal fees, status of your license, related license information, and to maintain a valid mailing address. In addition, be sure to visit the Division of Real Estate Homepage for any updates or upcoming events.

HOW TO OBTAIN A FLORIDA REAL ESTATE LICENSE

How do I obtain a Florida real estate license?

To become a licensed Sales Associate in Florida, you will need to complete the following steps:

Step 1: Meet the requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age
You must have a United States Social Security number to apply. Visit the Social Security Administration for information on how to obtain one.
Must hold a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Prior to sitting for the state exam, you must show proof of course completion of Florida approved 63-hour pre-license education for sales associates. The course is good for two years from the date of completion. An expired course will not be accepted at the exam site, and you will not be able to sit for your exam without proof of a valid course completion slip. The course is not required at the time of application submission. You may submit application for state exam approval prior to taking the pre-license education.

Step 2: Submit the application and other required documents

Application – complete the application through Online Services, or submit the Printable Application.
Fee – The application fee is $83.75 and may be paid using the Online Services or by including a personal check or money order with your application.
Fingerprints – An applicant must have a background check as part of the licensing process.

Step 3: Pass the exam

The examination is administered by Pearson Vue. After your application has been approved by the Florida Real Estate Commission you will be able to register to take your exam. The Candidate Information Booklet is a useful source to help guide you through the examination process. You must obtain at least a 75 out of 100 in order to pass this exam.

Step 4: Activate the License

Activate your license using the DBPR RE 11 – Become Active – Sales Associate or Broker Sales Associate form, OR have your employing broker activate your new license online using the broker’s online account.

Step 5: Complete your Post-licensing requirements

Before you will be able to renew your real estate license, you will need to complete 45 hours of approved post-licensing education. Even if your license is inactive, you’ll need to complete this requirement before the license expires.

FLORIDA REAL ESTATE LICENSE RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS