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As the third-most-populous state in the U.S. and a top spot for retirees, Florida is a great place for real estate professionals. If you want to buy and sell real estate in Florida, you’ll need a real estate license, whether you want to be a real estate agent or broker. You’ll also need to be at least 18 years old, complete specific real estate coursework, pass an exam (or two, depending on the license), and undergo a criminal background check.
Which license is right for you? The difference between a real estate agent and a broker is largely based on experience and education. An agent must work under a licensed broker, whereas brokers can work for themselves and/or hire agents as employees. Becoming a broker also requires completing additional coursework and working as an agent for a minimum of two years.
There are two types of licenses in Florida, so the requirements vary depending on the license. For example, a Florida real estate agent (known as a sales associate) is authorized to handle real estate transactions but must work under a licensed broker. A broker can own their own company and hire other agents to work for them.
The table below highlights the requirements for agents and brokers:
| Real Estate Agent | Real Estate Broker | |
| Age | 18 years old and older | 18 years old and older |
| Education | 63 hours of real estate coursework or a four-year degree in real estate | 72 hours of real estate coursework or a four-year degree in real estate |
| Experience | N/A | At least two years as an agent within the past five years |
| Exam | Must pass a final exam | Must pass a final exam |
| Additional Requirements | Must pass a background check | Must pass a background check |
The state requires that all coursework be completed through an approved provider. The coursework remains valid for two years after they are completed.
A note on background checks: You must disclose all criminal convictions on your application. Depending on the crime, a conviction may or may not disqualify you, but failure to disclose a conviction for even a minor offense is grounds for immediate denial of your application.
The time it takes to get licensed to handle real estate transactions depends on the license.
Brokers are also required to have worked a minimum of two years as an agent before they can be licensed.
Becoming a real estate professional in Florida requires both time and money. An aspiring agent can expect to spend between $400 and $500 to get their license. A broker can expect to pay between $500 and $600.
The following is a breakdown of the costs:
In March 2024, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) agreed to settle legal claims by homeowners who said it inflated realtor commissions. As part of the $418 million settlement, the association stopped offering broker compensation on its platforms. Eliminating this rule should help buyers and agents negotiate fees and would lower the fees paid by home sellers. Even though it agreed to settle, the NAR says it denies any wrongdoing.
Florida has reciprocity agreements with 10 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nebraska, Rhode Island, and West Virginia. This means you can apply for a license in these states without having to start from the beginning if you're licensed in Florida.
If you reside in any of these states and wish to become licensed in Florida, you must meet the following criteria:
You can apply for a Florida real estate license online or by mail. You can easily access either option through the application site for the license you seek.
The review process takes about four to six weeks, after which you can schedule your exam. All Florida real estate exams are administered by Pearson VUE, which allows you to easily sign yourself up online.
You can sign up with Pearson VUE to schedule your exam when your application is approved. The exam can be taken in person or online. Both the agent and broker exams take three-and-a-half hours and consist of 100 multiple-choice questions. For each exam, the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation created information booklets that go into greater detail.
You must score 75% or higher to pass either exam. If you don’t pass the first time, you can retake the exam as many times as you need to as long as you pay the fees.
When you pass the exam, your license is issued automatically. This process takes seven to 10 business days. Agents must activate their license by submitting another application, one that has been filled out by their employer (broker/real estate firm) and sent to the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation.
Florida real estate licenses are valid for two years. The state will notify you via email when your renewal date is nearing. Fees to renew your license run $32 for an agent and $36 for a broker.
Florida real estate agents who renew their licenses for the first time must complete 45 hours of approved continuing education coursework, while brokers need 60 hours of continuing education. Subsequent renewals require 14 hours of approved continuing education for both agents and brokers.
If you are an attorney who is a member of the Florida Bar in good standing, you are exempt from some of the requirements to become a licensed real estate agent or real estate broker. You are allowed to sit for the exam right away.
Your eligibility to practice law in Florida can exempt you from the college classes required of other applicants. However, you must still take and pass the relevant exam to become a real estate agent or broker. Moreover, you will also need to complete the 45 hours of post-licensing education required for an agent or the 60 hours required for a broker within the first renewal year.
Florida has statutes and regulations of which all real estate professionals should be aware. Florida’s Real Estate Commission has a guide that covers laws governing real estate in the state.
Getting a real estate license in the U.S. will be state-specific. Each state has its own requirements. Check with the state on what the specific requirements are and proceed from there. Requirements will include age limits, work experience, costs, and coursework. Once you meet all the requirements you will then be able to obtain a real estate license for that specific state.
The highest credential awarded to real estate professionals is Certified Residential Specialist. On average, this designation earns professionals three times more in income, transactions, and gross sales.
Yes, a foreigner can be a real estate agent in the U.S. You do not have to be a U.S. citizen but you do need to be a legal, permanent resident.
To buy and sell real estate in Florida, you will need a Florida real estate license. There are certain requirements to be met, such as age limits and work experience in the field. There is a cost to obtaining your license as well as required coursework. The time and cost can be worth it in a real estate market such as Florida, which sees large numbers of people moving to the state on a yearly basis for retirement.
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