How to Become a Realtor in Florida: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re looking to start a career in real estate, Florida is one of the most dynamic markets in the country. With strong demand, a diverse population, and plenty of growth, it’s an excellent place to build a thriving real estate business. This guide will walk you through the exact steps to become a licensed real estate professional in Florida.
While the terms “Realtor” and “real estate agent” are often used interchangeably, they aren’t quite the same. A real estate agent is a licensed professional who helps people buy, sell, or rent properties. A Realtor, on the other hand, is a real estate agent who has joined the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and abides by their strict Code of Ethics.
Starting out in real estate can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At SOLD.com, we’re committed to making the home buying and selling process easier for everyone, including the professionals who guide those journeys. Whether you’re brand new or looking to sharpen your skills, having the right support and resources can make all the difference.
In the sections that follow, we’ll walk you through how to become a real estate professional in the Sunshine State—from meeting the basic requirements to passing your licensing exam and joining a brokerage. We’ll also explain how to become a Realtor in Florida, in case you decide to take that extra step and join the National Association of Realtors.
Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Requirements
Before you can begin your real estate education or sit for the state exam, you’ll need to meet a few baseline requirements set by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). These ensure that all applicants are legally and academically qualified to represent buyers and sellers in property transactions.
To start, you must be at least 18 years old and have either a high school diploma or a GED. You’ll also need a valid Social Security number. U.S. citizenship is not required, but legal residency is.
There are a few exceptions to the standard path. If you’re a licensed attorney in good standing with the Florida Bar, or if you hold a degree in real estate from an accredited institution, you may be exempt from certain pre-licensing course requirements. These exemptions can save time and money, so it’s worth reviewing the criteria closely if you have prior professional or academic experience in the field.
Step 2: Complete Your 63-Hour Pre-Licensing Course
Once you meet the basic eligibility requirements, your first official step toward licensure is completing a state-approved 63-hour pre-licensing course. This foundational education covers everything from real estate principles and practices to Florida-specific laws and regulations.
Course providers offer several formats to suit your learning style and schedule. You can choose from in-person classroom sessions, live-streamed virtual classes, on-demand online modules, or even textbook-based self-study. If you prefer structure and real-time interaction, a live course might be your best bet. If flexibility is key, many students opt for online formats they can complete at their own pace.
It’s important to note that once you complete the course, your certificate is valid for two years. That means you’ll need to apply for your license and pass the state exam within that window, otherwise, you’ll be required to retake the course.
Step 3: Submit your application and fingerprints
After finishing your pre-licensing course, the next step is to officially apply for your Florida real estate license through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). You can complete the application online via the DBPR’s website. Be prepared to provide personal details, education history, and proof of course completion, along with paying the required application fee.
At the same time, you’ll need to submit electronic fingerprints through a state-approved LiveScan provider. This background check is handled by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and is required for all applicants. It’s a good idea to schedule your fingerprinting early in the process, as the background check must be completed and cleared before you can take the licensing exam.
Once your application is approved and your background check is cleared, you’ll receive authorization to schedule the state exam.
Step 4: Pass the Florida Sales Associate Exam
With your application approved and background check complete, you’ll be eligible to take the Florida real estate sales associate exam. The exam is administered by Pearson VUE and is designed to test your knowledge of both national and state-specific real estate laws, practices, and principles.
The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, and you’ll have 3.5 hours to complete it. To pass, you’ll need a score of at least 75%. The test is available in English and Spanish, and you can take it either in person at a testing center or online through a monitored system.
Preparation is key. Many candidates use a combination of practice exams, flashcards, and question banks to get comfortable with the format and content. Providers like Kaplan and other education platforms offer dedicated exam prep tools that include simulated exams, quizzes, and personalized study plans to help you focus on weaker areas.
Step 5: Activate Your License and Join a Brokerage
After passing the state exam, you’re just one step away from officially launching your real estate career. To begin practicing, you’ll need to activate your license through the DBPR by associating it with a licensed Florida real estate brokerage. This is a required step.
Working under a brokerage is where many new agents gain essential experience, training, and support. The right broker can help you build your skills, connect with clients, and grow your business from day one. As you explore different brokerages, consider factors like mentorship opportunities, commission structure, company culture, and the tools they offer to help you succeed.
Once your license is activated and affiliated with a sponsoring broker, you’re officially ready to start helping clients buy and sell homes in Florida.
Step 6: Fulfill Post-Licensing and Continuing education
Getting your license is a big milestone, but staying licensed requires ongoing education. Florida mandates that all new real estate sales associates complete a 45-hour post-licensing course before their first license renewal. This course is designed to reinforce key concepts and prepare you for long-term success in the industry.
After that, continuing education becomes a regular part of your professional life. Florida real estate professionals must complete 14 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain an active license. These hours typically include courses on core topics like ethics, legal updates, and best practices.
If you plan to teach real estate or advance your career into brokerage, additional education requirements apply. Instructors, for instance, must complete regular classroom training to stay compliant and up-to-date.
Step 7: Becoming a Member of the National Association of Realtors
If you want to take your real estate career to the next level, becoming a Realtor®, or a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), is a smart move. While it is not required to practice real estate in Florida, joining NAR signals to clients and colleagues that you follow a strict code of ethics and are committed to professionalism and ongoing education.
To become a Realtor, you must first hold an active real estate license and be affiliated with a brokerage that belongs to a local Realtor association. Once affiliated, you can apply for membership through your local board. This includes automatic membership in both the Florida Realtors and the National Association of Realtors.
As a member, you are required to complete ethics training every three years. You will also gain access to valuable resources such as market data, legal guidance, networking events, and the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which is a critical tool for many agents. NAR membership also unlocks a wide range of certifications and designations that can boost your expertise and credibility.
Tips for success as a new Florida Realtor
Starting your real estate career in Florida is an exciting move. The decisions you make early on can have a big impact on your long-term success. Here are a few smart steps to help you start strong.
Choose a real estate school with a solid track record. Look for state-approved programs with high pass rates, flexible formats, and positive student reviews. Accreditation is important, but so is support. This is especially true if you are managing classes alongside work or family commitments.
Once you are licensed, time management becomes essential. Build a consistent study or work schedule that fits your lifestyle. Spacing out your learning and practice time is often more effective than last-minute preparation.
Professional development should not stop after the exam. Find a mentor, attend networking events, and connect with peers in the industry. Learning from experienced professionals can offer real-world insight and create new career opportunities.
Take full advantage of the tools and resources around you. Services like SOLD.com provide marketing support, educational content, and technology that can help you grow your business and better serve your clients.
Making the most of your license
Getting licensed is just the beginning. To build a strong career, focus on growing your brand, earning certifications, and staying active in your market. A professional online presence and continuing education can help you stand out and offer more value to your clients.
Tools like SOLD.com can also give you an edge by connecting you with motivated buyers and sellers, offering marketing support, and helping you manage your business more efficiently.
Looking for a way to grow your business and connect with more motivated clients? Join our Partner Network.
