Florida Real Estate Licensing Path
Launching a career in Florida real estate begins with education and licensing steps managed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). The process starts with the Sales Associate Pre-Licensing Course, followed by the state exam, Post-Licensing education, and Continuing Education for license renewal or broker advancement.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, and have a Social Security Number. Each phase below explains what’s required, time frames for completion, and policies for exam retakes.
Pre-Licensing (63 hrs)
State Exam & Activation
Post-Licensing (45 hrs)
Continuing Education (14 hrs)
Broker Path (72 hrs)
Step 1: Sales Associate Pre-Licensing (63 hours)
Sales Associate Pre-Licensing Course
Goal: Prepare for the Florida Real Estate Sales Associate exam.
63-Hour Sales Associate Course
Covers Florida real estate principles, laws, and practices required by the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC).
Time Frame: Complete the online course before scheduling your state exam. Students typically finish within 2–6 weeks, depending on their pace.
Exam Policy: If you fail the school exam, you must wait 24 hours before retesting. For the state exam, Pearson VUE also allows retesting after 24 hours, with no limit on attempts.
Step 2: State Exam & License Activation
Florida State Sales Associate Exam
Goal: Pass the state exam and activate your license.
Pearson VUE Real Estate Exam
Consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, requiring 75% or higher to pass.
Wait Period: Retakes are allowed 24 hours after a prior attempt.
License Activation: Apply through the DBPR portal (instructions here) and affiliate with a licensed broker to begin working as a Sales Associate.
Step 3: Post-Licensing Education (45 hours)
45-Hour Post-Licensing Course
Goal: Renew your Sales Associate license before the end of your first licensing period.
45-Hour Post-Licensing Course
Focuses on practical real estate skills, law updates, and business development.
Deadline: Must be completed before your first renewal deadline. Take this course 12-18 months after initial licensing (must be completed before the end of 24 months).
Retake Policy: If failed, a 30-day wait period applies before retesting. Missing the deadline may cause your license to lapse.
Step 4: Continuing Education (14 hours every 2 years)
Florida Real Estate CE Course
Goal: Keep your license active through state-required education.
14-Hour CE Package
Includes 3 hours of Core Law, 3 hours of Ethics, and 8 hours of elective topics.
Time Frame: Must be completed during each 2-year renewal cycle.
Exam Policy: If you fail, you may retake it immediately.
Step 5: Broker Licensing Path (72 hours)
Broker Pre-Licensing Course
Goal: Advance from Sales Associate to Broker.
72-Hour Broker Pre-Licensing Course
Explores brokerage management, real estate investment, and advanced law.
Requirements: Must have held an active Sales Associate license for at least 24 months within the last 5 years.
Retake Policy: Wait 24 hours before rescheduling the state broker exam if you do not pass.
How to Apply for a Florida Real Estate License
Follow the steps below to apply for your Florida Real Estate license, complete fingerprinting, and schedule your exam through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and Pearson VUE.
Step 1: Submit Your License Application
- Go to the official DBPR website: https://www.myfloridalicense.com/
- Select Real Estate Commission (FREC) and click on Apply for a License.
- Create or log in to your MyFloridaLicense account.
- Complete the online application for a Sales Associate License or Broker License.
- Pay the application fee (approximately $83.75).
- Wait for approval from the DBPR, which typically takes around 10 business days.
Step 2: Complete Fingerprinting and Background Check
- Schedule fingerprinting with an approved Livescan provider from the official list: https://www.flhealthsource.gov/bgs-providers/
- Provide the ORI Number FL920010Z (for Real Estate Sales Associates and Brokers).
- Your fingerprint results will be sent directly to the DBPR for background review.
- Fingerprints remain valid for one year from the date they are submitted.
Step 3: Register for the State Exam
- Once your application has been approved, you’ll receive authorization to schedule your exam with Pearson VUE.
- Visit: https://home.pearsonvue.com/fl/realestate
- Create an account, log in, and pay your exam fee (approximately $36.75).
- Choose your test center or opt for online proctoring.
- Bring two forms of identification to the exam, with at least one containing a current photo.
Exam and Retake Rules
- The Sales Associate exam has 100 multiple-choice questions with a passing score of 75% or higher.
- If you do not pass, you can reschedule through Pearson VUE after 24 hours.
- There are no limits on the number of times you can retake the exam.
- You must complete your pre-licensing course before you can schedule the exam.
Step 4: Activate Your License
- After passing the exam, return to the DBPR website: https://www.myfloridalicense.com/
- Log in to your MyFloridaLicense account and select Activate/Edit License.
- Associate your license with a supervising broker using their license number.
- Once activated, your Sales Associate license will appear as Active in your account records.
Helpful Tip: Keep records of all confirmation emails from Pearson VUE and DBPR to track approvals and appointment times.