Is It Worth Getting a Real Estate License in Florida?
Is it worth getting a real estate license in Florida? For most people, yes — Florida is one of the most active real estate markets in the country, with a steady flow of new residents, a year-round housing market, and licensing requirements that are faster and more affordable than in many other states.
Here’s what makes Florida specifically a strong place to get licensed, beyond the general case for real estate as a career or side hustle.
Is It Worth Getting a Real Estate License in Florida’s Market?
Florida consistently ranks among the top states in the nation for real estate activity. The state has no income tax, a steady influx of out-of-state buyers, and a population that continues to grow year over year. This translates into consistent demand for licensed agents, regardless of broader economic cycles.
To put this in perspective, individual agents in active Florida markets can close dozens of transactions per year. Local market data on platforms like Zillow regularly shows individual agents — not teams — closing 30-50 transactions annually in mid-sized Florida markets, working across a wide range of price points typically between $100,000 and $1,000,000+.
Is It Worth Getting a Real Estate License in Florida Compared to Other States?
Florida’s licensing requirements are relatively fast and affordable compared to many states. The path requires:
- A 63-hour pre-license course, which can be completed entirely online
- A course final exam, followed by a state exam through Pearson VUE
- A background check through fingerprinting
- No college degree requirement — only a high school diploma or equivalent
Florida also has mutual recognition agreements with several other states, meaning agents already licensed elsewhere may be able to waive the pre-license course and qualify for a Florida license through a simplified process.
Is It Worth Getting a Real Estate License in Florida If You’re Not From There?
Yes. You do not need to be a Florida resident to obtain a Florida real estate license, and you do not need to be a U.S. citizen — only a valid U.S. Social Security number. This makes Florida licensing accessible to a wide range of people, including those who split time between states or are relocating to Florida.
Florida’s large Spanish-speaking population also creates strong demand for bilingual agents, particularly in markets like Miami, Tampa, and Orlando, where many transactions benefit from an agent who can communicate clearly in both English and Spanish.
Is It Worth Getting a Real Estate License in Florida for New Construction?
Florida’s ongoing population growth has fueled a steady new construction market across the state. Licensed agents can work directly with home builders and developers on new construction sales, often without needing MLS access or Realtor association membership — making this one of the more accessible paths for newly licensed agents to start earning commission.
Getting Started in Florida
To get your Florida real estate license, you’ll need to complete a DBPR-approved 63-hour pre-license course. Dolphin School of Real Estate offers this course online for $199.99, with 12 months of access and bilingual support in English and Spanish — helping students throughout Florida, including non-native English speakers, get licensed with confidence.
Learn more about the 63-hour pre-license course and start your path to a Florida real estate license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to live in Florida to get a Florida real estate license?
No. Non-residents can obtain a Florida real estate license through the same process as residents, as long as they meet the basic eligibility requirements.
Is it worth getting a real estate license in Florida if I already have one in another state?
Often yes, and the process may be simpler. Florida has mutual recognition agreements with several states, which can allow licensed agents to waive the pre-license course requirement.
Is the Florida real estate market good for new agents?
Yes. Florida’s consistent population growth, year-round market activity, and large new construction sector create ongoing opportunities for newly licensed agents, particularly those willing to work with home builders or focus on personal and referral transactions early on.