Thinking about starting a career in real estate in the Sunshine State? You’re not alone. Florida is one of the most active real estate markets in the entire country, and thousands of people take the first step toward getting licensed every single year. But before you can start showing homes, writing contracts, or earning commissions, you need to understand exactly what the Florida real estate license requirements are — and how to meet them as efficiently and affordably as possible.
This guide walks you through every step of the process, from eligibility to exam day and beyond. Whether you’re just exploring your options or you’re ready to enroll today, this is everything you need to know.
Who Regulates Real Estate Licenses in Florida?
In Florida, real estate licenses are regulated by two main bodies. The Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) sets the rules and educational standards for real estate professionals in the state. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is the government agency that actually issues licenses and manages applications.
When you enroll in a pre-license course, you’ll want to make sure the school is approved by the DBPR. This matters because only course hours completed at an approved school will count toward your license application. Dolphin School of Real Estate has been DBPR-approved since 2017 and has helped more than 4,000 students get licensed in Florida.
Florida Real Estate License Requirements: Am I Eligible?
Before diving into coursework and exams, let’s make sure you qualify. The basic Florida real estate license requirements for eligibility include:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Hold a valid U.S. Social Security number
- Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent
- Be able to demonstrate good moral character (background check required)
You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to apply for a Florida real estate license, but you do need a valid Social Security number. If you have a prior criminal history, you may still be eligible depending on the nature of the offense — the DBPR reviews these on a case-by-case basis, so it’s worth applying and being transparent.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Florida Real Estate License
Step 1: Complete the 63-Hour Pre-License Course
The first major step in meeting the Florida real estate license requirements is completing a state-mandated pre-license education course. For a sales associate license (the entry-level license in Florida), you are required to complete 63 hours of approved real estate education.
This course covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Real estate law and principles
- Property rights and ownership
- Contracts and transactions
- Financing and mortgages
- Florida-specific regulations and disclosures
- Real estate math and calculations
- Ethics and professional conduct
At Dolphin School of Real Estate, our 63-hour pre-license course is available entirely online at just $199.99, with 12 months of access so you can study at your own pace. Compare that to competitors like Gold Coast Schools, which charge $429 or more for similar content, and the choice becomes pretty clear.
Step 2: Submit Your License Application to the DBPR
Once you’ve completed your 63-hour course, you’ll need to submit a license application through the DBPR’s online portal at myfloridalicense.com. The application fee is currently $83.75. During this step, you’ll also need to undergo an electronic fingerprinting and background check, which costs approximately $54.
Make sure you submit your application before scheduling your exam. The DBPR needs to approve your application and grant you eligibility before Pearson VUE will allow you to register for the state exam.
Step 3: Pass the Florida Real Estate State Exam
After your application is approved, you’ll receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) notice. This allows you to schedule your exam through Pearson VUE, the approved testing provider for Florida real estate exams.
The Florida Sales Associate exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. You’ll need to score at least 75 out of 100 (75%) to pass. The exam covers the same material from your 63-hour pre-license course and costs $36.75 per attempt.
Topics tested on the exam include:
- Real estate principles and practices
- Florida real estate law
- Federal real estate law
- Real estate math (approximately 10 questions)
- License law and qualifications for licensure
If you don’t pass on your first try, don’t worry — you can retake it. However, if you fail the exam three times, you’ll need to retake the 63-hour pre-license course before attempting again.
Step 4: Activate Your License with a Sponsoring Broker
Here’s something many first-time applicants don’t realize: passing the exam doesn’t mean you’re immediately licensed to practice real estate. In Florida, a new sales associate’s license is issued as “inactive” after the exam. To activate it, you must affiliate with a licensed Florida real estate broker who will sponsor you.
The broker activation is done through the DBPR portal. Once you’re activated under a broker, you can legally start working as a real estate sales associate in Florida.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Florida Real Estate License?
One of the most common questions we hear is: “How much is all of this going to cost me?” Here’s a full breakdown so there are no surprises:
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 63-Hour Pre-License Course (Dolphin School) | $199.99 |
| DBPR License Application Fee | $83.75 |
| Fingerprinting / Background Check | ~$54.00 |
| Pearson VUE Exam Fee | $36.75 |
| Total Estimated Cost | ~$374.49 |
By choosing Dolphin School of Real Estate for your pre-license education, you’re already saving $200 or more compared to other Florida schools — without sacrificing quality or convenience.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Florida Real Estate License?
The timeline varies depending on how quickly you complete your coursework and how soon your DBPR application is processed. Here’s a realistic estimate:
- Pre-License Course: 2 to 8 weeks (depending on your schedule)
- DBPR Application Processing: 2 to 4 weeks
- Exam Scheduling and Testing: 1 to 2 weeks
- Total Estimated Timeline: 6 to 14 weeks from enrollment to active license
Students who are highly motivated and dedicate consistent study time each week can often complete the entire process in under two months. With Dolphin School’s 12-month access window, you never feel rushed — but the tools are there to help you move quickly if that’s your goal.
Post-License and Continuing Education Requirements
Getting your license is just the beginning. The Florida real estate license requirements don’t stop at the initial application — you also have ongoing education obligations to keep your license active.
Post-License Education (45 Hours)
Within the first renewal period (before your license expires for the first time), Florida sales associates must complete a 45-hour post-license course. This is different from the pre-license course and covers more advanced topics related to real estate practice. At Dolphin School, the post-license course is available for just $129.99.
If you fail to complete post-license education before your first renewal, your license will be null and void — not just inactive. This is a critical deadline to keep in mind.
Continuing Education (14 Hours Every Two Years)
After the first renewal, Florida licensees must complete 14 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years to renew their license. Dolphin School offers the full 14-hour CE course for only $29.99, making it one of the most affordable options in the state.
Tips for Passing the Florida Real Estate Exam on Your First Try
Meeting the Florida real estate license requirements is straightforward, but the state exam is known to trip up unprepared students. Here are some proven tips to help you pass on your first attempt:
- Don’t rush your coursework. Take notes, review each chapter, and don’t just click through the material to finish quickly.
- Master the math. Real estate math questions appear on every exam. Practice calculating things like commission splits, prorations, and loan-to-value ratios.
- Use an exam prep course. Dolphin School offers an Exam Prep course for $99.99 that includes practice questions and simulated exams to help you identify weak areas before test day.
- Review Florida-specific law. The state portion of the exam heavily tests your knowledge of Florida statutes and FREC rules.
- Read every question carefully. Many exam questions are designed to test critical thinking, not just memorization. Watch for words like “except,” “not,” and “most likely.”
Why Florida Students Choose Dolphin School of Real Estate
When it comes to meeting the Florida real estate license requirements, the school you choose matters. Here’s why more than 4,000 students have trusted Dolphin School since 2017:
- Lowest Price in Florida: Our 63-hour pre-license course is $199.99 — far below the competition.
- DBPR-Approved: Every course is state-approved and counts toward your official license requirements.
- Bilingual Support: We offer full support in both English and Spanish, making our school accessible to Florida’s diverse student population.
- 12 Months of Access: Life gets busy. You have a full year to complete your course without losing your progress.
- Complete Course Catalog: From pre-license to post-license to CE and exam prep, we have every course you’ll need throughout your real estate career.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Real Estate License Requirements
Do I need a college degree to get a Florida real estate license?
No. A high school diploma or GED is sufficient. No college degree is required to meet the Florida real estate license requirements.
Can I take the pre-license course online?
Yes. Florida allows the 63-hour pre-license course to be taken entirely online. Dolphin School’s course is 100% online and self-paced.
How many times can I take the Florida real estate exam?
You can take the exam as many times as needed, but if you fail three times, you must retake the 63-hour pre-license course before attempting again.
Is a background check required?
Yes. Electronic fingerprinting and a background check are part of the DBPR application process. A prior criminal record does not automatically disqualify you, but FREC will review your application on a case-by-case basis.
How long is a Florida real estate license valid?
Florida real estate licenses are issued on a two-year renewal cycle, expiring on March 31 or September 30 of the renewal year, depending on when you were first licensed.
Can I get a Florida real estate license if I already have a license in another state?
Florida has mutual recognition agreements with certain states. If your home state has an agreement with Florida, you may be able to waive the pre-license course and take a shorter version of the exam. Check with the DBPR for the most current list of mutual recognition states.
Start Your Florida Real Estate Career Today
Now that you know exactly what the Florida real estate license requirements are, there’s nothing standing between you and a rewarding career in one of the most dynamic real estate markets in the world. The process is clear, the costs are manageable, and with the right school, your study experience can be flexible, bilingual, and budget-friendly.
Dolphin School of Real Estate is here to guide you from your very first lesson all the way to your license. With DBPR-approved courses, bilingual support, the lowest prices in Florida, and a community of over 4,000 graduates who’ve walked this exact path before you, there’s no better place to start.
Ready to take the first step? Enroll in our 63-hour pre-license course today for just $199.99 and start working toward your Florida real estate license — on your schedule, in your language, at a price that makes sense.