How to become a real estate agent in Florida
Florida real estate agents are licensed by the Florida Real Estate Commission (Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Real Estate). Here is what it takes to work as a licensed real estate agent in Florida, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Part of the state's website could not be reached when we checked, so some details come from Florida law and official forms. Confirm them on the official page before you apply.
Who can become a real estate agent in Florida?
- At least 18 years old
- High school diploma or equivalent
- U.S. Social Security number
- Electronic fingerprints through an FDLE-registered Livescan provider (ORI FL920010Z)
Florida real estate agent license requirements
| Licensed by | Florida Real Estate Commission (Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Real Estate) |
|---|---|
| License name | Sales Associate |
| Education or training | 63-hour Florida-approved sales associate pre-licensing course, required before the exam and valid two years from completion. Before the first renewal, a 45-hour post-licensing course is required or the license becomes void. |
| Exam | Pearson VUE administers a 100-question multiple-choice state exam (3.5 hours) on real estate principles, practices, law and math; a score of 75 or higher passes. |
| Works under a broker | Yes. A sales associate acts under the direction of a broker or owner-developer. After passing, the license is inactive until you file form RE 11 when employed by a broker. |
| License term | Two-year renewal cycle (CE is counted per biennium under s. 475.182). |
| Continuing education | 45-hour post-licensing course before the first renewal, then 14 hours of approved continuing education each two-year renewal. |
| Reciprocity | Non-residents licensed in Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nebraska, Rhode Island or West Virginia can apply by mutual recognition by passing a 40-question Florida law exam (30 to pass). |
How much does it cost?
| Application fee (DBPR RE 1 form, effective June 2015) | $62.75 |
|---|
Fees as listed by the state. Schools, courses, exam prep, insurance and equipment cost extra and vary by provider.
Steps to become a real estate agent in Florida
- Complete the 63-hour sales associate pre-licensing course
- Submit the DBPR application (RE 1) online and pay the fee
- Get electronic fingerprints at an FDLE Livescan provider using ORI FL920010Z
- Schedule and pass the Pearson VUE state exam (75 or higher)
- Activate the license with a broker by filing form RE 11
- Complete the 45-hour post-licensing course before your first renewal
Apply on the official Florida site
How do you check a real estate agent's license in Florida?
- Search the name or license number on the official Florida real estate agent license lookup.
- Check that the status is active and the name matches the person or company you're hiring.
- Ask how long they've been licensed and whether any complaints or discipline are on record.