The Most Frequently Asked Florida
Real Estate Career Questions

Embarking on your real estate journey in Florida might seem overwhelming, and we get that. But don’t fret – we're here to guide you through each stage.

We’ve put together this list of frequently asked questions that many people have when they first think of becoming a real estate sales associate in the Sunshine State.

If you’re looking for more detailed info, check out in-depth guide, “Everything You Need to Know About Being a Real Estate Sales Associate in Florida.” Our job is to make launching your career as stress-free as possible!

Pre-Licensing Questions

How do I get a Florida Real Estate Sales Associate license?

  • Complete Your Pre-Licensing Education. Complete 63 hours of approved Florida coursework.
  • Pass the Course Exam. Finish all the course materials, meet the minimum time requirement, and pass the practice exam. Then, pass the final exam.
  • Submit Your Fingerprints to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). YAfter you pass your exam, you’ll need to submit your fingerprints to the DBPR and submit a background check at least five days before submitting your application to the state. Florida DBPR has an electronic fingerprinting FAQ with questions about requirements.
  • Complete the Application For Licensure After completing all licensing requirements, you’ll need to apply for your Florida Sales Associate license with the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR). You will receive notice from the DBPR when your license application is approved.
  • Pass the Florida Sales Associate Examination. Next you must take and pass the Florida real estate licensing exam, which is administered by Pearson VUE. This test has two sections, covering both state and national requirements. Check out the Pearson VUE Candidate Exam Information webpage for more information.

How long does it take to get a Florida Real Estate Sales Associate license?

You must take and pass 63 hours of Pre-Licensing courses from an approved education provider to get a Sales Associate license in Florida. If you treat your education like a 40-hour workweek, you can finish your education in as little as two weeks.

How much does it cost to get a Florida Real Estate Sales Associate license?

  • Your Pre-Licensing education in Florida costs about $139.
  • The initial sales associate application fee is $39.37.
  • The licensing fee for a Florida Sales Associate is $64.00.
  • The fee to take the exam is $36.75.
  • There is a $37.25 fingerprint processing fee.

How old do I have to be to get my Florida Real Estate Sales Associate license?

The State of Florida says you must be at least 18 years of age or older to get your Florida Sales Associate license.

Can a felon get a Real Estate Sales Associate license in Florida?

All Florida real estate license applicants are subject to criminal background checks. A criminal record may impact your ability to attain a real estate license in Florida. Check out the Florida DBPR FAQ page for more information.

How much does it cost to take the real estate exam in Florida?

The fee to take the exam is $36.75.

What are the reciprocity rules in Florida?

Florida has reciprocity with a few states. A sales associate from another state can get a Florida license if they have a license from one of these 10 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nebraska, Rhode Island, or West Virginia.

Each licensee who applies for Florida licensure from a state or jurisdiction that has a current mutual recognition agreement with Florida must pass a written, Florida-specific real estate law exam.

Continuing Education Questions

When is continuing education due in Florida?

Continuing education requirements must be completed every two years based on when you initially took your licensing exam.

How often do I have to renew?

You must renew your license every two years based on the day you took your licensing exam.

How many hours of continuing education (CE) are required for sales associates in Florida?

The state of Florida requires sales associates to complete 14 hours of CE every two years. This must include 8 hours of specialty continuing education, 3 hours of Florida Law Core, and 3 hours of Ethics and Business Practices.

All sales associates must also complete 45 hours of approved sales associate post-licensing courses within their first renewal period. More about post-licensing below.

How many hours of continuing education (CE) are required for broker sales associates in Florida?

The state of Florida requires 14 hours of CE for broker sales associates every two years.

The courses must include 8 hours of specialty continuing education, 3 hours of Florida Law Core, and 3 hours of Ethics and Business Practices.

All broker sales associates must also complete 60 hours of approved post-licensure courses within their first renewal period. More on post-licensing below.

Is my first CE cycle the same as the rest of my CE requirements?

No. The first time you renew your license as a sales associate, you will need to complete 45 hours of post-licensing education. You won’t need to complete 14 hours in addition to the 45 of post-licensing.

The second time you renew your license as a sales associate, you will only need to complete 14 hours of continuing education.

How do I report the completion of my CE to the DBPR?

Your educational provider will report your CE (after completion) to the Florida DBPR.

Post-Licensing Questions

What is post-licensing?

Post-licensing (or first renewal) for real estate sales associates and broker sales associates is required in some states. It’s a one-time education requirement that strengthens a sales associate’s knowledge after getting a license and is required by law. (Continuing education, by contrast, is ongoing coursework to maintain the license and stay current with industry changes.)

Florida broker sales associates must complete 60 hours of post-licensing education. Florida sales associates must complete 45 hours of post-licensing education. You only need to complete post-licensing education for your first renewal period.

When do I need to complete my post-licensing as a sales associate in Florida?

In Florida, real estate sales associates must complete 45 hours of post-licensing education before their first license renewal period. This education requirement must be completed within 18 to 24 months after you receive your initial license.

How much does post-licensing education cost?

Post-Licensing education with The CE Shop is generally around $115 to $189.

Broker Sales Associate Licensing Questions

What can I do with a Real Estate Broker Sales Associate license in Florida?

You can do a LOT with a Broker Sales Associate license in Florida, including:

One of the biggest advantages you have as a broker sales associate is the ability to hire other sales associates to work for you – which is very financially rewarding!

Can I start a real estate business as a real estate broker in Florida?

Yes! To start your own real estate business, you’ll need a Broker license. Then, you’ll be able to hire other sales associates to work for you. You’ll make a commission on every transaction that your sales associates complete.

How do I get a real estate broker license in Florida?

To get a broker license in Florida, you must:

  • Meet the Experience Requirements: You must show proof of at least one of the following to get a broker license:
    • You’ve been registered as an active sales associate for at least 2 years in the last 5 years under one or more brokers.
    • You’ve held a valid sales associate license for at least two years in the last 5 years, while employed by a governmental agency.
    • You’ve held an active and valid sales associate license for at least 2 years in the last 5 years in any other state, jurisdiction, or territory.
  • Show Your Certification of License History: If your experience is from a state other than Florida, provide a certification of license history. You’ll need to include details on your initial license exam type, current license status, disciplinary information, and active months within the last five years.
  • Complete Pre-Licensing Education:Complete the Florida-approved 72-hour Pre-Licensing education for brokers. This education is valid for two years from completion. Note that if you hold a 4-year degree or higher in real estate, you may be exempt from this requirement. You can submit an original certified transcript for review.
  • Pass Your State Examination:The Pearson VUE exam is required. Visit their website to find a location for your exam after DBPR approval. The Candidate Information Booklet is a helpful guide
  • Pay Required Fees: Pay the specified fee as per the application. Military veterans, spouses, and Florida National Guard members may be eligible for fee waivers, reimbursement, or discounts.
  • Get Your Fingerprints Taken:Get a background check by submitting fingerprints through an FDLE-registered Livescan Service Provider immediately after applying. Your results may take up to five days. You can find a list of Livescan Service Providers here.
  • Complete the Application For Licensure:Create an online account, link your current sales associate license, and complete the online application. You can also apply using the printable application" and mail it to the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation.

How much more money can I make as a real estate broker?

According to Indeed, broker sales associates make an average salary of $86,826 a year in Florida. However, some salaries are as high as $181,458, depending on your education and how long you’ve been a broker.

*March 2024 Data

Before You Start Your Career

Can I work part-time as a real estate sales associate in Florida?

Yes! Many sales associates choose to only work part-time, and for good reason. You can sell properties full-time to receive a high salary or sell just a few homes a year for some extra pocket money.

How do I find a real estate brokerage to work for in Florida?

To find a real estate brokerage to work for in Florida, you can:

  • Search Online: Search Online: Conduct an online search looking for real estate brokers in your area. In general, brokers are looking for new agents and will be happy to talk to you.
  • Talk to Other Agents: Get advice from other agents in your area!
  • Consider an Online Brokerage: There are many real estate brokerages today that have a virtual office. You’ll meet with clients over the phone or in public places.
  • Check Out the National Association of REALTORS®: Their website contains resources for new agents and statistics on real estate brokerages around the country.
  • Learn More Here: If you still want more advice on how to find a real estate brokerage to work for, check out this blog!

How do I find a sponsoring brokerage in Florida?

You can start finding the right sponsoring brokerage by Googling brokerages in your area. Make a list of brokerages you’d like to work with, and then contact them by phone or email. Check out this blog to learn more about how to find the right brokerage.

Can I start a business as a real estate sales associate in Florida?

No. A sales associate in Florida must work under the direction, control, or management of a broker.

What are the best skills for a real estate sales associate to have?

Some of the best skills sales associates can have include:

  • Good Communication & Negotiation: Good communication is imperative as a sales associate. You can learn good oral communication skills and negotiation strategies here.
  • Market Insight: It’s important to stay up-to-date with industry changes in real estate. You can stay ahead of the competition by investing in professional development courses.
  • Tech Savviness: Learning how to be tech-savvy is important to communicating with your clients and marketing your business well.
  • Networking: Real estate is a career for social butterflies! Make sure to get out there and attend social events to network.

Note: These courses are optional, non-credit courses.