Florida Real Estate License Requirements (2025)

Florida is one of the most active real estate markets in the country. Here are the exact steps to get your Florida sales associate license in 2025.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a Florida real estate sales associate license, you must: - Be at least 18 years old - Have a U.S. Social Security number - Have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED) - Not have had a real estate license revoked in Florida within the past 2 years - Pass a background check (criminal history may not automatically disqualify, but must be disclosed)

Step 1: Complete the 63-Hour Prelicense Course (FREC Course I)

Complete 63 hours of approved prelicense education from a Florida-approved provider. The course covers: - Florida real estate law (Chapter 475) - Real estate principles and practices - Escrow and trust account procedures - Agency relationships - Basic real estate math

Cost: Typically $150-$400 depending on provider (online or classroom) Time: Can be completed in 4-6 weeks online, or faster in an intensive format End-of-course exam: You must pass with 70% or better to receive a completion certificate

Step 2: Apply to DBPR

Submit a license application through myfloridalicense.com (the DBPR portal).

Required documentation: - Completed application - Proof of prelicense course completion - Social Security number - Application fee: $91.75 (non-refundable) - Disclose any criminal history (failure to disclose is grounds for denial)

DBPR will review your application and send eligibility approval — typically within 2-4 weeks.

Step 3: Schedule and Pass the State Exam

Once DBPR approves your eligibility, schedule your exam through Pearson VUE.

Exam details: - 100 questions (45 national + 55 Florida-specific) - 3.5 hours - Passing score: 75/100 (75%) - Exam fee: $36.75 - Testing centers throughout Florida; also available online with remote proctoring

If you fail: You may retake immediately after rescheduling. No waiting period between attempts.

Step 4: Activate Your License

After passing, your license is issued in inactive status. To practice real estate in Florida, you must: 1. Find a licensed Florida broker to sponsor you 2. The broker submits an activation form to DBPR 3. Your license becomes active and you may begin working

You have 24 months from passing the exam to activate. If you don't activate within 2 years, you must retake the exam.

Step 5: Complete Post-License Education

Within the first renewal period (18-24 months), sales associates must complete 45 hours of post-license education before their first renewal. Failure to complete means your license becomes null and void (not just inactive).

License Renewal

After the initial period, Florida real estate licenses renew every 2 years on March 31 of even-numbered years. Renewal requires 14 hours of continuing education including: - 3 hours: Core Law - 3 hours: Ethics and Business Practices - 8 hours: Specialty education

Renewal fee: $32 for sales associates

Mutual Recognition Agreements

Florida has mutual recognition agreements with several states — meaning licensees from those states may be able to obtain a Florida license by passing only the Florida-specific portion of the exam. Check DBPR's current list as it changes.

[Practice Florida exam questions at CARealestate.com/states/florida](https://carealestate.com/states/florida)