Working as a real estate agent offers a great deal of variety. From working with different clients and visiting many homes, you won’t be doing the same thing every day. You get to be your own boss and enjoy the satisfaction of helping buyers and sellers navigate through one of life’s major milestones.
It’s no surprise that Florida boasts one of the strongest housing markets in the country. Why not take advantage of the boom and learn how to become a real estate agent in Florida yourself? Let’s get started!
5 Steps to Become a Real Estate Agent in Florida
The state of Florida requires those seeking a Real Estate Sales Associate designation to:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a Social Security number
- Have a high school diploma
Want to know more about how to become a real estate agent in Florida? Here are the steps you’ll need to follow:
1. Complete a 63-Hour Pre Licensing Course
- Cost: $100 – $500
- Time Commitment: 1 month
To work as a real estate agent in Florida, you must first complete a 63-hour pre licensing course. If you have a four-year degree in a real estate-related area or are a member of the Florida Bar Association, you may be able to skip part of your pre licensing requirements.
Many institutions offer in-person or online courses. If you prefer an online program that lets you study at your own pace, we recommend checking out Real Estate Express. It’s our top pick for the best overall online real estate school in Florida.
Their classes are both flexible and affordable, with a range of options to choose from. Real Estate Express offers four packages ranging from $132 to $439, and every package includes support from Florida instructors as well as a Satisfaction Guarantee.
2. Pass a Background Check
- Cost: $50 – $100
- Time Commitment: 2 weeks
In Florida, a real estate agent must complete a background check before you can sit for your license exam. Your national background check must be performed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and include a fingerprinting check.
At least five days before submitting your application, submit your fingerprints to a Livescan service provider. You must provide the Livescan provider with the correct code (Real Estate Sales and Brokers—FL920010Z) when submitting your fingerprints. Otherwise, the application process will be delayed.
The charge for fingerprinting varies with each location, but expect to pay around $50. You’ll need to bring two forms of ID when fingerprinted. Results can typically take up to two weeks to be processed. for more information, check out the DBPR’s helpful FAQ sheet for fingerprinting checks.
3. Apply for Your License
- Cost: $83.75
- Time Commitment: 1 Hour
You must complete your real estate license application before you take your license exam. Start by creating an account with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to apply online. You can also apply with a printable application.
The application fee is $83.75. Military personnel and their spouses may be eligible for a fee waiver, which can be found on the DBPR’s website.
In order to apply for a license, you will need to provide your Social Security number and legal name, as well as answer a series of background questions about your criminal history, previous licensures, and any legal investigations. You may be required to submit additional supporting documentation alongside your application.
Once you have received your approval email with your candidate ID number (FLREAPP), you can schedule your state exam. The Florida state exam is a daily occurrence and can be taken online from the comforts of home or at any Pearson Vue test center across America.
4. Take the Licensing Exam
- Cost: $36.75
- Time Commitment: 4 Hours (3 1/2 for the exam, arrive 30 min early)
The Florida real estate license exam is administered by Pearson VUE. Once your application is approved by the DBPR, you’ll receive an official authorization letter from Pearson VUE with instructions to schedule your license exam.
The Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) examination can be taken online or in person. The fee for the exam is $36.75. To schedule your test, you may do so either online or by phone at (888) 204-6289. For those taking the examination online, please visit Pearson VUE’s website to begin scheduling your proctored online exam .
Consider enrolling in a beneficial exam preparation program when you’re ready to study for your test. Gold Coast School’s Weekend CRAM Review Course is a good option. There are 14 Gold Coast School locations in Florida, and the training may be viewed live online.
For in-person tests, you must arrive 30 minutes before your appointment. You’ll have 3 1/2 hours to finish the 100-question computer-based exam. To pass the test, you must answer 75 questions correctly.
5. Find the Right Principal Broker for You
- Cost: No cost
- Time Commitment: 1-3 months
Well done! You’ve completed all the steps necessary to obtain your real estate license in Florida. The final step is getting hired by a broker.
As a real estate agent in Florida, you must work with a broker to assist clients in buying or selling property. To locate a brokerage that will handle your responsibilities, you may need to knock on doors and introduce yourself.
Things to Keep in Mind When Becoming a Real Estate Agent
Commission is King
The commissions earned by a real estate agent when closing sales for clients accounts for the bulk of his or her income. This is both a blessing and a curse because while it implies that you can anticipate an average monthly salary of around $50,000, this will not necessarily be so.
In general job stability is solid, but this potentially erratic nature of your income means you have to be good with your money and live within your means so you aren’t caught short.
Selling is Secondary
Sure, real estate agents sell properties, but it’s more of a match-making function than a traditional sales position. Your goal is to connect your customers with the finest property for them, not to push them into purchasing any homes that come on the market.
Although it might go against your initial thoughts about the role, in reality, it’s better for your reputation to focus on the community aspect of being a realtor. Community involvement also allows you to earn loyal customers and word-of-mouth advertisements.
Flexibility is Important
Working as a realtor is not always a nine-to-five job, and in fact, this could play into your hands if you prefer to set your own hours and be active at different times of the day.
While office-based admin is obviously an important aspect of selling homes, you’ll also need to be out and about to conduct viewings and host open houses, as well as to handle things like property photography, social media marketing, and much more.
As a result, in order to succeed in the real estate business, you’ll need a diverse skill set and a flexible schedule. So if all of this sounds like it would be enjoyable for you, it’s time to get started right away because you’ll be working as a real estate agent and educating clients on the potential of Florida real estate.
Now, You’re Ready to Start!
While the process of becoming a real estate agent in Florida takes time and money, it is worth it for the many benefits a career in real estate can provide.
Once you have everything set up, let people know that you are open for business! You will soon start interacting with potential buyers and sellers, and before you know it, you will be a successful real estate agent!