How to Get Your Florida Real Estate License Step-by-Step
A career in real estate offers flexibility, independence, and unlimited earning potential đĄđŒ â but the first step is getting licensed. If youâre ready to make a move toward financial freedom or career change, Florida is one of the best states to begin your real estate journey. At South Florida Career Center, weâve helped hundreds of future agents get licensed and build a successful business from the ground up. This guide walks you through the entire process step-by-step, so you know exactly what to expect and how we can help you succeed.
Step 1: Make Sure You Qualify â
Before starting the licensing process, you need to meet Floridaâs basic eligibility requirements. You must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, hold a valid Social Security number, and be honest and of good moral character. If youâve ever had a criminal record or licensing issue in another state, it doesnât automatically disqualify you â but itâs important to disclose it during your application. If you meet these basic requirements, youâre ready for the next step.
Step 2: Complete the 63-Hour Pre-License Course đ
The state of Florida requires all new real estate license applicants to complete a 63-hour Sales Associate Pre-License course. This course covers Florida real estate laws, the role and responsibilities of a real estate agent, contracts, financing, property rights, real estate math, ethics, and more.
At South Florida Career Center, we offer this course online so you can complete it at your own pace, from anywhere in Florida. Once you finish, youâll take a final course exam. If you pass, youâll receive your official course completion certificate â valid for two years. Our course is built to make complex information easy to understand, even if youâre brand new to real estate. We also offer exam prep and instructor support along the way.
Step 3: Submit Your Application to the State đ
Once youâve passed your course, itâs time to apply for your real estate license through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). The application includes basic personal information, employment history, background disclosure (if applicable), and an application fee of about $83.75. This step is done online through the DBPR portal. If you need help, our team at South Florida Career Center can walk you through it.
Step 4: Schedule Your Fingerprints đïž
A background check is required for all real estate applicants. To complete this, you must schedule fingerprinting with a Livescan service provider approved by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Your fingerprints must be submitted electronically, and itâs best to do this around the same time you submit your application to avoid delays. The state will use this to verify your criminal background, which can take several days.
Step 5: Get Approved and Schedule Your Exam đ
Once your application and fingerprint results are processed, the DBPR will review everything. If youâre approved, youâll receive an authorization email allowing you to schedule your state licensing exam through Pearson VUE, the official testing provider.
The exam is 100 multiple-choice questions, and youâll have 3.5 hours to complete it. A passing score is 75%. Many students feel nervous at this stage â but thatâs where our exam prep tools make a huge difference. We offer practice exams, exam strategies, and review materials to make sure you walk into the test center confident and ready.
Step 6: Pass the Exam and Activate Your License đ
After passing the exam, your next step is to activate your license. To do this, youâll register with a licensed Florida real estate broker who will sponsor your license. This is a big milestone â once your license is activated, you are officially a Florida real estate agent. You can now start working with clients, showing properties, writing contracts, and earning commission.
If youâre not sure how to choose a broker, we can help guide you through the process and introduce you to brokerages that fit your goals and location.
Bonus Step: What Happens Next? đ
Passing the exam and getting licensed is just the beginning. To succeed in real estate, youâll need to build your personal brand, learn how to generate leads, understand how to navigate contracts and negotiations, and keep your license active with continuing education.
South Florida Career Center isnât just a school â weâre a long-term support system for your career. From your first class to your first closing, weâre with you every step of the way.
Start Strong with South Florida Career Center đȘ
We know the licensing process can seem confusing or overwhelming â but it doesnât have to be. When you enroll at South Florida Career Center, youâre not just getting a course. Youâre getting step-by-step guidance through the entire licensing process, help with your application and fingerprinting, access to expert instructors and exam prep tools, and a network of support even after youâre licensed.
Weâve helped students all across Florida pass their exam and launch careers they love â and we can do the same for you. Whether you're starting from scratch or returning to the industry after time away, we're ready to get you on track. Let today be the day you take the first step toward a career with freedom, flexibility, and real opportunity.