How to Start a Real Estate Career in Miami, Hialeah, or South Florida (2025 Guide)
How to Start a Real Estate Career in Miami, Hialeah, or South Florida (2025 Ultimate Guide)
If you live in Miami, Hialeah, Doral, Kendall, or anywhere in South Florida and you’re considering a real estate career — this guide was written for you.
Whether you're 18 or 48, real estate in South Florida offers unmatched flexibility, income potential, and personal freedom. And with South Florida’s unique blend of cultural diversity, international buyers, booming development, and year-round sunshine, it’s one of the most powerful real estate markets in the U.S.
This post will walk you through every step of starting a real estate career — including legal requirements, licensing, education, and what it's really like to sell real estate in places like Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, and Hialeah.
Let’s get started.
🧭 Why Real Estate in South Florida?
South Florida isn’t just sunshine and palm trees — it’s a goldmine of opportunity if you play your cards right.
Here’s what makes this region one of the best in the world for real estate professionals:
Massive Demand Year-Round: People are always moving to South Florida — from New York, California, Central & South America, and Europe. This creates constant demand for homes, condos, and rentals.
Bilingual Advantage: If you speak Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, or French, you already have a competitive edge. Buyers want agents who speak their language and understand their culture.
Investor-Friendly Environment: South Florida attracts Airbnb investors, international landlords, and house flippers looking to build portfolios. If you’re connected and educated, you can serve this niche and earn commissions fast.
Million-Dollar Listing Market: Want to sell luxury? Miami’s got it: Brickell, Sunny Isles, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, and Coconut Grove are full of high-end homes and condos. Even first-year agents can tap into this market with the right guidance.
🎯 Step-by-Step: How to Become a Licensed Real Estate Agent in Florida
Becoming an agent isn’t as hard as people think. You don’t need a college degree, a huge investment, or any previous experience — just commitment and proper training.
Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements
Before you sign up for any course, make sure you’re eligible. Be at least 18 years old, have a valid Social Security number, hold a high school diploma or GED, and have a relatively clean criminal record (some offenses may be accepted — contact us for help). Even if you have a criminal record, you may still qualify. Reach out and we’ll help you file the proper documentation.
Step 2: Enroll in a 63-Hour Florida Pre-License Course
This is the official course required by the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC). It covers the essential knowledge you’ll need to pass the state exam and begin your career confidently. The course includes real estate law and licensing regulations, property ownership and land use, contracts, deeds, and closings, math and financial formulas used in real estate, ethics and fair housing laws, and the role of brokers and agents.
Learn With South Florida Career Center: We offer a flexible, self-paced online program that lets you learn from anywhere in South Florida — on your schedule. It’s 100% online, mobile-friendly, with Spanish and English support available, live instructor webinars and Q&A sessions, free practice tests and exam prep materials, and real-world examples focused on local South Florida market trends.
Step 3: Get Your Fingerprints and Submit Your Application
After completing the course, submit fingerprints to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and apply for your real estate license through the DBPR (Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation). It’s all online and we’ll guide you step-by-step once you’re enrolled.
Step 4: Pass the Florida Real Estate Exam
Once the DBPR approves your application, you can schedule your exam through Pearson VUE (a nationwide testing center). You can take it in person or online. The exam has 100 multiple-choice questions, requires a 75% or higher to pass, and covers both national and state-specific topics. Included in your course: free exam prep kit, practice exams, math crash course, and live review sessions.
Step 5: Find a Broker and Activate Your License
You can’t practice real estate in Florida until you activate your license with a broker. Think of a broker as your sponsor or “team leader.” You’ll hang your license with their office and in return, they’ll give you access to office tools (MLS, lockboxes, CRMs), training and coaching, and commission plans.
Top Brokerages in South Florida for New Agents include EXP Realty (virtual-first, high split model), The Keyes Company (strong training, local reputation), LPT Realty (cutting-edge marketing support), Coldwell Banker (global brand, in-office coaching), and Lifestyle International Realty (ideal for bilingual agents). We offer brokerage matching support and interview tips as part of our training.
🧠 What to Expect as a New Real Estate Agent in South Florida
Here’s what most people don’t tell you:
You’re Building a Business: Real estate isn’t a job — it’s a business. Your income is 100% commission-based. There’s no cap on how much you earn, but you must be consistent with marketing, lead generation, follow-up, and showing up daily.
First-Year Income Potential: Part-time agents typically make $20,000–$40,000. Full-time, focused agents make $60,000–$120,000. Top producers in year 1 can make $150,000 or more. If you hustle, network, and learn fast, South Florida can turn you into a six-figure earner faster than almost any career out there.
The South Florida Advantage: We’re located right here in the market. We know the streets. We know the trends. And we built this school to help people like you go from zero to license to closings — fast.
When you enroll with South Florida Career Center, you get a state-approved, online pre-licensing course, local mentorship from Miami-area instructors, bilingual options, free exam prep with live Q&A, help finding a broker, and post-licensing support and CE.
Bottom line: We're not just here to help you pass a test. We're here to help you launch a real estate career that changes your life.
🎓 Ready to Get Licensed?
Take the first step now and start your journey. Enrollment only takes 3 minutes.
Have questions? Text or call us at (786-260-3566) or (305-316-5587).
👇 Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Florida? On average, 1–3 months depending on how quickly you complete your course and pass the exam.
How much does it cost to get licensed in Florida? Around $350–$600 total including course, fingerprints, application, and exam fees.
Can I do this while working a job or going to school? Absolutely. Our course is self-paced and mobile-friendly.
What if I fail the exam? You can retake it as many times as you need. We’ll coach you through it.
🔥 Bonus: Want to Talk to a Real Person First?
We’d love to connect. Call or text (786-260-3566) or (305-316-5587). Serving Miami, Hialeah, Kendall, Doral, Fort Lauderdale, and all of Florida.