Florida Real Estate License: Step-by-Step Guide 2026

Getting your Florida real estate license is the first step to working as a real estate agent in Miami. You need the Sales Associate license issued by the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC), under the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). The South Florida real estate market — especially Miami — offers steady opportunities, but there are several mandatory steps to complete first. This guide covers exactly what you need, how much it costs, and how the process works.

What types of real estate licenses exist in Florida?

Florida has two main levels of real estate licensing:

• Sales Associate — the entry-level license. It allows you to work as an agent under the supervision of a licensed broker. This is where everyone starts.
• Broker — after at least 24 months as an active Sales Associate and completing additional coursework, you can upgrade to broker, which allows you to operate your own agency.

There are also licenses for schools, instructors, and corporations, but 90% of people entering the field start as a Sales Associate.

Basic requirements for a Sales Associate license

Before enrolling in any course, make sure you meet the DBPR's minimum requirements:

• Minimum age: 18 years old.
• Education: high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Residency: you do not need to be a Florida resident. You can get the license even if you live in another state.
• Background: no felony convictions related to fraud, dishonesty, or breach of trust, unless waived by the FREC.
• Social Security Number or ITIN for the application.

Step 1: 63-hour pre-licensing course

The first mandatory step is completing a 63-hour pre-licensing course approved by the FREC. This course covers:

• Real estate principles (property types, estates, contracts).
• Industry practices (listings, offers, financing, closings).
• Florida laws and regulations (licensing, ethics, fair housing, escrow).
• Real estate calculations (commissions, interest, prorations).

You can take the course in person at an approved school or online at your own pace. Many schools offer both formats. Some of the most recognized schools in Miami include:

• Gold Coast Schools — locations in Miami, Kendall, Doral, and online.
• Bob Hogue School of Real Estate — presence in several Florida cities.
• All Real Estate School — online and in-person in Miami.
• Florida Real Estate School — 100% online, self-paced.

The course cost ranges between USD 99 and USD 350 depending on the school and format. Online options are usually more affordable.

Step 2: Course final exam

After finishing the 63 hours, you take a course final exam. If you pass, the school issues a Course Completion Certificate that you need for the next step. Without this certificate, you cannot sit for the state exam.

The certificate is valid for 2 years from the issue date. If you don't take the state exam within that period, you must retake the course.

Step 3: FREC state exam

With your certificate ready, you register for the Florida Real Estate Sales Associate Examination, administered by Pearson VUE. The exam is computer-based and held at Pearson VUE test centers across Florida, including several locations in Miami-Dade and Broward.

Exam details:

• Format: multiple choice.
• Number of questions: approximately 100.
• Time limit: 3 hours and 30 minutes.
• Topics: laws and regulations (40%), real estate practices (30%), financing (15%), calculations (15%).
• Minimum passing score: 75% (varies by exam version).

Exam costs:

• DBPR application fee: approximately USD 89 (non-refundable).
• Pearson VUE exam fee: approximately USD 36.75 per attempt.

If you don't pass on the first try, you can retake it up to 3 times in 12 months without retaking the course. After a third failed attempt, you must redo the pre-licensing course.

Step 4: Fingerprinting and background check

As part of the license application process, the DBPR requires fingerprinting for a criminal background check (state and federal level).

• Where: FDLE (Florida Department of Law Enforcement) authorized centers.
• Cost: approximately USD 55 — 60.
• Method: electronic (LiveScan), results go directly to the DBPR.

This step can be done before or after the exam, but the license won't be issued until the background check comes back clean and verified.

Step 5: License application with DBPR

Once you've passed the state exam and received your fingerprint results, complete the official application through the MyFloridaLicense.com portal. This includes:

• Personal and contact information.
• Social Security Number or ITIN.
• Course completion certificate.
• Exam results.
• License fee payment (approximately USD 89, included in the application fee).

Processing typically takes 10 to 15 business days. Once approved, you receive a license number and can download a printable provisional version from the portal.

Step 6: Affiliate with a broker

A Sales Associate license does not allow you to work independently. You must affiliate with a licensed broker (broker-in-charge) who is responsible for your transactions. This is done through form RE 11 (Employment Notification), which the broker submits to the DBPR.

Some major agencies in Miami that regularly hire agents:

• Coldwell Banker Realty
• One Sotheby's International Realty
• Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty
• Keller Williams Realty Miami
• RE/MAX Advance Realty

Many offer initial training programs, mentorship, and administrative support in exchange for a commission split.

Step 7: Realtor membership (optional but recommended)

Once licensed and affiliated with a broker, you can join the National Association of Realtors (NAR) through the Miami Realtors Association. This gives you access to the MLS (Multiple Listing Service), marketing tools, continuing education, and networking.

Being a "Realtor" is not mandatory, but in practice it is very difficult to compete without MLS access. Annual costs are approximately USD 400-500 including local, state, and national dues.

Costs: how much does a Florida real estate license cost?

Here is a summary of the approximate costs to get your Florida real estate license:

Item	Estimated cost (USD)
Pre-licensing course (63 h)	99 — 350
DBPR application + license	89
Pearson VUE exam	36.75
Fingerprinting (FDLE)	55 — 60
Minimum total	~280 — 536

Add Realtor membership (~USD 400-500/year) if you choose to join, plus mandatory continuing education (14 hours every 2 years to renew the license, roughly USD 50-100).

Frequently asked questions about the Florida real estate license

Do I need to speak English to get the license?

The state exam and course are offered in English. While there are Spanish-language study materials, the official FREC exam is in English. You need at least an intermediate level to understand legal terms and calculations.

Can I work as a part-time agent?

Yes. Many Sales Associates start part-time while keeping another job. The license does not require exclusive dedication.

How long does it take to get the license?

It depends on your pace. The 63-hour course can be completed in 2 to 4 weeks if studying full-time, or 8 to 12 weeks part-time. Adding the exam and processing, the full process can take between 2 and 4 months.

Does my Florida license work in other states?

Not automatically. Florida has mutual recognition agreements with 10 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nebraska, Rhode Island, and West Virginia. For other states, you would need to meet their local requirements.

How much does a real estate agent make in Miami?

Income varies widely depending on experience, the broker, and sales volume. A new agent may close few transactions in the first year. Established agents in Miami can earn significant commissions, but there is no fixed salary — it is 100% commission-based.

Conclusion

Getting a Florida real estate license is a straightforward and accessible process if you meet the requirements. The 63-hour course, state exam, and affiliation with a broker are the key steps. With an initial investment of around 300-500 dollars and some dedication, you can have your license in 2 to 3 months. If you like the idea of working independently in a dynamic market like Miami, it is a solid professional path worth considering.