Florida cities like Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Hialeah have thriving property markets. If you’re interested in becoming a Florida real estate agent, you’ll need to get a license. Here’s everything you need to know to get your Florida real estate license.
6 Steps to Getting Your Real Estate License in Miami and Ft. Lauderdale Metro Areas
To become a real estate agent in Florida, you must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and have a U.S. Social Security number. If you meet these criteria, you can proceed with the steps to acquire a real estate license in Florida.
1. Take the 63-Hour Florida Real Estate Pre-License Course (FREC I)
The real estate pre-licensing course you choose must be accredited by the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC). Course fees can vary widely among different schools, so take some time to compare prices.
The FREC course takes 63 hours to complete. To pass the course exam, you need a minimum score of 70%. Your course certificate is valid for up to two years. If you do not acquire your real estate license during that time, you will have to redo the course.
Realtors who hold a real estate license in another state may be eligible for Mutual Recognition of their license. In this case, you will take a shorter exam consisting of 40 questions and must score 75% to pass.
If you have a four-year degree in real estate, you may be exempt from taking the pre-licensing course if you can provide an original certified transcript with your license application. Attorneys may also be exempt if they can provide a valid Florida Bar licensing number.
2. Complete a Background Check
FREC requires that applicants get electronic fingerprints done which will be used to run a background check. Fingerprinting must be done through an approved vendor using Live Scan.
Schedule a fingerprinting appointment at any Pearson VUE location in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Hollywood, or Hialeah.
Bring two forms of ID (one must include a photo and signature).
Provide the required ORI number which is FL920010Z.
You can pay with a credit card or use e-check. Fees vary depending on the provider but average around $50. When paying via e-check, do so at least three business days ahead of your reservation to allow time for the check to clear.
Make sure your background check is completed at least five days before submitting your application.
3. Submit Your Application
If you have completed all of the above, you’re ready to submit your application for Sales Associate License to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
Visit the DBPR website to apply online or download a printable application form (DBPR RE 1). The application fee is $83.75.
4. Pass The Florida Real Estate Licensing Exam
Pearson VUE administers the Florida real estate licensing exam. The exam fee is $36.75. Below are a few test centers in Miami and Ft. Lauderdale, or you can search for a center nearest to you here.
Miami-Dade College - Wolfson Campus:245 NE 4th Street, Building 3, Room 3104, Miami, 33132
Miami-Dade College - Eduardo J. Padron Campus: 627 SW 27th Avenue, Room 1103, Miami, 33135
Pearson VUE Test Center - South Miami: 5966 South Dixie Highway, Suite 308, South Miami, 33143
Miami-Dade College - North Campus: 11380 NW 27th Ave, Bldg 1, Room 1160, Miami, 33167
Pearson VUE Test Center - Hollywood: 3475 Sheridan Street, Suite 314, Sheridan Executive Centre, Hollywood, 33021
Pearson VUE Test Center - Ft. Lauderdale: 317 NW 10th Terr., Suite 401, Oakland Commerce Center, Ft. Lauderdale, 33309
Pearson VUE Test Centre - Ft. Lauderdale: 5300 N.W. 33rd Avenue, Ste 104, Ft. Lauderdale, 33309
You can expect the exam to be challenging, with 100 questions that must be completed in 3.5 hours. You need to answer at least 75% of the exam correctly to pass. If you prepare well, there’s no reason you can’t pass the first time.
5. Apply For a Job at a Real Estate Broker
After passing the real estate licensing exam, you’re ready to find your first job with a real estate broker. Technically, your license is not active until a licensed broker employs you as a sales associate and activates your license.
6. Join a Local Realtor Association or Board
Once you are working as a realtor, you can join a local realtor association or board. Here are a few in Miami and Ft. Lauderdale:
There are several benefits to joining a realtor association such as training courses, professional development, networking events, discounts on products or services, and legal assistance.
Ready to Take the First Step in Getting Your Florida Real Estate License?
Aceable’s Florida real estate license online course is accredited by FREC, covering content such as state real estate laws, practices, contracts, and real estate mathematics. Choose one of our three affordable courses. You’ll receive an easy-to-follow audio guide, exam preparation with over 200 practice questions, and online instructor support. Get started today.