Zillow ranks Jacksonville as the second hottest property market in the country in 2022 after Tampa. Homes in Jacksonville sell fast, typically within 30 days of being on the market. That’s good news for Jacksonville real estate agents.
If you’re interested in becoming a real estate agent in Jacksonville or St. Augustine, here’s how to get your Florida real estate license.
First: Meet the Minimum Requirements
There are a few basics before you can become a real estate agent in Florida. You must:
Be at least 18 years of age
Have a high school diploma or equivalent
Have a U.S. Social Security number.
If you meet the basic criteria, you can proceed with the steps to getting your real estate license.
6 Steps to Getting Your Real Estate License in Jacksonville
Anyone wishing to practice as a real estate agent in Jacksonville has to follow these six steps to qualify for a Florida real estate license.
1. Complete the 63-hour Florida Real Estate Pre-license Course
To become a real estate agent in Florida, you must complete the real estate pre-licensing course. There are many real estate schools in Florida — make sure you choose one that is Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC)-accredited.
The pre-license course consists of 19 modules and takes 63 hours to complete. It covers state and federal real estate law, brokerage responsibilities, contracts, property appraisal, tenancy, residential mortgages, real estate mathematics, and more.
To pass the course exam, you need a minimum score of 70%. Your course certificate will be valid for two years. Should you fail to acquire your real estate license during that time, you will have to redo the course.
If you have a four-year degree in real estate, you may be exempt from taking the pre-licensing course if you attach the original certified transcript with your license application. Attorneys may also be exempt if they can submit a valid Florida Bar licensing number with their application.
Florida has a Mutual Recognition agreement with 10 states. If you’re a licensed real estate agent in one of those states, you may be exempt from taking the 63-hour course. However, you will be required to take a shorter exam consisting of 40 questions on the state’s real estate laws.
2. Get Fingerprinting Done
The next step is to get electronic fingerprints done so FREC can run a background check. The process is as follows:
Schedule a fingerprinting appointment at any Pearson VUE location in Jacksonville or St. Augustine. Background checks should be completed at least five days before you apply for your real estate license.
Bring two forms of ID to your appointment (one must include a photo and signature).
Provide the required ORI number which is FL920010Z.
Make payment. Fees vary depending on the provider, but it averages around $50.
3. Submit Your License Application
If you pass the pre-license course and your background check is clear, you can submit your sales associate license application to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
You can apply online or download a printable application form (DBPR RE 1) from the DBPR website. The application fee is $83.75.
4. Take the Florida Real Estate Licensing Exam
The Florida real estate exam consists of 100 questions that must be completed in 3.5 hours. To pass, you need a score of at least 75%. This is a tough exam, so make sure you prepare well.
The cost of the exam is $36.75. Here is the list of Pearson VUE test centers in Jacksonville and St. Augustine where you can schedule your test:
FL State College at Jacksonville - Downtown Campus: Assessment Center101, West State Street, Room A1020, Jacksonville, 32202
Pearson VUE Test Center - Jacksonville: 380 Baymeadows Road, Suite #11 Centurion Square, Jacksonville, 32256
Pearson VUE Test Center - Ormond Beach: 305 Clyde Morris Boulevard, Suite 100, Building A, Ormond Beach, 32174
Dayton State College: 1200 West International Speedway Blvd, Assessment Services, Building 100, Room 107, Daytona Beach, 32114
Pearson VUE Test Center - Gainesville: 5000 N.W. 34th Boulevard, Suite 10, Shopping of Northwood, Gainesville, 32605
5. Find a Job at a Real Estate Broker
If you passed the real estate licensing exam — congratulations! You’re ready to land your first sales associate job with a real estate broker. The broker will activate your license when you become listed as an employee.
6. Join a Jacksonville Realtor Association or Board
To boost your real estate agent career, join a local realtor association or board. Note that there is a difference between a realtor and real estate agent. Only real estate agents that join the National Association of Realtors (NAR) are considered realtors.
Here are a few realtor associations and boards in Jacksonville and St. Augustine:
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