Looking to get your real estate license in the Orlando metro area? Whether you're looking to focus on Orlando, Four Corners, Kissimmee, or Ocala, we've got you covered. Here's everything you need to know, from the eligibility requirements to finding a sponsoring broker.
Eligibility for Getting a Florida Real Estate License
To be eligible for a Florida real estate license, you'll need to be at least 18 years old. Additionally, you'll need to have graduated from high school and earned your diploma. If you can check these two boxes, you'll be ready to start your real estate courses.
Steps for Getting Your Real Estate License in Orlando
1. Complete Florida Pre-License Education
To apply for a real estate license and take the state exam, you'll first need to complete a 63-hour pre-licensing course from a provider that's approved by the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC). You'll also need to pass the course exam with a 70% score. Note that the course exam and state exam are different.
You could be exempt from this requirement if you've earned at least a four-year degree in real estate. To find out, you can send in your transcript along with your real estate application.
2. Get Fingerprints and a Background Check
At least five days (but no more than a year) before submitting your real estate license application, you'll need to get your fingerprints scanned and will need to undergo a criminal background check. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (FDLE) recommends that you select a Livescan Service Provider for the fingerprinting step. A few providers with the 407 area code include:
Miranda Ubaldo at Airport Medical Solutions Orlando, LLC. (407) 601-0626
Ralph Mercer at Florida Electronic Fingerprinting Services, LLC (407) 687-0100
Stacey Selemi at Edgewood Police Department (407) 851-2820
Candy Woock at Florida’s Rapid Fingerprinting Service (407) 913-0436
Warning: It's important that you give the FDLE enough time to process your fingerprints and submit the results. Otherwise, your application will be incomplete.
3. Apply for Your Florida License and Pay the Fee
The next step is to apply for your sales associate license known as the DBPR RE 1. You can do so online or by using a printable application that you send in the mail. Along with your application, you will need to pay a one-time fee of $83.75. If you're writing a check, it should be payable to the Florida Department of Business Professional Regulation (DBPR). Fee waivers are available for certain applicants including military veterans and Florida National Guard members.
4. Take and Pass the State Real Estate Exam
Once your application is approved by DBPR, the next step will be to schedule an exam date and time with Pearson Vue. Pearson Vue is the company that administers the state real estate exams in Florida. You'll need to pass the exam with a score of at least 70%. Here's a look at the Pearson Vue testing centers in your area:
University of Central Florida/Univ Testing Center: 4297 Andromeda Loop N., Howard Phillips Hall, room 106, Orlando, Florida 32816-311
Pearson VUE Test Center-Orlando FL: 7800 Southland Boulevard, Suite 215, Orlando, Florida 32809
If you live in Four Corners, Kissimmee, or Ocala, you don't have any testing centers in your town, so you'll need to drive into Orlando to take the test.
5. Find a Broker in Orlando
After passing the real estate exam, you'll officially earn your real estate license. However, before getting to work, you'll need to find a sponsoring broker to work under in your area. Real estate sales associates can't buy and sell on their own. Instead, they need to work under someone with a broker's license.
It's important to choose your broker carefully, as they can help or hurt your business. When comparing brokers, consider how much support they will provide you in terms of mentorship and leads. Also, ask what commission split they offer. It can be helpful to chat with agents who currently work under a broker to find out if they are happy. You can network and meet other real estate agents in the area by joining the Orlando Regional Realtor Association.
Get Your Real Estate License in Central Orlando
Ready to start your path to becoming a real estate agent in the Orlando metro area? If you meet the eligibility requirements, the next step for most will be to complete your 63-hour pre-licensing course. Aceable can help you mark that item off your list as quickly and conveniently as possible. Enroll and complete your course and exam 100% online when and where it works best for you.
Enroll in Aceable's online, FREC-approved, 63-hour real estate pre-license course!