How Much Does it Cost to Become a Real Estate Agent in Florida?

Becoming a real estate agent in Florida is an accessible and potentially lucrative career path. With relatively low entry costs and no requirement for a college degree, many find this profession appealing. According to Indeed, the average salary for real estate agents with one to two years of experience is approximately $94,370.

This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the costs associated with obtaining and maintaining a Florida real estate license, helping you budget effectively for your new career.

Overview of Florida Real Estate License Costs

Here’s a quick summary of the main costs you’ll need to cover when pursuing your license:

• Pre-license education: $100–$500

• License application fee: $83.75

• State exam fee: $36.75 per attempt

• Fingerprinting and background check: $50–$80

In total, you should expect to spend between $270 and $700, depending on your education provider and number of exam attempts.

Pre-License Education: 63-Hour Course

The first step is completing a 63-hour pre-license course approved by the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC). Costs vary depending on the provider and package selected.

License Application Fee

After completing the course, you must submit your application to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), along with an $83.75 fee. Applications can be submitted online through the DBPR Online Services portal.

State Exam Fee

The Florida real estate sales associate exam costs $36.75 per attempt. The exam is administered by Pearson VUE. Once your application is approved, you’ll be able to schedule your test. You can find details on the DBPR’s Examination Information page.

Fingerprinting and Background Check

To obtain your license, you must complete a background check and be fingerprinted by a Florida-approved Livescan Service Provider. This typically costs between $50 and $80. For more information and provider options, visit the DBPR Fingerprinting page.

Additional Costs for New Real Estate Agents

In addition to licensing expenses, you’ll want to budget for business startup and annual maintenance costs. These may include:

• Brokerage fees: $0–$3,600 per year, depending on the firm’s structure

• REALTOR® association dues: $150–$900 per year

• Marketing materials: $200–$3,000 per year for business cards, signage, websites, and advertising

• Continuing education: Around $200 every two years

• Living expenses: Varies — expect 2–6 months before your first commission

Brokerage Fees

All newly licensed agents in Florida are required to affiliate with a licensed real estate broker. Some brokerages charge monthly “desk fees” to cover expenses such as office space, mentorship, or technology tools. These can range from $0 to over $300 per month.

REALTOR® Association Dues

Many agents choose to join the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) for access to MLS listings and industry resources. As of 2025, NAR dues are $156 annually. Your local and state board dues will vary. For example, membership with the Miami Association of REALTORS® can cost up to $900 per year. Learn more from the NAR dues information page.

Marketing Materials

New agents need a basic suite of marketing assets to promote themselves and their listings. You might spend money on:

• Business cards and signage

• A personal website and lead capture tools

• Mailers or digital ads

• Listing photography or staging materials

Marketing budgets typically range from $200 to $3,000 per year, depending on your market and strategy.

Continuing Education

To renew your Florida real estate license, you’ll need to complete 14 hours of continuing education every two years. This usually costs around $200. AceableAgent offers state-approved continuing education courses that you can complete entirely online.

Living Expenses

While you’re building your client base, it can take several months before you earn your first commission check. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the average monthly cost of living in Florida is about $3,635 per person — a helpful benchmark as you plan your runway.

Is a Florida Real Estate License Worth the Investment?

Most agents find that one successful transaction more than covers the cost of getting licensed. If you’re committed, coachable, and consistent, real estate offers high earning potential and flexible hours. It’s a competitive field, but for many, the rewards are worth the upfront investment.

Financing Your Real Estate Education

To make licensing more accessible, AceableAgent partners with Affirm and Klarna to offer monthly payment plans. This allows you to break up the cost of your pre-license course into affordable installments — helpful if you’re starting with a tight budget.

Ready to Get Started?

Becoming a licensed real estate agent in Florida doesn’t require a degree or years of schooling. With a few hundred dollars and a few months of focused effort, you could be starting your new career in real estate.

AceableAgent offers state-approved Florida real estate courses and flexible payment options to help you get licensed and launch with confidence.