Florida Real Estate Licensing Requirements

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is the state agency responsible for licensing and regulating businesses and professionals in the State of Florida including real estate agents.  DBPR requires you to learn the material of the profession through an educational provider and pass a class exam, prove to DBPR that you know the material by passing a state exam, then submit fingerprints to DBPR used for a Florida and national criminal history search.  After all of that is complete, then you apply for a Florida Real Estate Sales Associate license through DBPR which shows you have completed all of these steps and are ready to serve the public.

 You must learn the language of Florida real estate. Cardinal Academy of Real Estate provides the Florida state-approved sales associate 63-hour pre-license course in a classroom setting or online.  

You must pass the class exam with a 70% or higher.

A Diploma and Certificate are issued upon completion of the course.

Once you have completed and passed your pre-license course visit the Department of Business and Professional Regulations (DBPR) to apply to take the Florida real estate exam.  The fee is $39.37, which you can pay online or by mail.

 It will take 4-6 weeks on average for the state to process and approve your application. 

You must submit your fingerprints electronically before your application can be approved.

A background check is part of the license requirements. And DBPR needs your electronic fingerprints in order to  run a background check used for a Florida and national criminal history search. The fingerprinting fee is approximately $58.00, but the total fee charged varies. Please contact the provider to obtain the exact information. Prices for this service vary by vendor.  You can schedule your fingerprint appointment online directly with the state testing vendor, Pearson VUE HERE.

Now it's time to show DBPR you know your stuff. The examination is given by Pearson Vue. To learn more, visit their website to find a location near you to set up your exam once your application (Step: 3) has been approved by the DBPR. The Candidate Information Booklet is a useful source to help guide you through the examination process. The examination fee is $36.75.  You must pass this state exam with a 75% or higher.  Your results will be directly reported to DBPR.

Congratulations! You have your Florida real estate license.  Now it is time to activate your license with a licensed broker.  Ask other real estate agents, ask for referrals, and interview brokerages.

Once your initial Florida real estate license is activated, it is valid for 18 to 24 months, depending on when you pass the state exam.  Before your initial license expires, you must complete your 45-hour post-licensing education.  Cardinal Academy of Real Estate has you covered; in a classroom setting or online. If you do not complete post-licensing before your initial license expires, you have to start the pre-licensing process all over again.

If you have questions, we have answers. email us at: 

danny.kushmer@cardinalrealestateschool.com

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