FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I get a real estate (sales associate’s) license in Florida?

To become a sales associate you must:

Be at least 18 years of age.
Hold a high school diploma, or its equivalent.
Meet the qualifications of Chapter 475.17 of the Florida Statutes.
Successfully complete a 63-hour pre-licensing course for sales associates.
Submit completed application, electronic fingerprint receipt and appropriate fee (you may submit this package prior to completing the pre-licensing course).
Pass the Florida Real Estate Sales Associate Examination with a score of at least 75.
Activate the license, if you plan to work immediately as a sales associate.

How do I activate my sales associate Florida real estate license?

To activate the license, you must submit a completed DBPR Form (request for change of status) to the DBPR (Department of Business and Professional Regulation).
This form can be submitted at the examination site, or submitted to the Division of Real Estate at the DBPR.
Without this form, the license is automatically issued in an inactive status.

I already have a real estate license in another state. Does Florida recognize this license?

The following states have entered into a mutual recognition agreement with Florida:

For more information about the mutual recognition click here.

Can I become a broker before I become a sales associate?

No. The sales associate license is a pre-requisite for broker licensure. you have to be active for 2 years

How do I become a real estate broker?

To become a real estate broker you must:

Hold an active sales associate license.
Complete 24 months of real estate experience within the 5-year period before applying for the real estate broker license.
Successfully complete a 72-hour pre-licensing course for brokers.
Submit completed application, fingerprint card and appropriate fee (you may submit this package prior to completing the pre-licensing course).
Pass the Florida Real Estate Broker Examination with a score of at least 75.
Activate the license, if you plan to work immediately as a real estate broker.
Complete the 45-hour post-licensing course for sales associates before the expiration date on the initial sales associate license.

When should I apply for the state exam?

Since the approval process takes approximately 3 weeks, you may wish to submit the application package prior to starting the pre-licensing course. Evidence of completing the course must be submitted when taking the state examination.

How do I apply for the state exam?

Apply Online
The Sales Associate and Broker application packages can be found and printed by clicking here.
Submit the completed package to the Division of Real Estate at the DBPR as instructed on the application form.

Where do I go for electronic fingerprinting?

The DBPR now requires fingerprinting to be in electronic format. To make an appointment, call 1-877-238-8232. For additional information on electronic fingerprinting click here

Do you have a job placement service?

Not at this time. You may wish to contact real estate firms in your neighborhood.

How do I become an appraiser?

For detailed information on the different levels of appraiser and their respective requirements, refer to this page.

Where do I go to find the applicant packages for Appraisers?

To obtain the application packages from the DBPR Form Center, click here.
Submit the completed package to the Division of Real Estate at the DBPR as instructed on the application form.

How do I become a mortgage loan originator, mortgage broker or mortgage lender?

Mortgage brokers are regulated under the Division of Securities and Finance with the Florida Office of Financial Regulation. For detailed information on becoming a mortgage broker, click here.

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