Real estate can be a great career choice if you’re highly dynamic and outgoing. If you’re interested in learning about the real estate license cost in Florida, be aware that you must be at least 18 years old and have a valid social security number. The next step is to sign up for a pre-licensing course. Once that is done, you will be able to take the official licensing test. Once you pass, you can work for a real estate broker.
Your real estate license will require periodical renewal, and you will more than likely participate in different post-license courses, but that’s just part of the job.
Getting a Real Estate License in Florida – Steps & Costs
In Florida, obtaining a real estate license necessitates completing mandatory pre-licensing education, which equips aspiring agents with the essential knowledge and skills to excel in the industry. This educational component ensures real estate professionals know the laws, regulations, and practices specific to Florida’s real estate market.
The Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) governs the pre-licensing education requirements. To begin, individuals must complete a state-approved pre-licensing course from a Florida-accredited real estate school or program. These courses are offered in various formats, including in-person classes, online courses, and hybrid options, allowing flexibility for prospective agents.
The curriculum typically covers fundamental real estate topics, such as real estate principles, practices, laws, and ethics. Students learn about property types, transactions, contracts, financing, and the intricacies of Florida’s real estate market. The coursework provides a solid foundation for individuals entering the industry.
Pre-licensing education programs vary in length, with most consisting of 63 hours of coursework. However, it’s essential to verify the specific requirements of the chosen real estate school or program, as they may offer variations to accommodate different schedules and learning preferences.
Let’s take a closer look at the steps, costs, and requirements associated with becoming a real estate agent in Florida:
- Earn your high school diploma
- Take the course of the pre-license sale
- Submit an online application
- Get a background check & electronic fingerprinting
- Pass the licensing exam with at least a 75% grade
- Take the post-licensing course
- Renew your license every two years
Florida Real Estate License Cost
Now that we have the steps covered, let’s get down to the costs. The Real Estate Licensing exam will set you back $36.75 in Florida. Once you pass the exam, you must pay another $83.75 for the license. The pre-licensing course will be somewhat more expensive, with an average of $450 per course.
The post-licensing course will cost a bit more, but that is only needed if you want to become a real estate broker. That being said, the total cost of getting your real estate license in Florida is currently around $570.
Real Estate Associate Legal Process in Florida
In Florida, the same as in other states, there is a specific legal course of action to become an active associate (before upgrading to Real Estate Broker or a Real Estate School Instructor)
These rules are:
- Pass the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) (this consists of a 63-hour pre-licensing classroom course), and the license stays valid for two years.
- Once you pass the exam, submit an application (and the fees). At this stage, you will submit your fingerprints as well.
- Complete the state Real Estate Sales Associate Examination
- Only at this moment, you can Activate your License, which you do by submitting the DBPR RE 11-Become Active – Sales Associate or Broker Sales Associate Form OR
with your license number, get a broker to activate the sales associate from the broker’s account - Beware that before your sales associate license expires, you must complete the FREC-approve post-licensing course for a sales associate (a 45-hour course)
- Also, you need to know that if you want to be part of an MLS, you need to follow additional MLS rules and regulations.
Sponsoring Broker
Finding a sponsoring broker is a pivotal step for newly licensed real estate agents, and it is paramount in launching a successful career in the industry. Sponsoring brokers play a crucial role in guiding, supporting, and facilitating the growth of new agents, acting as mentors and partners in their professional journey.
The significance of a sponsoring broker lies in several key areas:
- Supervision and Compliance: Sponsoring brokers ensure their affiliated agents adhere to state laws, regulations, and ethical standards. They supervise, ensuring all transactions and interactions comply with legal and ethical requirements.
- Training and Education: New agents benefit from the knowledge and experience of their sponsoring broker. These mentors often provide training, guidance, and access to resources to help agents understand the intricacies of real estate transactions, negotiations, and client relationships.
- Access to Listings and MLS: Sponsoring brokers grant their agents access to valuable resources, including property listings and the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). This access is essential for serving clients effectively and growing a real estate business.
- Networking and Reputation: Sponsoring brokers often have established networks and reputations in the local real estate community. Affiliating with a respected broker can give new agents credibility and open doors to potential clients and contacts.
- Administrative Support: Sponsoring brokers typically handle administrative tasks, such as managing contracts and paperwork, which allows agents to focus on their clients and transactions.
- Brokerage Resources: Many brokers provide marketing support, office facilities, technology tools, and marketing materials to their agents, reducing startup costs and logistical challenges for new agents.
To explore the intricacies of the real estate industry in Florida, check out this comprehensive article: Multiple Listing Services (MLS) in Florida.
Useful Links:
Florida Real Estate University – https://floridarealestateuniversity.com/
My Florida License Regulation Center & Applications – https://www.myfloridalicense.com/
Miami Realtors – https://www.miamirealtors.com/ and How to get listings from Miami Association of Realtors MLS to your Real Estate website
State of Florida latest legal requirements – https://www.stateofflorida.com/real-estate-education/
Once your license is active and you are a real estate agent looking to start your business, check MLSImport.com to quickly get your Real Estate website with Florida MLS listings.
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