The complete, step-by-step guide to getting your Florida real estate sales associate license — from the 63-hour FREC-approved course and DBPR application to the Pearson VUE state exam.
Start Your FL Pre-License Course →Start Your Real Estate Career in Florida
Florida is one of the most active real estate markets in the country, with strong year-round demand from Miami and Orlando to Tampa and Jacksonville. Becoming a licensed sales associate is the first step — here is exactly how it works.
This guide reflects current requirements from the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
6 Steps to Get Your Florida Real Estate License
Follow these six steps to earn your Florida sales associate license and start practicing real estate.
Complete Your 63-Hour Pre-License Course
Enroll in and complete a FREC-approved 63-hour Sales Associate pre-license course (19 chapters covering real estate principles, practice, and Florida license law). MLS Campus offers this course fully online.
Apply for Your License With the DBPR
Submit your Florida real estate license application (Form RE-1) to the Florida DBPR with the $62.75 fee. You may apply before finishing the course. Online applications are typically processed in 10–30 days.
Get Fingerprinted
Submit electronic fingerprints for your background check at a Pearson VUE fingerprint location. Your prints must be on file before the DBPR can approve your application.
Pass Your Course Final Exam
Pass the proctored 63-hour course final exam with a minimum score of 70% (100 questions, 3 hours). Your certificate of completion is issued immediately upon passing.
Schedule & Pass the Florida State Exam
Once the DBPR approves your application, schedule your Pearson VUE state exam (100 questions, 75% to pass). MLS Campus recommends testing 3–5 days after completing your course.
Activate With a Sponsoring Broker
Your sales associate license must be activated under a licensed Florida broker before you can perform real estate services for a commission. Compare commission splits and training before you choose. Aiming to run your own firm one day? Learn how to become a real estate broker in Florida.
Understanding the Florida Real Estate Exam
The Florida sales associate state exam is administered by Pearson VUE and consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. You need a score of 75% (75/100) to pass. It covers Florida real estate law, principles and practice, and real estate math.
Review the current Pearson VUE Candidate Information Booklet for identification and admission requirements before your scheduled exam.
Complete Cost Breakdown: Florida Real Estate License
| Cost Item | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 63-Hour Pre-License Course | From $98 | Varies by package and format |
| DBPR Application Fee (RE-1) | $62.75 | Paid to the Florida DBPR |
| State Exam Fee | $36.75 | Paid to Pearson VUE per attempt |
| Fingerprinting | ~$50–80 | Varies by Pearson VUE vendor |
| Estimated Total | ~$250–280 | Plus optional exam prep |
Fees approximate as of 2026 — verify current amounts with the Florida DBPR before applying.
Start Your Florida Real Estate Career
Enroll in the FREC-approved 63-hour pre-license course — 100% online and self-paced. Everything you need to pass the Florida state exam and launch your career as a licensed real estate agent.
How Long Does It Take to Get Licensed?
Most candidates complete the process in 1 to 3 months. Here is a realistic breakdown:
Florida Real Estate License Reciprocity
Florida has mutual recognition with 10 states. If you hold an active license in one of these states, you can apply for a Florida license without retaking the full pre-license course:
To qualify, you must be 18+, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, not be a Florida resident at the time of application, and pass the Florida Mutual Recognition Law exam (40 questions) administered by Pearson VUE.
Why Pursue a Real Estate Career in Florida?
Florida’s population growth, year-round demand, and lack of a state income tax make it one of the best states to earn your FL real estate license and build a real estate career. Income is commission-based, so your earnings scale with the deals you close.
Salary data: ZipRecruiter (2026), with career outlook from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Individual results vary.
Tips for Passing the Florida Real Estate Exam
Candidates who complete the 63-hour course and prepare with practice exams pass on their first attempt. These tips help you learn how to become a real estate agent in Florida efficiently.
Post-License Education & Renewal
Before your first license renewal, every new Florida sales associate must complete a 45-hour post-license education course. This is separate from your pre-license course — if it is not completed before your first renewal, your license becomes null and void. After that, licensees complete 14 hours of continuing education every two years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to be a resident of Florida to get a real estate license?
No. Florida residency is not required to get a Florida real estate license.
What are the requirements to get a Florida real estate license?
You must be at least 18, hold a high school diploma or GED, have a U.S. Social Security number, complete the 63-hour pre-license course, and pass both the course final exam and the Florida state exam.
How much does it cost to get a Florida real estate license?
Expect roughly $250–$280 total: a DBPR application fee of $62.75, a state exam fee of $36.75, fingerprinting around $50–$80, and a pre-license course starting from $98.
Can I apply for my Florida real estate license online?
Yes. The RE-1 Sales Associate application is submitted online through the Florida DBPR, and you can apply before finishing your course.
Does Florida have real estate license reciprocity?
Florida has mutual recognition with 10 states. Qualifying applicants take the 40-question Florida Law exam instead of the full state exam.
How long does it take to get a Florida real estate license?
Most people finish in 1–3 months, depending on study pace and DBPR processing times (typically 10–30 days, up to 90 days by law).
Key Takeaways
Start Your Florida Real Estate Career Today
MLS Campus is a FREC-approved school with over 20 years of experience helping students pass the Florida real estate exam. Complete your 63-hour course online, at your own pace.
Ready to get your Florida real estate license?
Study online at your own pace with state-approved, instructor-supported courses. Browse the Florida packages or head back to our homepage to explore everything MLS Campus offers.