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Florida has a large population, making it one of the fastest-growing states in America. With such an influx of people, Florida needs to provide more housing and opportunities for its residents – so how do you get your real estate license if you live outside of Florida?
It’s as easy as going through the checkout line at your local Publix to get a Florida real estate license. You may start a career in real estate with 63 hours of prelicensing coursework certified by the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC), a background check, and a passing test score. Follow this step-by-step tutorial on how to become a real estate agent in Florida.
1. Comply with Florida’s Legal Requirements for a Real Estate License
There are a few easy steps to follow in order to prequalify for a Florida real estate license. Candidates must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and be citizens or legally admitted aliens in the United States.
Those with a criminal record in Florida may still apply for a real estate license, however licensing acceptance will be based on the exact offense and the period of time since the offense was committed. You may obtain a better notion of the waiting periods for certain crimes and which offenses are deal-breakers with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and the FREC by visiting the Florida Chief Financial Officer’s website.
Following their background investigation, the FREC may arrange a hearing to offer you the chance to defend your case and determine if you should still be eligible to get your real estate license. Throughout this procedure, you have the right to legal counsel. The FREC will determine whether your application will continue after the hearing, but bear in mind that the process might take up to 90 days.
What if I told you that If you want to work in states other than Florida, you should be aware of the state’s real estate license reciprocity and portability rules. Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nebraska, and Rhode Island are among the seven states with which Florida has mutual recognition agreements. In terms of mobility, Florida is likewise a cooperative state.
This implies that out-of-state real estate agents and brokers are permitted to do real estate business in Florida. Out-of-state agents, on the other hand, must have a co-brokerage agreement with a licensed in that state in order to operate on a real estate transaction.
2. Complete all pre-licensing courses that are required.
To get a Florida real estate license, you must finish 63 hours of real estate prelicensing courses. These hours may be completed in person or online via a recognized Florida real estate education institution, with fees ranging from $119 to $599 depending on the provider. The following topics will be covered in the classes:
- The Real Estate Industry
- License Law and Licensure Requirements
- Rules of the Commission and the License Law
- Authorized Relationships, Responsibilities, and Information
- Activities and Procedures in Real Estate Brokerage
- Penalties and Procedures for License Law Violations
- Real Estate Laws at the Federal and State Level
- Estates and tenancies, condominiums, cooperatives, and time-sharing
- Ownership Restrictions, Title, and Deeds
- Legal Terminologies
- Contracts for Real Estate
- Mortgages for homes
- Types of Mortgages and Financing Options
- Computations and Transaction Closing
- Analysis of the Real Estate Market
- Appraisal of Real Estate
- Brokerage of Real Estate Investments and Business Opportunities
- Real-Estate-Related Taxes
- Environmental Hazards, Planning, and Zoning
What if I told you that The real estate sales associate requirement course is waived for any current member of the Florida Bar who is in good standing and qualifies under the real estate licensing legislation. You may also be excluded from doing the prelicensing course if you have a four-year degree in real estate. You may send your original transcript with your application to be examined to see whether you qualify for the exemption.
To get your official Certificate of Completion, you must pass the school test once you’ve finished your courses. Your education provider will conduct the school test, which will be proctored online or in person, and will need a 70% pass rate. You’re ready to go on to the next phase in the licensing procedure after you’ve fulfilled these prelicensing criteria.
There are several online real estate courses to choose from, but if you’re eager to get started right away, Real Estate Express may be a good fit. That way, you may tailor your 63 hours to meet your schedule.
3. Get Fingerprints & Background Check
In order to perform a background check in connection with your Florida real estate license, the FREC requires all applicants to provide fingerprints. You may have your fingerprints taken at any Live Scan service provider as long as it’s allowed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
The cost of fingerprinting varies depending on the service provider, however, it may cost anywhere from $50 to $80. When you obtain your fingerprints, you’ll also need to provide the following information:
- There are two types of identification: A driver’s license, state identity card, or passport must include your image and signature.
- Make a clear distinction between the professions for which you seek licensure: You have the option of getting a Real Estate Sales license or a Broker’s license.
- What is your Social Security number?
If you have additional questions about the fingerprint process, check out the FAQs page from the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR).
4. Obtain a Florida real estate license.
Submit your application through the DBPR online portal or by mail using the printed Florida license application before taking your real estate licensing test in Florida. Both will need a $83.75 charge, which may be paid online, by personal check, or by money order. All applications will be reviewed by the DBPR, however, you will obtain application acceptance via email from Pearson VUE within 10 to 30 days.
Your Florida licensure exam will be administered by Pearson VUE, a worldwide testing corporation. You’ll get an email stating that you’ve obtained “Authorization to Test” and your nine-digit candidate ID number, indicating that you’re ready to schedule your real estate test.
5. Take the Florida Real Estate Exam
The pass percentage for the Florida real estate licensing test is 50 percent to 55 percent, which is lower than the national average. You’ll get your results right after the test, so if you don’t pass, you’ll be able to reschedule within 24 hours. The good news is that as long as you take the test within two years after completing your prelicensing course, you may take it as many times as you like until you pass.
Details about the Florida Real Estate Exam
Make Your Exam Appointment
The official administrator of the Florida real estate exam is Pearson VUE, a multinational testing corporation. You may book your exam directly on the Pearson VUE website, and you will get a copy of the Candidate Fact Sheet for further information. You may pay the $36.75 exam cost with a credit card, debit card, or voucher straight on the Pearson website.
Even if the passing percentage is low, you should have no trouble passing the test if you study hard and take the courses seriously. We offer Real Estate Exam Scholar’s Exam prep course if you need assistance preparing for the exam. They provide excellent test preparation at a reasonable cost. Even better, if you don’t pass the first time, they will refund your money.
6. Decide the company you want to work for.
You must locate a sponsoring brokerage to affiliate your Florida real estate license in order to keep it valid.
Conclusion
You’re ready to begin your real estate career now that you’ve learned how to become a real estate agent in Florida.
