How to be a Real Estate Agent in Florida

If you have a keen interest in properties and a knack for selling, you can make a pretty substantial living by becoming a real estate agent. The job offers a lot of flexibility and opportunity for growth.

You are on the right page if you are confused about where to start. Today, you will learn how to be a real estate agent in Florida. You might be wondering why Florida. Well, Florida is one of the biggest real estate markets, and it is only booming. So let’s dive right in!

Becoming a Real Estate Agent in Florida

Are You Eligible?

First, you need to check whether you are eligible to become a real estate agent in Florida. Before you start your journey, here are a few things to make sure of:

• You have to be at least 18 years old.
• You need to have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
• You must be a U.S. citizen or have a permanent resident alien status.
• You must not have had a real estate application or license denied or revoked in any state within the past two years.
• You need to have a United States Social Security number

These are the eligibility criteria. However, more requirements exist to become a real estate agent in Florida. We will have a look at them as we walk through each step.

Steps to Become a Real Estate Agent in Florida

Step 1: Complete a Pre-licensing Course

The first step, which is also essential to becoming a real estate agent in Florida, is to complete a pre-licensing course. You can find many courses online and offline as well. Make sure that the course you are taking is approved by the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC). It should cover topics like real estate principles and practices, real estate law, finance, math, closing procedures, and property management.

The course must be a minimum of 63 hours of classroom instruction followed by an examination. You have to pass the exam with a score of at least 70%.

Step 2: Apply for the Florida Real Estate Sales Associate License

Once you complete the pre-licensing course, you can apply for the Florida Real Estate Sales Associate License. For the application, you will need a few documents:

• Your course completion certificate
• Your passing exam score report
• Your fingerprints for a background check. You must submit your fingerprints to the Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR), ideally five days before applying for the license. You will be notified via email when your fingerprints are verified. The process usually takes 10 to 30 days.
• Proof of errors and omissions insurance

The application will cost you USD 89.75. You can complete the application process either online or by mail.

Step 3: Pass the Florida Real Estate Sales Associate Examination

Once you have completed the pre-licensing course, you must pass the Florida Real Estate Sales Associate Examination. This exam is administered by Pearson VUE, and you can schedule it online or by phone. The exam will cost you USD 36.75.

It will consist of 100 multiple-choice questions; you must score at least 75% to pass.

Once you pass the exam, you can download your Florida real estate license from your account on the DBPR website.

Step 4: Find a Sponsoring Broker

You have to work under a licensed real estate broker to practice as a real estate agent in Florida. Florida laws don’t allow people to work as independent agents. You must find a sponsoring broker to supervise your work and provide the necessary support and training. The broker also activates your license using the DBPR RE 11–Sales Associate form. Social media and the internet make it easy to find a broker.

Step 5: Join a local real estate association

Joining a local real estate association can help you build your network, stay up-to-date with industry trends, and gain access to valuable resources. You can join many real estate associations in Florida, including the Florida Realtors, the National Association of Realtors, and the local association in your area. Make sure to keep your options open and find the best fit.

Cost of Becoming a Real Estate Agent in Florida

Here is the rough cost breakdown of becoming a real estate agent in Florida:

We hope this guide helps you become a Florida real estate agent. The market is booming with opportunities, and you must start the process immediately to reap full benefits. Florida has a lot of potential for real estate agents as there are people who are constantly looking for new homes and properties in Florida.