How to Get Your Florida Real Estate License in 2026: Steps, Cost & Timeline
Last updated: June 2026 · By Christopher Perez, The Real Estate Academy
To get a Florida real estate sales associate license, you must be at least 18, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, complete a 63-hour state-approved pre-licensing course, submit fingerprints, apply to the Florida DBPR, and pass the state exam with a score of 75% or higher. Most people finish in about 4–8 weeks.
Florida real estate license requirements at a glance
| Step | What it involves | Approx. cost (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Eligibility | Be 18+, have a high school diploma or GED, and a Social Security number | — |
| 2. 63-hour course | Complete FREC-approved Sales Associate pre-licensing (Course I) | Varies by school |
| 3. Fingerprints | Electronic fingerprints for a background check | ~$50–$58 |
| 4. Application | Apply to the Florida DBPR for the sales associate license | ~$83.75 |
| 5. State exam | Pass the Florida exam (75% required) via Pearson VUE | $36.75 per attempt |
| 6. Activation | Activate your license under a licensed broker | — |
Fees are set by the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR) and Pearson VUE and may change — confirm current amounts before you apply.
How to get your Florida real estate license: step by step
Step 1: Confirm you meet the basic requirements
You must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or its equivalent, and have a U.S. Social Security number. Florida has no state residency requirement, so out-of-state applicants can qualify.
Step 2: Complete the 63-hour pre-licensing course
Florida requires a 63-hour FREC-approved Sales Associate pre-licensing course (Course I) before you can sit for the exam. The course covers real estate principles, practices, and Florida law, and ends with a course final exam you must pass. Enroll in The Real Estate Academy’s 63-hour Sales Associate course — available in the classroom or fully online.
Step 3: Submit your fingerprints
Get electronically fingerprinted through a DBPR-approved vendor for your background check. Do this before or shortly after you apply so results are on file when DBPR reviews your application.
Step 4: Apply to the Florida DBPR
Submit the sales associate license application to the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR) and pay the application fee (about $83.75 as of 2026). You can apply online through the DBPR portal.
Step 5: Pass the Florida state exam
After DBPR approves your application, schedule the state exam with Pearson VUE. The Florida sales associate exam has 100 multiple-choice questions, and you must score at least 75% to pass. Strong exam prep matters — see how to prepare below.
Step 6: Activate your license with a broker
Passing the exam earns you an inactive license. To start working, a licensed Florida broker must activate it. Many new agents line up a brokerage before or right after passing the exam.
Step 7: Complete post-licensing before your first renewal
New sales associates must complete a 45-hour post-licensing course before their first license renewal (generally within 18–24 months). Plan for it early with Florida post-licensing courses.
How much does a Florida real estate license cost?
Expect to budget roughly $300–$500 total for most candidates: the 63-hour pre-licensing course plus the DBPR application fee (~$83.75), fingerprinting (~$50–$58), and the exam fee ($36.75 per attempt). Retakes and optional exam-prep materials add to the total.
How hard is the Florida real estate exam?
The Florida real estate exam is challenging: you need a score of 75% or higher, and first-time pass rates have historically hovered around 50–60%, based on exam performance data published by the DBPR. The biggest reasons people fail are weak math and Florida-law preparation. A dedicated exam-prep course and practice questions dramatically improve your odds — explore Florida real estate exam prep and study materials in the bookstore.
How long does it take to get licensed in Florida?
Most candidates complete everything in about 4–8 weeks. The pace depends mainly on how quickly you finish the 63-hour course and schedule the state exam. Online self-paced study lets motivated students move faster, while classroom courses follow a set schedule.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours of class do you need for a Florida real estate license?
You need a 63-hour FREC-approved pre-licensing course (Course I) to qualify for the sales associate exam, followed by a 45-hour post-licensing course before your first license renewal.
What score do you need to pass the Florida real estate exam?
You must score at least 75% on the Florida sales associate state exam, which has 100 multiple-choice questions administered by Pearson VUE.
Do you need a high school diploma to get a Florida real estate license?
Yes. You must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or its equivalent (such as a GED) to qualify for a Florida sales associate license.
Can you get a Florida real estate license online?
Yes. The required 63-hour pre-licensing course can be completed online through a state-approved school, and you can apply to DBPR online. The state exam itself is taken at a Pearson VUE testing center or via approved online proctoring.
How much does it cost to get a Florida real estate license?
Most candidates spend about $300–$500 total, including the 63-hour course, the DBPR application fee (~$83.75), fingerprinting (~$50–$58), and the $36.75 exam fee.
Start your Florida real estate career
The fastest path is to enroll in your 63-hour Florida pre-licensing course, add exam prep to pass on your first try, and grab your textbooks in the bookstore. Questions? Contact The Real Estate Academy or request info.
About the author: Christopher Perez is the owner of The Real Estate Academy, a Florida-approved real estate school offering pre-licensing, post-licensing, continuing education, and exam-prep courses.
