Licensing & state law

How to become a real estate agent in Florida

Everything it takes to get licensed in Florida — 63 hours of pre-license education, the Pearson VUE exam, background check, a sponsoring broker and the real cost. Requirements set by the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC).

Pre-license hours
63
State-approved
Licensing exam
Pearson VUE
Salesperson
Est. all-in cost
$789+
Course + fees
Typical timeline
2–5 mo
To activation
The Florida path, step by step
1/ 6

Meet the basic eligibility

Be at least 18 years old and hold a high-school diploma or equivalent. Some steps in Florida also require legal U.S. residency or work authorization.

2/ 6

Complete 63 hours of approved pre-license education

Florida requires 63 classroom or online hours from a state-approved real estate school before you can sit for the exam.

3/ 6

Pass the Florida licensing exam

Sit the salesperson exam (Pearson VUE). It covers national real estate principles plus Florida-specific law. Most candidates need a scaled score around 70–75% to pass.

4/ 6

Complete a background check / fingerprinting

Submit fingerprints and pass a criminal background check as required by the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC).

5/ 6

Find a sponsoring broker

A new Florida salesperson must hang their license with a licensed sponsoring broker before they can practice.

6/ 6

Submit your application & activate

File your license application and fees with the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC), then activate under your broker to start representing clients.

Official source

Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC)

Visit →

A Florida real estate license lets you represent buyers and sellers and earn commission on closed transactions. Once licensed, see what agents actually earn in Florida agent salary, and explore the state's active markets below. Licensing rules change — always confirm the current requirements directly with the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC).

Florida markets
Miami, FL real estate market→Orlando, FL real estate market→Tampa, FL real estate market→Fort Lauderdale, FL real estate market→Jacksonville, FL real estate market→Naples, FL real estate market→Palm Beach, FL real estate market→Sarasota, FL real estate market→Boca Raton, FL real estate market→Key West, FL real estate market→

Florida licensing FAQs

How many hours of education do you need to get a real estate license in Florida?
Florida requires 63 hours of state-approved pre-license education before you can take the salesperson exam.
How much does a Florida real estate license cost?
Budget roughly $789–$1,578 all-in for Florida: pre-license coursework, the exam fee, background check and application/licensing fees. Exact fees are set by the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC).
How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Florida?
Most people finish the 63-hour Florida coursework, pass the exam and activate in about 2–5 months, depending on study pace and scheduling.
Who regulates real estate agents in Florida?
The Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) issues licenses and sets the rules for Florida real estate salespeople and brokers.
Pre-license hours and the regulating authority for Florida are compiled from public state requirements and can change. Cost and timeline are estimates. Always verify current rules with the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) before enrolling.