How long does it take to get a Florida real estate license?

About 1–3 months. The 63-hour course takes 2–4 weeks full-time, DBPR processing 2–4 weeks (you can submit fingerprints and the application while still in the course), and Pearson VUE appointments are usually available within days.

How much does a Florida real estate license cost?

Roughly $350–$700: the 63-hour course ($100–$450), $83.75 DBPR application fee, $50–$80 fingerprinting, and $36.75 per exam attempt.

What score do I need to pass the Florida exam?

75% — at least 75 of 100 questions in 3.5 hours. If you fail, you can retake after 24 hours for another $36.75, with no retake limit while your application is valid.

What is Florida's 45-hour post-licensing requirement?

Before your first renewal (18–24 months in), you must complete a 45-hour FREC-approved post-licensing course. Miss it and your license becomes null and void — you'd start over from the 63-hour course. Only a 4-year degree in real estate exempts you.

Can I get a Florida license with a felony or criminal record?

Possibly. FREC reviews each case individually — nature of the offense, time elapsed, rehabilitation. Disclose everything honestly; omissions are more damaging than most offenses. Some cases require a FREC hearing.

Does Florida have license reciprocity with other states?

Florida has mutual recognition (not full reciprocity) with 10 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nebraska, Rhode Island, and West Virginia. Licensees from those states skip the 63-hour course and pass a 40-question Florida law exam instead.

Florida · FL

How to get your Florida real estate license

Everything you need to earn a Florida salesperson license — from eligibility to your first sponsoring broker.

Requirements last verified July 6, 2026 by Matt Cochrell, licensed broker.

Quick answer · Verified July 6, 2026

How to get a Florida real estate license

Hours required: 63 hrs
Total cost: $350 – $700
Typical timeline: 4–12 weeks
Minimum age: 18+

Step 1

Confirm you're eligible for a Florida real estate license

You must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED to apply for a Florida real estate license. A criminal background check is required — most non-violent offenses are reviewed case-by-case.

Step 2

Complete 63 hours of pre-licensing education

Note: One 63-hour FREC-approved Sales Associate Pre-Licensure Course (FREC I), classroom or online, ending in a mandatory course exam (completion valid 2 years)

Confirm basics: at least 18, high school diploma or equivalent, U.S. Social Security number
Complete the 63-hour FREC I course at a DBPR-approved school
Pass the end-of-course exam (70% minimum); certificate valid 2 years

Step 3

Pass the Florida real estate exam

Florida uses Pearson VUE to administer the licensing exam. You'll need a passing score of 75% (75 of 100). The exam fee is $36.75. Expect roughly 100 national questions and 40–50 state-specific questions. Format: 100 multiple-choice questions, 3.5 hours: ~45 principles/practices, ~45 FL & federal law, ~10 real estate math; test center or online proctored.

Step 4

Apply for your Florida license

Get electronic fingerprints via an FDLE-approved Livescan vendor (ORI FL920010Z, typically $50–$80)
Submit the DBPR RE 1 application online at myfloridalicense.com with the $83.75 fee
After DBPR approval (commonly 2–4 weeks), schedule with Pearson VUE ($36.75)
Pass with 75/100 — license issues INACTIVE
Activate by affiliating with a sponsoring broker via the DBPR portal (broker not required before the exam)

Step 5

Find a sponsoring broker

Your Florida license stays inactive until a licensed broker sponsors you. Interview at least 2–3 brokerages, compare commission splits, training, and lead sources, and pick the one that fits your career goals — not just the highest split.

Florida real estate license cost breakdown

Here's a realistic estimate of everything you'll pay to earn your license. Course price is the largest variable — state fees are fixed.

Cost breakdown
Item	Amount
Pre-licensing education	$100 – $450
DBPR application fee	$83.75
Fingerprinting (Livescan)	$50 – $80
Pearson VUE exam fee	$36.75 per attempt
Estimated total	$350 – $700

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Frequently asked questions

Renewal: Every 2 years; before first renewal (18–24 months) you must complete 45 hours of post-licensing or the license becomes null and void; then 14 hours CE per cycle.

Moving your license?

See how Florida handles out-of-state licenses — full reciprocity, partial agreements, recognition, or start-over — and how every other state stacks up.

Real Estate License Reciprocity by State →