Real Estate License Cost in Florida
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Florida.
To obtain your real estate license in Florida in 2024, you should expect to spend approximately $325, covering the costs of the pre-licensing course, background check, application fee, and the state examination.
Candidates generally take from 10 to 20 weeks to complete the whole process of getting their real estate license in Florida. After activating your license with a broker, you will be able to launch your real estate career and start earning commissions.
Here a break down of the costs to obtain your Florida real estate license:
Pre-Licensing Course
Cost: $167, payable to the school
Candidates are required to complete a 63-hour online or classroom pre-licensing course.
Background Check
Cost: $58.12, payable to Pearson VUE
You will need to have your fingerprints taken. Florida requires a criminal background checked to approve your initial application. That fee may vary depending on the provider you choose.
Application
Cost: $39.37, payable to the Florida DBPR
You must submit an application to the Florida DBPR. It is recommended to submit the application online to expedite the process. It takes about 10 days to get your application approval.
State Examination
Cost: $57.75, payable to Pearson VUE
Once your application is approved, you will be able to schedule and take the Florida real estate examination. The state exam must be taken in person at a Pearson Vue test center.
Real Estate License Cost Summary (2024)
1. Pre-Licensing Course | $167 |
2. Background Check | $58.12 |
3. Application | $39.37 |
4. State Examination | $57.75 |
Total Cost | $322.24 |
After Getting Your License
Obtaining your real estate license is just the first step of your new career in Florida. You’ll need to invest time and money to maintain your license and be competitive on the real estate market.
Still, it’s a small price to pay when you consider how lucrative a career in Florida real estate can be. Remember, you’re essentially launching your own business and it obviously involves some fees. Most of these expenses are tax-deductible. Moreover, all of your initial expenses will pay for themselves when you close your first deal.
Here are some of the most common expenses as a active real estate agent in Florida:
Realtors® Membership
Estimated Cost: $250 per Year
There are many benefits of becoming a member of your local Realtor® association. In doing so, real estate agents are included in the National Association of Realtors listing and given access to useful tools and information such as the multiple listings service (MLS).
Post-Licensing Education
Estimated Cost: $109
All new Florida real estate agents must complete 45 hours of post-licensing education prior to their first renewal deadline.
The license renewal date is between 18 and 24 months after receiving their initial license. The education contains practical instructions and information about real estate business planning, marketing, prospecting, and closing the transaction.
Business Expenses
Estimated Cost: $900 per Year
There are several business expenses real estate agents should expect to pay to maintain regular operations in Florida. These may include the cost of an office space, phone, internet, computer, client meetings, and more.
Essentially, business expenses refer to anything you need to spend to be efficient and competitive as a real estate agent. These costs may vary depending on your business plan and location.
Marketing Costs
Estimated Cost: $1,000 per Year
Marketing yourself as a real estate agent is the most important aspect of a successful career. This means getting the word out about how you can help potential clients. A few costs to consider include business cards, a website and various types of advertisements (social media, flyers, boards, etc.).
Professional Liability Insurance
Estimated Cost: $1,100 per Year
Many potential clients require proof of professional liability insurance before contracting with a real estate agent. This policy, also called errors and omissions insurance (E&O), can help cover legal expenses if a real estate agent is sued for unsatisfactory performance or a work mistake.
Continuing Education
Estimated Cost: $100 Every Two Years
Continuing education will be required for the rest of your real estate career. Florida real estate agent must complete 14 hours of continuing education every 2 years, based on their license expiration date.
How Long Does it take to become a real estate agent in Florida?
It takes generally from 10 to 20 weeks to get a real estate agent license in Florida. However, if you plan diligently, you can get the entire process done in less than 5 weeks.
How Much Do Real Estate Agents Make in Florida?
The average income of real estate agents in Florida ranges from $24,856 to $162,283. These earnings vary depending on location, experience, specialty, and average hours worked.
