If you have always yearned to have an exciting career, consider getting into real estate in the Sunshine State. However, you must first understand how Florida real estate licensing works. You may even have already searched online for the phrase “How to get my real estate license in Florida.”
Luckily, you don’t have to worry about how you can get a real estate license in Miami anymore—or in any other part of the state of Florida for that matter. In this comprehensive piece, we can offer you some crucial insights to help you navigate through the entire process.
Understanding Florida Real Estate Licensing
While the Florida real estate industry offers many opportunities to those who are brave enough to venture into it, you must acquire a real estate license to legally practice in this field to be regarded as a credible professional. You must also adhere to state-specific requirements to acquire your real estate license.
The Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) oversees the real estate licensure process in the state. It ensures that the real estate agents follow the state’s regulations and maintain ethical standards as they engage in their dealings in the industry.
Steps to Obtain Your Florida Real Estate License
Here are the steps that you need to follow to get your real estate license in FL:
Meet the Eligibility Criteria
Before you start your journey to get your Florida real estate license, you must be able to fulfill the FREC requirements. The prerequisites for the real estate license in FL include:
· You must be aged 18 years and above
· You must have a high school diploma or an equivalent
· You must have a valid United States Social Security number
Complete pre-licensing education
Having met the eligibility criteria, you must then enroll in a state-approved pre-licensing course and complete the mandatory 63-hour pre-licensing course. This step is compulsory because it equips aspiring agents with the necessary knowledge to understand Florida’s real estate principles, practices, regulations, and laws.
The good news is that the pre-licensing courses are available in different formats, including online modules, in-person classes, and even hybrid classes. The choice of the particular form of class you take will depend on your flexibility and other things like your preferred learning style.
Submit the license application
Once you have completed the pre-licensing course, you must submit your license application to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, that is responsible for licensing real estate agents through FREC. You must be prepared to pay the application fees and undergo a background check.
Pass the state exam
You also need to prepare for the real estate test in Florida. The exam assesses if you have gained sufficient knowledge of the real estate principles and practices specific to Florida. To excel in the test, you must have understood the state laws and regulations well.
Find a broker and activate your license
After passing your state exam, you must find a licensed real estate broker willing to sponsor and mentor you along your journey. Activating your license through a brokerage to practice legally in Florida is mandatory.
Familiarize yourself with resources for aspiring real estate agents
For aspiring real estate agents and other professionals in the Sunshine State, the Florida Real Estate Commission website is a crucial source of information. The site provides access to application forms, exam details, educational resources, and updates on regulatory changes.
It is also vital to seek guidance from experienced professionals in the field, attend industry events, and join professional real estate associations to expand your network and knowledge base.
Conclusion
You must be dedicated, persevering, and knowledgeable about the state-specific requirements to obtain your Florida real estate license. When you follow the above steps, use the appropriate educational resources, and update yourself on industry changes, you will set yourself on the right path to success in Florida’s dynamic real estate industry.
Article and permission to publish here provided by Bailey Merton. Originally written for Supply Chain Game Changer and published on December 14, 2023.
Cover photo by Florian Schmidinger on Unsplash.