Florida Real Estate License -- Common Questions

What are the steps involved to obtain a Florida Real Estate License?

Enroll in the Sales Associate License course (Click here to Enroll).

Apply to the State of Florida for your Real Estate Sales Associate License (Click here to apply).

Mail back the Finger Print Card the State of Florida sends you within 60 days of receiving it.

Pass the Final Exam from our approved course with a 70% or above and we, the school will will send you a completion slip.

This is the only way to enter the state exam site , you must have proof of course completion !!! Our school will mail proof of completion to you.

Wait for the National Test Vendor "Promissor" to notify you that you are eligible to take the State Exam (Click here to request test date)

You must wait for approval from submitting your application to be approved by the state of Florida prior taking the state exam.

https://www.myfloridalicense.com/licensing/wl11.jsp?SID=

Pass the exam with a grade of 75% and you will have your license. To activate the license submit a completed 400.5 form to the Division of Real Estate, otherwise the license will be inactive. (The license may state inactive indefinitely provide you keep up with all continuing education requirements.)

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What is the total cost to get into the Florida Real Estate profession?

Course tuition is $155.00, State application fee is $123.50 and testing fee is $31.50.

What can I do with a Florida Real Estate license and why would I need one?

Many students obtain their Florida Real Estate license to receive commission money back upon purchasing and selling real estate for themselves.

An active Florida Real Estate license allows one to be financially compensated for anyone needing a service of real estate. With a Florida Real Estate license, you can sell any type of property anywhere in the State, such as vacant land, residential homes, shopping centers, a warehouse, a business opportunity, timeshares. In addition one can appraise, rent and manage real estate provided there license is active under the supervision of a licensed real estate broker (active license status).

What many people do not realize, is that performing any of the services of real estate, for another for compensation (even a $50 gift certificate to your favorite restaurant) without holding an active real estate license, can result in CRIMINAL OFFENSE. This is THIRD DEGREE FELONY, which is punishable by a $5000 fine and/or up to 5 years in jail.

The education gained from this course will pay for itself far more than its cost. If you think the educational cost of this course is expensive, try ignorance on the largest investment someone may ever make.

Why the Florida Real Estate Sales Associate Course first?

The first step one takes to get their real estate career started is to obtain the license status as a Florida Real Estate Sales Associate. To obtain this license, one must take the state required pre-license course online and pass the state exam.

The course is a 60 hour (50 minute) program with a 3 hour (50 minute) exam. In order to be eligible to take the state exam, the student must pass the end of course exam (100 multiple choice question exam) with a 70% passing grade. The student must also pass a State Exam (with a 75% or better) to obtain license status.

This course is based on (45%) principles and practices of real estate, (45%) Florida license law and (10%) math.

How long is the course, is it timed? Can I use other computers or am I stuck in front of one computer?

The only portion of the course that is timed is the Final Exam, which you are allowed 3 hours to complete. The rest of the course can be accessed from any where at any time for as long or as little time as you want to work on your education. If you purchase the course on CD ROM , you can only use this on one computer and you will then have to get online to take exam.

Can I go back at any stage of the online course to review the material that I have completed?

Yes, you can always review each completed chapter, however, You must complete each previous chapter before proceeding forward to the next chapter.

Can I get a hard copy of the text book?

All the required approved material is ONLINE. The online course does not inclued a hard copy of the text book and the hard copy is not required. As a SUPPLEMENTAL learning tool you can purchase a hard copy text book from our online store.

Is this course approved by the State of Florida?

Yes. The school is licensed by the State of Florida permit ZH 1002099 and the course material is approved by the Florida Real Estate Commission APPROVAL # 0008290.

(Click here to view our approval letter)

If I have questions about the course or during the course is there a "live person" that is available?

Do I have to be a Florida resident to have a Florida Real Estate License?

No. Applicants do not have to be a resident of Florida. Citizenship and Florida residency are NOT REQUIRED.

If I take this course online or by CD, do I have to come to Florida to take the state exam?

No, there are 168 locations all across the United States to take the test. Think of it as some where in your state that you would go to take a state test to be an accountant, nurse, real estate professional, contractor, etc. With online technology all this is now possible.

(Click here to see the 168 locations to take the Florida Real Estate Exam)

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When should I submit my application to become licensed by the State of Florida?

We recommend that you apply online immediately. The State allows one to apply prior to, during or after course completion. The application is online at:

What are the State requirements to become licensed as a Florida real estate sales associate?

All information can be found in Chapter 475.17, Florida Statutes:

The student needs to be at least 18 years or older.
The student needs to have a high school diploma or GED (General Education Diploma).

The student must complete and pass the approved Sales Associate License Course(Principles and Practices I) with a 70% or greater on the end of course exam.

The student must pass the State Exam with a 75% or greater out of 100.

Special note: If an applicant has ever had a felony conviction, there is a possibility that they may be denied or have to present their case directly to the Florida Real Estate Commission to be allow to apply for the license status. The student must submit the application and please, we repeat, please Disclose everything, do not lie on the application, this is an automatic revocation of license. If you are approved to take the State Exam, then you may proceed to obtain license status. Then take the course and when you finish, take the State Exam.

How do I submit my application?

When applying online, A fingerprint card will be mailed to you from the D. B. P. R. The applicant should mail the fingerprint card with an attest statement (form DBPR - 0030) and include a cover letter referencing the application number. An application number is assigned when the application is filed online. If an applicant responded "yes" to any of the background questions, he or she should also include in the mailings any additional explanations and important documents such as copies of police records.

REMEMBER be truthful on the application, disclose everything, even if you think it is long forgotten, (i.e., drug arrest in high school 20 years ago, it will be found).

The state has 30 days to notify you of errors and 90 days to approve or deny after receipt of corrected application.

Once your application is considered qualified, the DRE notifies the national testing vendor.

The vendor will notify applicants that they are eligible to take state license exam.

The student will need the notice of satisfactory completion of prescribed course issued from onlinefloridarealestateschool.com, this must be taken to exam site to gain admission. However, if you are sending your application by mail, enclose completion certificate.

After you have completed the course, check this link to determine if your application is approved: APPLICATION STATUS LINK.

You may also call Tallahassee at 1-850-487-1395 and ask if you are approved.

When the application is approved call:1-888-204-6289 to schedule your exam at the test vendor Promissor's test center nearest you. (See above section on "Where do I take the state exam for my Florida Real Estate License?) for more details on the state exam.

Where do I take the State Exam for a Florida Real Estate License, and what if I do not live in Florida?

There are 164 test sites all over the United States. For more information, see http://www.asisvcs.com/publications/pdf/190099.pdf

Florida has 15 locations which offer two exams per day (morning & afternoon). Evening exams may be available at select locations, but you must call and make a special request. Promissor is a testing service which performs testing services for the State of Florida. Before a student can take the state test or even register with Promissor, the student must register with the Florida Division of Real Estate (DRE). Once registration with the State is complete and approved, then the student may register with Promissor testing services. The number is (888) 204-6289. Monday through Friday: 8:00 A.M. to 11:00 P.M. Saturday: 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Sunday: 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.

The charge for the exam is: $31.50. At the time of the call, have a Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express card ready to pay for the exam. You may bring a money order or cashiers check to the test center (cash or personal checks are not accepted). Please note, The student must register with both the DRE and Promissor before they can take the State Licensing Exam. The DRE application can be completed online Florida Division of Real Estate (DRE), however the student must call Promissor to make an exam reservation once the application has been approved by the State of Florida. The physical address will be given to the student by Promissor once registration is complete. Click on the fact sheet for more info. Click here for Promissor Florida Examination Center Locations. Once you have a check-in ID, you can log at the following web address:

http://www.asitests.com/thunder_reservations/res_navpage.asp?Target=res_checkin.asp

In order to enter the test site, a student must bring two-forms of identification (a photo ID is required). In addition, the course completion certificate is required. When the student successfully has passed the State Exam 75% or above, they will receive an inactive real estate license. If the student does not successfully complete the state with a grade of 75% or above, the student will receive a reexamination application and a post examination review form.

Click on the candidate handbook for the current dates and locations.

Boynton Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Lake Mary, Miami (there are 2 locations one does not offer Saturday testing), Orlando, St. Petersburg, and Tampa offer Monday thru Saturday schedules.

Gainesville, Hollywood, Jacksonville and Pensacola offer Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Daytona offers Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Tallahassee offers Wednesday thru Saturday.

Assessment centers are closed during the following holidays, New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day / Weekend, Independence Day / Weekend, Labor Day / Weekend, Thanksgiving Day / Weekend, Christmas Day / Weekend.

Once I have completed the required online pre-license course is there any type of "exam cram course" or additional study aids to help pass the state exam?

Yes. Our book store offers a key point review CD, along with an Exam Prep and Math solutions booklet.

What if I fail the course or the State Exam?

If a student does not successfully complete the course with the required passing grade of 70% the student must wait OVER 30 days (required by state) after the failed exam to retake the exam again. The student may review the course until they take the end of course exam again. If the end of course exam is failed the second time, the student must retake the On-line course again and must pay the full tuition fee again. If the state exam is not passed with at 75% or above, the student must wait 3 days before retaking the State Exam. Promissor (the states test vendor) charges the student $31.50 each time they take the exam. The student may take the State Exam as many time as the student desires.

Click on this link to re-apply:

https://www.myfloridalicense.com/Default.asp

Special note: The application that the student submits to take the State Exam is valid for 1 year.

If you hold a real estate license in another state, territory or jurisdiction of the United States or in any foreign national jurisdiction that does not have mutual recognition and the license has been active for 1 year out of the past 5, you may choose to bypass the Sales Associate licensing requirements and proceed directly to brokers course. You must get a letter from your state, declaring your status, and mail this with your application for broker licensure. You will still be required to take the 72 hour Brokers Pre-License course and State Exam as well as the 60 hours of Broker's Post License Education during the first renewal period as all other Broker Licensees must.

Please visit the State of Florida official website to obtain the most current information on mutual recognition: http://www.myflorida.com/dbpr/re/mut_rec.shtml

The State of Florida also has mutual recognition with Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Tennessee which may allow you to qualify for a Florida real estate license under Mutual Recognition. There is no required course, however, there is a 40 question STATE OF FLORIDA SPECIFIC law exam, you must score 30 or more to successfully complete. This applies to NON - RESIDENTS ONLY. If you have LIVED IN FLORIDA FOR 4 CONSECUTIVE MONTHS OR LONGER DURING THE LAST 12 MONTHS or are LIVING HERE with the INTENT to be here 4 MONTHS OR LONGER you will not qualify as non-resident status.

In addition, if you plan to come to Florida and be a resident before you obtain your license, you will give up your right to take the 40 question STATE OF FLORIDA SPECIFIC law exam. Once licensed, you must take the 45 hour post license education for Sales Associate or the 60 hours of Broker post license education in the initial renewal period the same as Florida residents are required to do. There are 6 states that have additional requirements.

If you have a Real Estate license in Alabama & Arkansas the requirements are an active broker's or sales associate's license for 12 months during the preceding five years if applying for broker status.

A Colorado Broker Associate is the equivalent to a Florida Sales Associate. The applicants must have held an active broker or broker associate license for 12 months during the preceding five years if the applicant is a broker.

If you are licensed in Oklahoma, you must have held an active sales associate's license for 12 months during the preceding five years in the office of one or more real estate brokers if the applicant is a sales associate. (Salesperson applicants must have an active license for at least 12 months during the preceding 5 years.)

If you are a Tennessee broker applicant, you must have three (3) years active experience as a sales associate or broker prior to application. (Must have held an active license for 3 years before being eligible to file a broker application.)

Can I earn a commission or referral fee on the sale of property in Florida if I am not a resident of Florida or even come into the State for the transaction?

Yes, provided your license is "active" under the supervision of a Licensed Real Estate Broker.

How long will it take before I can start my new profession?

From the time you submit your application for approval from the state, and take the state exam, a student can figure between 4 to 8 weeks. We recommend the student send the application in right away, this will allow you to take the State Exam soon after you complete the course.

Click on this link to check the status of your application:

https://www.myfloridalicense.com/licensing/wl11.jsp?SID=

Frequently Asked Questions