If you’re referring to the standard Florida Real Estate Sales Associate license—the entry-level license most people get before later becoming a broker—this is the process.
Florida Real Estate License Process
1. Meet the basic eligibility requirements
You must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and have a U.S. Social Security number to apply for a Florida sales associate license. (My Florida License)
2. Complete the 63-hour pre-license course
Complete a Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC)-approved 63-hour Sales Associate Pre-Licensing Course. The course completion is valid for licensing purposes for 2 years. (My Florida License)
The course generally covers topics such as:
- Florida real estate laws and regulations
- Real estate contracts
- Property ownership and rights
- Brokerage relationships
- Financing and mortgages
- Real estate mathematics
- Property valuation
- Closing transactions
- Federal and state laws affecting real estate
- Real estate license law and professional conduct
There are certain exemptions—for example, qualifying Florida attorneys and applicants with certain four-year real-estate degrees may be exempt from the 63-hour course. (My Florida License)
3. Apply for your Florida Sales Associate license
Submit the Sales Associate Initial Application (RE 1) to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and pay the applicable fees. (MyFloridaLicense)
Florida DBPR Real Estate Licensing Portal
4. Complete electronic fingerprinting
You must undergo a criminal background check and submit electronic fingerprints through an FDLE-approved Livescan provider. DBPR currently instructs applicants to submit the license application before submitting fingerprints. (My Florida License)
5. Receive authorization and take the Florida state exam
Once DBPR determines that you’re eligible, you can schedule the Florida Real Estate Sales Associate Examination through Pearson VUE. Florida’s real-estate licensing examinations are currently administered at physical testing centers. (Pearson VUE)
Pearson VUE Florida Real Estate Exam
6. Pass the state examination
You need a score of at least 75 on the Florida Real Estate Sales Associate Examination. (My Florida License)
7. Activate your license with a Florida real estate broker
Passing the exam doesn’t automatically mean you can immediately start conducting real-estate transactions independently. Your sales associate license must be activated under a licensed Florida real estate broker. The broker can activate it online, or the appropriate DBPR activation form can be used. (My Florida License)
8. Complete the 45-hour post-license course
Before your initial license expires, you must complete a FREC-approved 45-hour Sales Associate Post-Licensing Course. This requirement applies whether your license is active or inactive. (My Florida License)
In simple terms
63-hour course → DBPR application → fingerprints/background check → state approval → Pearson VUE exam → score 75+ → activate under a broker → 45-hour post-license education.
One important distinction from the Florida Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) process we discussed earlier: the real-estate license is regulated through Florida DBPR/FREC, whereas MLO licensing goes through Florida OFR/NMLS. They are separate licenses with separate education and exams.
