Earning a real estate license in Florida will set you on an exciting career path. Becoming a realtor involves attending a real estate school approved by the state and taking the pre-licensing exam. As part of your research, it is crucial to know the cost of a real estate license in Florida.
In this guide, we delve into the steps involved for you to become a licensed realtor in Florida. The article will also highlight all the expenses involved at each step. However, remember that the fees may change, so always visit the state’s website for any new updates.
Pre-Licensing Education
Ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements before enrolling in any state-approved real estate school. The pre-licensing education is the first step toward becoming a licensed realtor in Florida. You will learn about real estate principles, practices, and laws.
Pre-licensing education is a 63-hour course and costs between $200-500 depending on the school. Ensure that you find the best schools accredited by the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC). If you are searching for a quality online realty school, you can look here.
How Much is the Real Estate Exam in Florida?
After you have completed the 63-hour pre-licensing education, the next step is sitting for the Florida Real Estate Sales Associate Exam. As of the time of writing this article, the Florida real estate exam costs $36.75.
The exam is administered by Pearson VUE and can be done online via the OnVUE online proctoring. Once you pay the exam fee, you can schedule the date and take it from the comfort of your home.
License Application
Successful applicants can proceed to the next stage: submitting a license application to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The real estate license cost in Florida is $83.75.
At this stage, the state will take your fingerprints and run a background check. The licensing fee will cover processing of your license and fingerprinting.
Continuing Education
In Florida, new relators must complete a 45-hour post-licensing education course within their first renewal period. As is with the pre-licensing course, you can do it online, and the tuition fee will vary depending on the school.
From our research, post-licensing education courses in Florida can range between $150-400. There are also continuing education courses, which you must take every two years. The courses cover what’s new in the real estate industry and are crucial during license renewal.
License Renewal
You must renew your Florida realtor’s license after every two years. Failure to renew your license means that you have to re-do the pre-licensing steps. Ensure that you have all the certificates from your post-licensing and continuing education courses.
Create an account on the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation website. There, you can renew or change your license status. The License renewal fee will cost you around $53 for Sales Associates.
Summing Up
The cost of a real estate license in Florida is a worthy investment. It is not too expensive, and online schools make the whole endeavor cheaper. However, the fees are subject to change, and it is crucial to check with the relevant sites for new updates.