Agents ready to become a Florida real estate broker can do so in six simple steps. First, the agent must work in the industry for two years. Then, he or she needs to take pre-licensing courses, submit an application, pass the exam with a 75% or more, request license activation, and finally take post-licensing courses.
To get started with the process of becoming a Florida real estate broker, agents should turn to Real Estate Express. Real Estate Express offers both the pre-licensing and post-licensing courses required to become a broker in Florida. The online format allows agents to complete the work when time allows, and agents won’t break the bank while advancing their careers.
Here are the six steps real estate agents need to complete to become a real estate broker in Florida:
1. Work as a Real Estate Agent for Two Years
Before an agent begins the process of becoming a real estate broker in Florida, he or she must have completed 24 months as an active real estate agent working under a licensed broker or government agency. Additionally, the 24-month period must have occurred within the last five years.
Agents who worked in states other than Florida must report this on their applications. They must also include a certification of their real estate license history. This certification must include the agent’s initial license exam type, the current license status, any disciplinary information, and how many months the candidate worked as an active agent for the last five years.
2. Take the Pre-Licensing Courses
The second step to becoming a real estate broker is to take the 72-hour broker course, which must be taught by a state-approved instructor, per Florida’s specific real estate broker requirements. Real estate agents must also take the classes before sitting for the broker exam unless they hold a four-year degree in real estate.
Once the real estate agent has passed the course, he or she must pass the broker exam within two years. To pass the broker exam, the agent must have an understanding of real estate law, principles and practices, appraising, finance, investment and brokerage management, and real estate mathematics. The agent must also be able to put these theories into practice.
Courses Required by Florida
Real estate agents studying to become brokers will go deeper into crucial real estate principles and practices than they did when taking courses to become an agent. This knowledge will help brokers lead a group of real estate agents. Since the broker is liable for the actions of agents working under him or her, having top level knowledge is essential.
The coursework will cover:
- Real Estate Brokerage Business
- Valuing Property
- Listing and Selling Property
- Contracts
- Financing
- Closing Transactions
- Federal Income Tax Laws
- Investments
- Zoning and Planning
- Environmental Issues
- Property Management
- Real Estate Market
Required Course Formats
Most of the time, an agent who wants to become a broker is growing his or her business by serving clients. This busy lifestyle may make it difficult to attend an in-person class regularly. Unlike other states, Florida allows agents to take courses either in person or through an accredited online source.
Online classes are a great option as they enable agents to have a more flexible schedule and work on the coursework at their own pace. Other real estate schools offer live webinars that students may attend from the comfort of their own homes. Online courses are also usually more affordable than in-person classes.
Agents should review Fit Small Business’ list of best Florida real estate schools to choose the best one for their learning style and budget.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Florida Real Estate Broker License?
It costs around $660 for agents to get their real estate broker license in Florida. Some of these costs are set, such as the costs of the license application, fingerprinting, and the Florida broker exam fee. Some of these costs are variable. For example, the prices of pre-licensing courses vary based on which real estate school the agent chooses. For agents wanting to get their broker license quickly and affordably in Florida, we recommend Real Estate Express.
Real Estate Express offers two packages for agents wanting to sit for the broker exam. The first package is the Basic Package. It includes access to 72-hours’ worth of online broker courses. It also includes two e-books, access to state-approved instructors, and access to online discussion boards. The program’s list price is $199, but it is often on sale up to 35% off the regular price.
Once agents complete the broker courses and pass the exam, they must take 60 additional hours of post-licensing coursework. The second Real Estate Express package, called “Broker Ultimate Learning,” allows agents to purchase both the pre-licensing and post-licensing courses at once. The benefit of doing so is that agents will receive a discount. This package is often on sale for $258.70.
Florida Real Estate Broker License Costs
Pre-Licensing Classes (72 Hours) | $199 (through Real Estate Express) |
Florida Real Estate Broker License Exam Fee | $36.75 |
License Application Fee | $91.75 |
Fingerprinting Fee | $57.25 |
Broker Transaction Form Fee | $77 |
Post-Licensing Classes (60 Hours) | $199 (through Real Estate Express) |
Total Costs | $660.75 |
3. Submit the Real Estate Commission’s License Application
Once an agent has completed the 60 hours of pre-licensing work, they must fill out the application for the broker’s license. This application, which is provided by the Florida Real Estate Commission, can be completed and submitted online or printed out and mailed. The application fee is $91.75. This fee may be waived if agents were a member of the military, the spouse of a member of the military, or an active member of the National Guard.
The form asks applicants to give their personal information, requests for testing considerations or accommodations, and any background information that may interfere with them becoming a broker. Along with the application, agents must submit their electronic fingerprints as well as any documentation that shows their history as a real estate agent.
Once an agent’s application has been processed and approved, he or she must schedule the exam through Pearson Virtual University Enterprises. The cost of the exam is $36.75.
How Long Does it Take for the Broker Application to be Processed?
It takes an average of four to six weeks for the broker application to be processed. Applicants can check the status of the application from the website.
4. Pass the Florida Real Estate Broker Exam
The Florida broker exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions, lasts three and one-half hours and is administered on a computer by a company called Pearson. Agents must earn a score of 75% or higher to pass the exam. Pearson will notify you of your exam date, time, and location. Please note there are 20 testing locations in Florida alone.
When arriving for the real estate broker exam, bring two valid forms of ID. At least one needs to be a government-issued photo ID. The test taker’s name and address must match the information on the application form. Also, bring the Florida Division of Real Estate Authorization Notice and a copy of the Pre-Licensing Education Completion Form. Agents may also bring a basic calculator.
The exam proctor will be extremely particular about what agents bring into the examination facility. One cannot bring any electronic devices or preparation materials. Test takers may also be asked to remove watches, jewelry, or even tie pins during the exam. For a detailed list of what items are allowed and what things are banned, consult this website.
When Will Agents Receive the Results of the Broker Exam?
Exam results will be available immediately after the completion of the test. It is the real estate agent’s responsibility to make sure that all the information on the exam report is complete and correct before leaving the test location.
Can the Florida Broker Exam be Retaken?
Agents can retake the exam as many times as they would like within two years of the completion of the pre-licensing coursework. Agents will need to pay each time they take the exam.
5. Complete and Submit the Broker Transaction Form
Before the agent can begin work as a broker, he or she must fill out another form—this time the Broker Transaction Form. This form is available online, and it must be submitted with a $77 fee. While completing all these forms can feel tedious, they are an important part of the process as brokers need to understand they will be held liable for their agent’s actions.
“From the day I became a sales agent, I always aspired to become a real estate broker. I desired to have full control over my business without being at the whims of splits, large transaction fees, and desk fees often forced onto sales agents.
For me the hardest part of this process was passing the test. I failed the test the first time by one single point. This was devastating for me, especially since a very dear friend of mine died a few weeks before the test.
The brokers test is quite different from the sales agent test, as it includes topics that are not covered in the sales agent course. Understanding errors and omission insurance, the legal definition of an official office space, and investment risk calculations are just a few of the numerous additions to the course.
Outside of passing the class, the real difficulty begins once you hold the full liability of your actions and your agents’ actions in your hands.”
—Brandin Johnson, Licensed Real Estate Broker, Incisive Realty, LLC
“From the day I became a sales agent, I always aspired to become a real estate broker. I desired to have full control over my business without being at the whims of splits, large transaction fees, and desk fees often forced onto sales agents.6. Complete the Post-Licensing Courses
Between 18 and 24 months after becoming a Florida real estate broker, real estate professionals must complete 60 hours of post-licensing courses. Florida requires brokers to complete two 30-hour courses. One of the classes is on brokerage operations, and the other is on residential marketing.
Florida brokers should check with their pre-licensing real estate school to see if the post-licensing classes are offered. While costs can vary by provider, brokers who purchased the pre and post-licensing classes through Real Estate Express can receive all the required courses for $258.70 when the program is on sale, making it a cost-effective option for agents ready to take that next step.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Did we not answer an important question? Get the answers below.
What’s the Difference Between a Real Estate Agent and a Real Estate Broker?
The main difference between an agent and a broker is that a broker can own a real estate agency. Brokers can also have real estate agents work under them.
How Much Do Real Estate Brokers in Florida Make?
According to Indeed, real estate brokers in Florida make an average of $76,717 per year. These statistics are based on 216 salaries that were reported within the state.
Do Brokers Make More Money Than Real Estate Agents?
According to Indeed, real estate brokers do not necessarily make more than real estate agents. Based on almost 3,000 salaries that were reported, real estate agents in the Sunshine State earn an average of $89,329 per year.
Do You Need a Degree to be a Real Estate Broker?
One does not need to have a degree to become a real estate broker in Florida. Those with degrees in real estate may wave the pre-licensing and post-licensing courses, though.
What is The Best Way to Study for The Florida Real Estate Broker Exam?
Agents can purchase exam prep materials from online real estate schools, or they may attend in-person review sessions. Some real estate schools offer private, state-approved tutors that agents may pay by the hour to help them prepare for the test.
Bottom Line
While becoming a real estate broker in the state of Florida might appear straightforward, the process is far from easy. In addition to passing the exam and meeting the required work experience, taking that next step, an agent’s professional career requires careful planning, considerable note-taking, and more than a little determination.
That said, the process can be made simpler by utilizing an accredited real estate education provider offering real estate agent and broker courses online. Real Estate Express is a great option for aspiring brokers as it includes a Broker Ultimate Learning bundle that includes required courses as well as an additional 60 hours of educational resources designed to keep you at your sharpest. Visit Real Estate Express today.
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