🏡 How to Become a Realtor in Florida: Step-by-Step Guide

At D Siesta House, our passion has always been helping families discover peaceful, beautiful places to stay — from our travel blog tips to the cozy vacation homes we recommend for parents who need a real break.

Lately, I (Veronica) have decided to take that mission a step further by pursuing my real estate license in Florida. I want to better understand property management, vacation rentals, and long-term rentals — everything that goes into creating relaxing, comfortable spaces for families like ours.

Since many of our readers also dream about owning or managing vacation or long-term rental homes, I decided to open a new corner of our blog dedicated to real estate and investment tips. Whether you’re thinking about selling homes, becoming a licensed agent, managing long-term rentals, or turning your own vacation property into a family-friendly retreat — this post will walk you through exactly how to become a realtor in Florida.

☕ So grab your cafecito and let’s dive into everything you need to know to start your real estate journey in the Sunshine State!

📋 Table of Contents

1. Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements

2. Step 2: Complete a 63-Hour Pre-Licensing Course

3. Step 3: Apply for Your Real Estate License

4. Step 4: Get Fingerprinted

5. Step 5: Pass the Florida Real Estate Exam

6. Step 6: Find a Sponsoring Broker & Activate Your License

7. Step 7: Join a Realtor® Association (Optional)

8. Step 8: Complete Post-Licensing Education

9. Step 9: Maintain Your License

10. Why I’m Pursuing My Florida Real Estate License

11. Follow Along

🏡 Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements (how to become a realtor in florida)

Before diving in, make sure you meet Florida’s basic eligibility criteria:

• Be at least 18 years old

• Have a U.S. Social Security number

• Hold a high school diploma or GED

If you meet these, you’re ready to start your journey toward becoming a licensed Florida real estate agent!

📚 Step 2: Complete a 63-Hour Pre-Licensing Course

Florida requires all aspiring agents to complete a 63-hour state-approved pre-licensing course. You can take it online or in person through an approved provider.

This course covers essential topics like:

• Real estate principles and practices

• Florida real estate law

• Property management

• Real estate math

You’ll need to pass the end-of-course exam with a 70% or higher to move on.

💡 Pro Tip: Online courses are ideal for busy parents or anyone balancing family, work, and study time — I’m right there with you! I will be posting a course comparison soon to help you decide which option is best for you

📝 Step 3: Apply for Your Real Estate License

Once your course is complete, it’s time to apply!

Head to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)

website: 👉www.myfloridalicense.com

Here’s what you’ll need to do:

• Submit your application online

• Pay the $83.75 application fee

• Wait for approval (usually 10–30 days)

🔎 Step 4: Get Fingerprinted

Florida requires all applicants to undergo a background check.

Steps to complete fingerprinting:

• Schedule through an approved Livescan provider

• Bring a valid photo ID

• Submit fingerprints to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)

• Do this at least 5 days before your license application is processed

🧠 Step 5: Pass the Florida Real Estate Exam

The Florida real estate exam is administered by Pearson VUE.

👉www.pearsonvue.com/fl/realestate

Exam details:

• Fee: $36.75

• Format: 100 multiple-choice questions

• Passing score: 75% or higher

You’ll be tested on Florida law, real estate principles, and math. Don’t skip practice tests — they really help!

💼 Step 6: Find a Sponsoring Broker & Activate Your License

You can’t officially work as an agent until your license is active, which requires a sponsoring broker.

Your broker will:

• Activate your license through the DBPR

• Provide mentorship and oversight

• Help you build your client base

Choose a broker that aligns with your career goals — especially if you’re interested in vacation rentals, investment properties, or family housing.

🤝 Step 7: Join a Realtor® Association (Optional)

While not required, joining professional associations can really boost your career. Consider joining:

• Your local Realtor® board

• The Florida Realtors®

• The National Association of Realtors® (NAR)

Membership offers:

• MLS access (Multiple Listing Service)

• Networking and mentorship opportunities

• Legal support and continued training

📘 Step 8: Complete Post-Licensing Education

Within your first 18–24 months as a new agent, you’ll need to complete 45 hours of post-licensing education.

This ensures you stay compliant and confident in real-world scenarios.

🔄 Step 9: Maintain Your License

To keep your license active:

• Renew every 2 years

• Complete 14 hours of continuing education (CE) before renewal

Staying current helps you stay competitive and knowledgeable in a constantly evolving market.

🌴 Why I’m Pursuing My Florida Real Estate License

For me, real estate is a natural extension of what we already do here at D Siesta Family — helping families find peace and connection in beautiful spaces.

By becoming a licensed realtor, I can expand our mission through D Siesta House, learning every detail about vacation properties, investments, and homeownership in Florida.

This journey is about growth, family, and sharing everything I learn with you — so you can feel empowered to follow your own path, too.

📬 Follow Along

If you’re dreaming of becoming a realtor, owning a vacation rental, or simply following along on this next adventure, we’d love to have you with us.

✨ Subscribe to our newsletter to get updates on:

• My real estate journey

• Family-friendly travel destinations

• Property management tips for parents

💌 Click here to subscribe and follow our story →

And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Pinterest (@D_Siesta_Family) for real estate updates, family travel tips, and behind-the-scenes moments from our next Florida adventure.

📌 Pin It for Later

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Become a Realtor in Florida — Save this checklist for later!

To download the Free PDF checklist, please click the link below:

Florida_Realtor_License_Checklist.pdf

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