Real estate license requirements in Florida
Florida’s entry-level license is called a “Sales Associate,” not a salesperson, and requires 63 hours of pre-licensing education — but we could not confirm the current standard exam fee from a live, current source, so we’re not going to guess at a number that might be wrong.
Education
The Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) requires 63 classroom hours in an approved Sales Associate pre-licensing course before you can sit for the exam.
| Requirement | Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sales Associate Pre-License Course (FREC I) | 63 | FREC-approved provider |
What Florida calls your first license
Florida doesn’t use the word “salesperson” at all — its entry-level license is called a “Sales Associate,” and like most entry-level real estate licenses, it must be held under a sponsoring licensed broker.
The licensing exam
Florida contracts with Pearson VUE to administer the exam: 100 questions over 210 minutes, split into 45 national items, 45 Florida-specific items, and 10 math items, with a passing score of 75 points.
| Portion | Items |
|---|---|
| National | 45 |
| Florida-specific | 45 |
| Math | 10 |
| Total | 100 items / 210 minutes, pass = 75 points |
We were not able to confirm Florida’s current standard exam fee from a primary source. The only figure we found anywhere — including on Pearson VUE’s own live Florida candidate page — is $36.75, and that figure traces back to a document copyrighted 2017. It’s almost certainly out of date. Confirm the real, current fee directly with Pearson VUE when you schedule, rather than budgeting around a number we can’t stand behind.
Every source we found for Florida's exam fee, including Pearson VUE's own current candidate page, traces back to a 2017-dated document. Treat any $36.75 figure you see online as unreliable and check the live fee when you actually schedule your exam.
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $11 | DBPR (FAC Rule 61J2-1.011) |
| Initial license fee | $46.75 | DBPR (FAC Rule 61J2-1.011) |
| Exam fee | Not confirmed current | Pearson VUE — verify at scheduling |
| Background check | ~$36 | DBPR — figure carried forward, not independently reconfirmed this session |
The $11 application fee plus $46.75 initial license fee ($57.75 total) is confirmed current under Florida Administrative Code 61J2-1.011. The exam fee and background-check figure above are the best information we have, but weren’t independently reconfirmed from DBPR this session — DBPR’s site blocks automated verification tools, so a direct check is worth the extra step before you pay anything.
How to apply, step by step
The steps can overlap in places, but this is the order that avoids the most common delays.
From a FREC-approved provider.
Along with the $11 application fee.
Figure has historically been around $36, but confirm the current amount directly with DBPR.
100 questions covering national, Florida-specific, and math content; confirm the current fee when you book.
To DBPR, once you've passed.
Your Sales Associate license must be activated under a licensed Florida broker.
After you’re licensed: staying current
Florida is commonly cited as requiring a 45-hour post-license course before your first license renewal, but we were not able to independently reconfirm this from DBPR’s live site this session — DBPR blocks automated access. Don’t assume the 45-hour figure is current; verify your specific post-licensing obligation directly with FREC or DBPR once you’re licensed.
Reciprocity
We were not able to confirm Florida’s current reciprocity policy from a primary source this session (DBPR’s site blocked automated access). If you’re licensed in another state and considering Florida, contact FREC/DBPR directly rather than relying on a secondhand list — reciprocity terms and eligible states change.
Common questions
What is Florida's entry-level real estate license actually called?
“Sales Associate” — Florida is one of the few states that doesn’t use “salesperson” for this tier.
How many pre-licensing hours does Florida require?
63 classroom hours, from a FREC-approved provider, before you’re eligible to sit for the exam.
Is Florida's exam fee really $36.75?
We can’t confirm that. Every source we found, including Pearson VUE’s current Florida page, traces the $36.75 figure back to a document copyrighted 2017. Check the live fee when you schedule.
Do I need to complete post-licensing education after I'm licensed?
Likely yes — a 45-hour post-license course before first renewal is commonly cited — but we could not independently reconfirm this from DBPR this session. Verify with FREC directly.
Does Florida have reciprocity with my state?
We could not confirm Florida’s current reciprocity terms this session. Contact FREC/DBPR directly for the current policy.
Next step
Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC), under DBPR — https://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/real-estate-commission/
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