How to Become a Real Estate Broker in Florida

Becoming a real estate broker gives you more control over your career, the ability to mentor other agents, and a chance to boost your income.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to get your Florida broker’s license, discuss the costs involved, and explore the benefits of taking your real estate career to the next level.

Let’s dive in.

Steps to Become a Real Estate Broker in Florida

Here’s a quick overview of the steps to obtain your Florida real estate broker’s license:

1. Meet the eligibility requirements.
2. Complete 72 hours of approved broker pre-licensing education.
3. Apply to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
4. Get fingerprinted and pass a background check.
5. Schedule and pass the Florida broker exam.
6. Activate your license.

Each of these is crucial in earning your broker’s license, and we’ll break down each step in detail below.

Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a Florida broker’s license, you must have held an active real estate sales associate license for at least 24 months in the past five years.

This experience prepares you for the responsibilities of a broker, including managing complex transactions and potentially leading a team of agents.

Step 2: Complete 72 Hours of Approved Broker Pre-Licensing Education

Enroll in a Florida-approved broker pre-licensing program, which includes 72 hours of in-depth coursework on advanced topics such as:

• Real Estate Brokerage Office Management
• Real Estate Investment
• Business Planning
• Real Estate Law
• Property Management
• Real Estate Appraisal

To earn your certificate, you’ll need to pass the final exam with at least a 70% score. 

This certificate is a necessary step before you can take the Florida broker licensing exam, so be sure to dedicate enough time to meet this requirement.

If you want to enroll in a real estate school, we partnered with Kaplan to provide exceptional real estate courses to Florida students. 

Sign up through US Realty Training and get a discount.

Step 3: Submit an Application to the Florida DBPR

Once you’ve finished your coursework, the next step is to submit your application to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). 

This will verify your eligibility to take the broker exam and officially start you on the path to becoming a licensed broker in Florida.

To apply, complete the DBPR’s online application and provide the following:

• Proof of your completed 72-hour pre-licensing education course
• Documentation showing you’ve held an active real estate sales associate license for at least 24 months in the past five years
• Personal identification details and work history
• Payment of the application fee

After submission, the DBPR will review your application to confirm you meet all requirements. Once approved, you’ll be eligible to schedule and take the Florida broker licensing exam.

Step 4: Get Fingerprinted and Pass a Background Check

In addition, fingerprinting and a background check are required by Florida law to ensure brokers meet the state’s standards.

To fulfill this requirement, schedule an appointment with a Livescan provider online or by phone. 

At the appointment, the provider will take your fingerprints and send them directly to the DBPR. Remember to keep your receipt with the ORI number on it, as you'll need this for your application.

Step 5: Schedule and Pass the Florida Broker Exam

Once your application is approved, you can schedule your real estate broker’s exam. 

The exam includes 100 multiple-choice questions and lasts 3.5 hours, covering material from your pre-licensing coursework. To pass, you'll need a minimum score of 75%.

After taking the exam, you’ll receive your results immediately, allowing you to know right away if you’ve passed and can move forward with activating your broker’s license.

We provide a Florida real estate crash course and exam prep package to make studying and passing easy. This program provides 8+ hours of video content that explains concepts, vocabulary, historical events, and laws on the exam. 

You get unlimited practice exams, vocab flashcards, an eBook study guide, and 2,000+ question and answer videos.

Step 6: Activate Your Broker License

After passing the Florida broker exam, there are a few final steps to activate your broker license. 

First, log in to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s (DBPR) online portal and submit a request to activate your license. You may also need to pay an activation fee as part of this process.

Once your license is activated, you’ll officially transition from a real estate agent to a broker, opening up new opportunities to operate independently, manage other agents, and even start your own brokerage. 

You can check your license status in the DBPR’s public database to confirm that your license is active and ready for use.

FAQs About Becoming a Real Estate Broker in Florida

This section answers common questions about the broker licensing process in Florida, covering topics like timelines, costs, and the differences between agents and brokers.

Should You Become a Real Estate Broker in Florida?

For agents ready to elevate their careers, becoming a broker offers greater control, higher earning potential, and the ability to manage or even open your own brokerage.

If you're looking for increased autonomy and the chance to build your own business, becoming a broker can be a fantastic move. It also allows you to mentor other agents and take on more responsibilities in real estate transactions.

How Fast Can You Get a Broker’s License?

The timeline for obtaining a broker’s license in Florida typically ranges from 3 to 6 months. This depends on how quickly you complete the pre-licensing education and prepare for the exam. 

While the process is flexible, some agents can finish in just a few months with full-time study and focused effort.

How Much Do Real Estate Brokers Make?

Brokers who manage a team or operate their own brokerage often see increased income, reflecting the additional responsibilities and revenue potential in these roles.

According to Indeed, the average base salary for a real estate broker in Florida is approximately $103,792 per year, with a typical range from $59,478 to $181,122, depending on experience and location. Additionally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that real estate brokers nationwide earn a median annual income of around $86,490, with the potential to earn significantly more in high-demand markets. 

How Much Does a Real Estate Broker’s License Cost?

Below is an approximate breakdown of the costs for getting your broker’s license in Florida:

• Pre-licensing education: $300-$600
• DBPR application fee: $91
• Exam fee: $36.75
• Fingerprinting fee: $50-$80
• License activation fee: $78.75

In total, you can expect to spend around $550 to $900.

What’s the Difference Between Real Estate Brokers and Agents?

While both brokers and agents assist clients with buying, selling, and renting properties, brokers hold additional authority and responsibilities. 

Brokers have completed advanced education and can manage or open their own brokerage, allowing them to hire agents and oversee more significant transactions. 

Agents, however, must operate under a broker’s supervision and cannot manage other agents. This distinction grants brokers more control, higher income potential, and the opportunity to lead in real estate.

Does Florida Have a Broker’s License Reciprocity Agreement?

Florida offers partial reciprocity with a few states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Mississippi, and Nebraska. 

To take advantage of this reciprocity, brokers from these states must submit proof of their active out-of-state license and meet any additional requirements set by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). 

Be sure to contact the DBPR for the most up-to-date information on reciprocity agreements and the specific steps to transfer your license to Florida.

Final Thoughts on Becoming a Real Estate Broker in Florida

Moving from agent to broker in Florida is a fantastic step to boost your career, offering more leadership opportunities, increased income potential, and the chance to build your own real estate team. 

By following these steps, you’ll be set up for success in your real estate journey.

If you’re ready to get started, enroll in our partnered Florida real estate licensing course today and get a discount. Click the button below to get started.