How to choose an education provider
Working in Florida real estate is a professional dream come true for many, especially those who strive to work in a dynamic, high growth industry with rewarding income prospects.
Whether you want to work as a part-time agent or become a full-time professional, you must obtain a Florida real estate license to begin with.
If you are preparing for a Florida real estate license, you might be aware of the various steps and requirements you need to fulfill, one of which is completing mandatory education.
Students often wonder how to choose the best real estate course Florida and boost their knowledge and preparation.
Whether you are a complete beginner or someone interested in switching careers, working in Florida real estate requires you to obtain a license.
As per the FREC (Florida Real Estate Commission), only licensed professionals are allowed to work with clients and earn commissions by participating in real estate deals.
The key to choosing the right education provider is to keep certain specific factors in mind and you will learn about them in detail in this article.
Since your odds of passing the Florida real estate license exam hinges on your level of knowledge and preparation, it is important to make an informed decision.
- Evaluate the course curriculum: One of the most important deciding factors is to evaluate the pre license education curriculum offered by an education provider. The 63 hours of Florida pre license education must cover all the mandatory courses required by the FREC for aspiring professionals.
- Explore the course packages: Many education providers offer various learning packages and plans for students with different needs. Whether you are appearing for the test for the first time or taking another attempt at it, you should explore the different packages to find the one most suitable.
In addition to the above, you must also decide whether you want to join a physical, classroom based real estate college or enroll in an online pre license course in Florida.
Many students prefer the convenience and flexibility of online courses as they can be completed from anywhere on your own schedule.
Irrespective of your preferred learning medium, make sure to choose a FREC approved education provider for completing 63 hours of pre license course credits.
Getting your Real Estate License in Florida
If you are a complete beginner, you might find the license process overwhelming and complex, however, if you approach it in a step-by-step way, it is a straightforward process.
Step 1: Fulfill the eligibility requirements
As per the FREC, it is mandatory that every applicant meets the basic statutory requirements to qualify for a real estate license. These are:
- Be at least 18 years of age or older
- Have a legal proof of residence in Florida
- You should have a high school diploma or GED equivalent in education
You can take a fitness determination test to ensure that you meet the minimum eligibility criteria before committing to the licensing process.
Step 2: Complete the pre licensing education
To become eligible for a salesperson license in Florida, you must complete qualifying education first.
The FREC requires aspiring real estate agents to complete 63 hours of prelicensing education from a state approved education provider.
During your coursework, you will learn about the principles of real estate, state and federal laws, real estate finance, ethics and consumer rights among other fundamental topics.
Completing these courses will help you learn about your job duties, responsibilities and your profession in detail and using this knowledge you can serve your clients better.
Step 3: Take and pass the Florida state licensing exam
Once you have completed the minimum hours of pre licensing education, the next step is to take the Florida real estate salesperson licensing exam.
The real estate license exam in FL consists of both state and federal specific portions based on the topics and courses covered in your pre license education curriculum.
The exam is three hours in duration and it will ask you 100 multiple choice questions. In order to pass the exam, you must score at least 75% or above.
Note that if you are unable to pass the test on your first attempt, you can retake the exam after 24 hours.
Step 4: Complete federal background verification check
As per the Florida DBPR (Department of Business and Professional Regulation), you must meet the minimum standards of honesty, integrity and truthfulness to work as a licensed professional and assist clients.
The DBPR in Florida requires all applicants to have a clean background with no history of felony or criminal activity.
To complete the background verification check, you will have to submit an electronic copy of your fingerprints.
Step 5: Find employment sponsorship
The Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) requires every new license holder to work with a supervisory broker or a brokerage firm licensed in the state.
To activate your salesperson license, you can reach out to local brokerage firms or senior brokers seeking sponsorship.
Once you find a suitable employer who is willing to sponsor you, you can submit your sponsorship details to the real estate commission in Florida.
