Becoming a licensed real estate sales associate or broker in Florida: s. 475.17 requirements
Section 475.17 sets Florida's basic licensing rules: age 18, a high school diploma, good character, prelicensure courses with hour caps, 24 months of experience for brokers, and post-licensure education before the first renewal.
Section 475.17, Florida Statutes, sets the qualifications for a real estate license. Under s. 475.01, a broker handles real estate transactions for compensation on behalf of another, and a sales associate does the same kind of work under the direction, control or management of another person.
Basic requirements. An applicant must be at least 18, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, and be honest, trustworthy, of good character and have a good reputation for fair dealing. A prior license denial, revocation or suspension can bar licensure unless the Florida Real Estate Commission finds the public is not likely to be endangered, and an application may be disapproved if the applicant practiced in violation of the chapter within the year before filing.
Prelicensure courses. The statute caps sales associate courses at 63 classroom hours of 50 minutes, including the exam, and broker courses at 72. The Commission sets the actual requirement within those caps, and this guide does not cover its rules. Absences of more than 8 classroom hours block a certificate of completion. Approved distance learning is allowed with a timed exam.
Broker experience. A broker applicant needs at least 24 months of qualifying experience in the preceding 5 years, such as holding an active sales associate license under a broker, or a valid broker license in another jurisdiction.
Post-licensure education. Before the first renewal the Commission may require up to 45 classroom hours for sales associates and up to 60 for brokers. Failing to finish voids the license, and the person must retake the prelicensure course and pass the state exam.
An applicant with a four-year or higher degree in real estate from an accredited institution is exempt from the course requirements. This is a general explanation and not legal advice; exam, fee and background details are set elsewhere.