Florida sales associates and brokers both help clients buy and sell property, but the licenses carry different responsibilities, education requirements, and career paths. Use this guide to decide which track fits your goals.
New to real estate? Start with the Florida pre-licensing course at Casa Academy.
For the full licensing overview, visit the Casa Academy homepage.
Florida sales associate vs broker: quick comparison
- Sales associates work under a broker; brokers can run a brokerage.
- Brokers have higher education and experience requirements.
- Brokers can supervise agents and manage escrow accounts.
- Sales associate licensing is the entry point for new agents.
Responsibilities and authority
Sales associates must be sponsored by a broker and cannot operate a brokerage independently. Brokers can manage offices, supervise associates, and take on higher-level compliance responsibilities.
Sales associate duties
- Prospect, list, and sell property under a broker.
- Follow brokerage compliance and supervision rules.
- Complete required post-licensing and continuing education.
Broker duties
- Supervise sales associates and oversee transactions.
- Maintain escrow accounts and brokerage records.
- Set brokerage policies and ensure legal compliance.
Education and experience requirements
Sales associates complete the 63-hour pre-licensing course and pass the state sales associate exam. Broker candidates must hold an active sales associate license and meet Florida’s experience requirement before completing a 72-hour broker course.
Exams and licensing steps
Both tracks follow a similar process but with different courses and exams.
- Sales associate: 63-hour course, DBPR application, fingerprints, state exam.
- Broker: 72-hour broker course, experience verification, DBPR application, fingerprints, broker exam.
Career paths and earning potential
Sales associates typically build experience and a client base under a broker. Brokers can earn more by supervising agents, charging higher splits, or owning a brokerage, but they take on additional overhead and compliance obligations.
Which license should you choose?
Choose the sales associate license if you are new to real estate.
Consider a broker license when you are ready to lead a team, manage a brokerage, or want more control over your business operations.
FAQs
Q: Can a sales associate work without a broker in Florida?
A: No. Sales associates must be sponsored by a licensed broker to practice.
Q: How much experience is required to become a broker in Florida?
A: Florida requires 24 months of active sales associate experience within the last five years.
Q: Is the broker exam harder than the sales associate exam?
A: Yes. The broker exam covers advanced brokerage management, legal responsibilities, and compliance topics.
Q: Do brokers have to complete continuing education?
A: Yes. Brokers must complete continuing education on the same renewal cycle as other licensees.