Wondering how to get a Florida real estate license online? This Casa Academy guide walks you through the exact steps, realistic timelines, and the bottlenecks that can slow you down so you can plan with confidence.
If you want to start right away, you can enroll in the Casa Academy online Florida real estate course and begin the 63-hour pre-licensing requirement today.
New to the industry? Visit the Casa Academy homepage for course options, support, and exam-prep resources.
For the official requirements list, review the Florida real estate license requirements (2026) guide before you apply.
Step-by-step timeline to get a Florida real estate license
Step 1 (2-4 weeks): Complete the 63-hour pre-licensing course. Your pace is the biggest variable; consistent study sessions shorten the timeline.
Step 2 (1-2 weeks): Submit the DBPR application and pay the state fees. Double-check names, addresses, and education details to avoid delays.
Step 3 (2-10 days): Schedule fingerprints with a Livescan vendor. Processing time varies by vendor and can become a bottleneck during busy seasons.
Step 4 (1-3 weeks): Schedule and take the state exam. Testing centers can fill quickly, so book early once your approval to test arrives.
Step 5 (1-2 weeks): Affiliate with a sponsoring broker and activate your license. Broker onboarding paperwork can add time if you are interviewing multiple firms.
Common bottlenecks and how to avoid them
The biggest delays come from incomplete applications, fingerprint processing backlogs, and limited exam appointments. Finish your course first, schedule fingerprints early, and monitor your DBPR application status so you can move to testing quickly.
Need a structured plan? Enroll in the Casa Academy online course and get a guided roadmap for each step.
What happens after you pass
Passing the exam is a milestone, but your license starts in inactive status. You must affiliate with a Florida broker to activate the license before you can practice. Many students use this window to compare commission splits, training, and support.
FAQs
Q: Who is eligible to apply for a Florida real estate license?
A: You must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and hold a valid Social Security number.
Q: How much does it cost to get a Florida real estate license?
A: Costs include the 63-hour course, state application fees, fingerprinting, and the exam fee. Budget for several hundred dollars total.
Q: How long does the whole process take?
A: Many students finish in 6-12 weeks, depending on course pace, application processing, and exam availability.
Q: Can I take the course online?
A: Yes. Florida allows approved online pre-licensing courses, which is how most students finish quickly.
Q: What happens after I pass the state exam?
A: Your license is issued as inactive until you affiliate with a sponsoring broker. Once active, you can begin practicing real estate.