Frequently Asked Questions

Real Estate Licensing FAQs

What is real estate reciprocity? Does Florida have real estate reciprocity?

Real estate reciprocity is the ability to apply for a real estate license in other states without retaking a pre-licensing course.

Florida has real estate reciprocity, also known as mutual recognition, with Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Mississippi, Nebraska, and Rhode Island.

For more information about real estate reciprocity and what states have it, visit the National Association of Realtors topic page here.

What are the requirements to become a Florida Real Estate Sales Associate?
  • Complete a 63-hour Pre-Licensing Course either in person or online.
  • Pass the 63-hour Pre-Licensing Course End-of-Course exam with a score of 70 or higher.
  • Achieve a grade of 75 or higher on the state license exam.
  • Finish 45 hours of Post-License education before the first license renewal (within 18-24 months), and complete 14 hours of continuing education every 2 years thereafter.
  • Be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Successfully clear a background check.
  • Have a valid Social Security number.
Can I get a Florida Real Estate License if I am not a citizen of the USA or a Florida Resident?

Absolutely! You don’t need to be a resident of Florida or a citizen of the United States to get a Florida real estate license.

What's the distinction between a Sales Associate license and a Broker license?
  • A Sales Associate license is your first step into real estate work.

  • To become a Broker, you need to have worked as a Sales Associate for at least 24 months within the last five years.

How much does it cost to get a Sales Associate license?

To obtain a license, you’ll encounter these fees:

  1. Course Tuition: $149-$475*
  2. Fingerprinting Fees: Live Scan Fingerprinting in Florida costs between $30 to $40 for the rolling or service fee provided to the location, plus the government fee associated with your application type, which will be $37.25 or $61.25.*
  3. State Application Fee: $83.75
  4. State Testing Center Fee: $57.75
  5. Optional Cram Course: $199*

Total Without Cram Course: $357.75 – $717.75*

Total With Cram Course: $556.75 – $916.75*

*Please note that fees are subject to change.*

How do I submit a Florida real estate license application?

You may submit your application electronically or by mail. Instructions for each method can be found on the DBPR website here (online submissions) and here (mail submissions).

What are the continuing education requirements for active Brokers or Sales Associates after their first renewal?

Every two years, active Brokers or Sales Associates must complete 14 hours of Commission-approved instruction, which can be done in the classroom, online, or by correspondence. This includes Commission prescribed Core Law and Ethics.

What is "voluntary" and "involuntary" inactive license status?

If a license isn’t renewed by the end of the licensing period, it becomes involuntarily inactive. If it’s voluntarily made inactive for over 2 years without renewal, it automatically expires. When a licensee applies to the Department to be put on inactive status after paying a fee and completing their continuing education, it’s voluntary inactive.

General FAQs

How long do I have to take my state exam?

Once you finish your 63-hour Pre-License course, you’ll get a certificate. This certificate lasts for two years from the date of your final exam. Your state application is also valid for two years. The two-year period starts from whichever happens first: when you finish your course or when you submit your application.

How many times can I take the state exam?

You can take the state exam as many times as needed within two years. There’s no limit on attempts during this time frame.

When can I start practicing real estate after finishing my course?

After passing your state exam, you can hang your license with a Broker, and then you’re ready to start practicing real estate.

Do I need to join Pepine Realty if I attend the Real Estate School of North Central Florida?

Attending the Real Estate School of North Central Florida doesn’t require you to join or work for Pepine Realty. There’s no automatic affiliation or employment.

However, we highly encourage you to schedule a meeting with our team to explore the exciting benefits of joining our company as a new agent. We’d love to discuss how Pepine Realty can support and empower you in your real estate career journey.

Where can I get fingerprinted?

Now, the DBPR needs fingerprints in a digital form. To set up an appointment, dial 877-238-8232. You can also check the DBPR website for a list of electronic fingerprint providers across the state.

What if I have a criminal record?

The Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR) will review your background to decide if it affects your eligibility for licensure. When you apply through myfloridalicense.com, you’ll need to provide any relevant documents about your record. DBPR will then approve or deny your application. If you have a criminal record, we suggest waiting for DBPR approval before enrolling in our school.

What is DBPR?

DBPR stands for the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. For more details, you can visit myfloridalicense.com.

What is FREC?

FREC stands for Florida Real Estate Commission. For further details, you can visit: What is the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC)?

Our Course FAQs

What is included in the cost of tuition?

The fee for the in-person course includes:

  • Live, in-person classes
  • Textbook
  • Three-hour pre-licensing exam.

The fee for the live, online course includes:

  • Live, online classes
  • Textbook
  • Three-hour pre-licensing exam.

The fee for the self-paced online course [option 1] includes:

  • 63-hour online course
  • Accompanying videos
  • Flashcards
  • Live online coaching program

The fee for the self-paced online course [option 2] includes:

  • 63-hour online course
  • Textbook
  • Accompanying videos
  • Flashcards
  • Three-hour pre-licensing exam.

The fee for the self-paced online course [option 3] includes:

  • 63-hour online course
  • Textbook
  • Accompanying videos
  • Flashcards
  • Live online coaching program
  • Three-hour pre-licensing exam.
What should I bring to class?

For our in-person courses, we suggest bringing note-taking materials like pens, pencils, and highlighters. Textbooks will be given out on the first day of class.

What happens if I miss a class?

Pre-licensing students can miss up to 8 hours of class. Anyone who misses more than eight (8) total hours of instruction time CANNOT attempt the exam without retaking the entire course.

If you miss more than 8 hours, you can only make up the time if it’s because you or a family member is ill, as per state rules. You’ll need to make up the missed hours and units within 30 days of your course’s final exam.

To arrange makeup hours, please call our office at (352) 226-8474. If you don’t make up the missed hours within 30 days, you’ll have to retake the course at no extra cost within one year of the original course date.

What if I don't pass the End of Course Exam the first time?

If you don’t pass the exam on your first try, you’ll have to wait 30 days before you can try again. You’re allowed two attempts to pass within a year. If you fail a second time, you’ll need to retake the entire course before you can try the exam again.

Can I sit in your courses to review for my state exam?

Unfortunately, sitting in our regular courses for exam review isn’t an option. However, we do offer a specialized cram course designed specifically for individuals preparing to take their state exams. Led by experienced state-certified instructors, our cram course provides comprehensive coverage of exam essentials, ensuring you’re fully prepared and confident on test day. It’s the perfect option for those who have completed their 63-hour education requirement or hold licenses from states with mutual recognition with Florida.

How will I receive my course completion certificate?
  • Students who attend via livestream or online will receive their completion certificates by email after successful completion of the course and exam.
  • Students who attend in person will receive paper certificates after successful completion of the course and exam.
How do your in-person classes work? How do they work if I do a self-paced online course?

Our course lasts eight days and is taught in an immersive, classroom-like environment at the Pepine Realty office in Gainesville, FL. You will spend 63 hours with our team of experienced, professional instructors who will guide you through exam topics, teach key information about the business, and answer any questions you may have.

If you would like to take the course from the comfort of your home, we offer self-paced online courses where you can study independently while benefiting from comprehensive instruction.

Our Advantages

Live Instructor-Taught Courses Available

Our courses are taught by experienced instructors who are happy to answer all of your questions.

94% Course Exam Pass Rate

We’re dedicated to ensuring our students succeed, and take pride in educating.

Highly reviewed courses and instructors

Our engaging courses and knowledgeable instructors have earned us a 5 star rating on Google.

Attend Online or In-Person

You can choose to learn from the comfort of your home while still receiving the same quality of education and exam prep as in-person students.

Self-Paced or Instructor-Led

Learn at your own speed with our Self-Paced online options, or participate in a classroom-style environment with our Live Instructor courses.

Ready to get started?

WHAT STUDENTS ARE SAYING

★★★★★

I approved the Florida Real Estate Licensing Examination today! After attending the 63 hours course in person at this school three weeks ago, I have to say it was really helpful for me. If you ask, the instructors can provide you with real experiences about this business, as well they will guide you focusing on the topics to pass the state exam. I’m completely satisfied, so I highly recommend it!— HECTOR

★★★★★

Excellent school. Thorough instructors. The course adapted to areas we needed more help with. Highly recommend. — JESSICA

★★★★★

Mega Kudos to both instructors who are exceptionally talented and extremely patient real estate professionals. They both remained focused on covering all the material in the text book and, they used a variety of learning techniques, examples and after hours study sessions to help students correctly tackle and answer all potential exam questions (i.e., word and math). The Pepine Brokerage team also invited guest speakers to provide students with insights into various aspects of the real estate business. I was totally impressed with this school and appreciated the confidence which I gained after each day in class. For me, attending the North Central Florida Real Estate School was a five-star educational experience. It is 100% the best ‘bang for the buck’ for any individual who is committed to obtaining a Florida Real Estate Associate’s license. WENDY

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4041 NW 37th Place, Ste. B
Gainesville, FL 32606

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