If you want to sell real estate in Medley, Florida, you must meet the state’s licensing requirements through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC). A practical place to begin is Florida’s approved 63-hour real estate pre-licensing course, which can help you complete the required education online while preparing for the state examination.

Medley is a distinct setting for a real estate career. Unlike a community centered primarily on traditional single-family neighborhoods, the Town of Medley is known for its industrial and commercial concentration within western Miami-Dade County. Its location places agents near Hialeah, Doral, Miami Lakes, the Palmetto Expressway, the Florida Turnpike, and major distribution corridors. That creates potential opportunities in commercial leasing, industrial sales, warehouse properties, land, multifamily housing, and residential transactions in surrounding communities.

The license itself is issued by Florida, not by the Town of Medley or Miami-Dade County. Once licensed, however, you can choose a brokerage and develop a local practice serving Medley and nearby parts of the Miami metropolitan area.

Florida Sales Associate Requirements

Florida’s entry-level real estate credential is the sales associate license. A sales associate may perform licensed real estate activities only under the direction and control of a Florida-licensed broker.

To qualify, an applicant must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
• Possess a valid Social Security number.
• Complete the required 63-hour pre-license education.
• Submit an application and required fee to DBPR.
• Submit electronic fingerprints for a background check.
• Pass the Florida Real Estate Sales Associate Examination.
• Activate the license with a qualifying Florida broker.

Florida DBPR lists the age, education, Social Security number, fingerprint, application, and examination requirements for sales associate applicants.

A criminal record does not automatically mean an applicant will be denied. DBPR reviews background information and may evaluate the nature, date, and circumstances of an offense. Applicants should answer application questions accurately and disclose information when required. Omissions or inaccurate answers can create a separate licensing problem.

Complete the 63-Hour Pre-License Course

Every prospective Florida sales associate generally must complete a FREC-approved 63-hour pre-license course before qualifying for the state exam. The course covers subjects such as:

• Real estate principles and practices.
• Florida real estate law.
• License law and commission rules.
• Brokerage relationships.
• Contracts.
• Financing.
• Property ownership.
• Valuation and market analysis.
• Closings and settlement procedures.
• Real estate mathematics.

The 63 hours are typically measured in classroom hours, with each classroom hour consisting of 50 minutes of instruction under Florida rules. After completing the course, you must pass the school’s required end-of-course examination and receive proof of completion.

Can the course be completed online?

Yes. Florida-approved education providers may offer approved online or distance-learning formats. Online education can be especially useful for Medley residents who work irregular hours in logistics, manufacturing, transportation, hospitality, or other industries common throughout western Miami-Dade County.

Online does not mean unstructured. Plan for scheduled study time, identity or attendance requirements imposed by the provider, course exams, and technology access. Before enrolling, confirm that the provider and course are approved for Florida sales associate pre-licensing education.

Leap’s Florida pre-licensing program is one option to review when comparing online course formats, instructional support, practice questions, and preparation resources.

The completed course is not permanently valid for licensing purposes. Florida’s published requirements state that the pre-license course is valid for two years after completion. If you wait too long to apply or complete the licensing process, verify whether you need to retake the course.

Submit the DBPR Application

After completing the course, submit the sales associate application to DBPR. Florida’s current sales associate application form identifies an application fee of $62.75. Fees can change, so check the current DBPR form before submitting payment.

The application generally asks for identifying information, education history, and disclosures about criminal, disciplinary, or professional matters. Use your legal name consistently and make sure it matches your identification and Social Security records.

DBPR may request additional documentation after reviewing the application. Respond promptly if the agency asks for court records, explanations, license records, or other supporting information.

Fingerprints and background screening

Sales associate applicants must submit electronic fingerprints through a Florida-approved Livescan service. The fingerprints are used for state and federal background screening. Livescan providers charge their own fingerprinting fee, so that cost is separate from the DBPR application fee and depends on the provider.

Fingerprint submission is a separate step from filing the application. Coordinate the timing carefully and follow the instructions on the current DBPR application. Incorrect ORI information, incomplete submissions, or fingerprints submitted through an unsuitable provider can delay processing.

Schedule and Pass the Pearson VUE Exam

Once DBPR determines that you are eligible, you can schedule the Florida sales associate examination through Pearson VUE. Pearson VUE administers Florida’s real estate licensing examinations and publishes the candidate information and scheduling instructions.

The exam tests both general real estate knowledge and Florida-specific laws and practices. You should be prepared for questions involving:

• Real estate license law.
• Brokerage relationships and duties.
• Contracts and agency.
• Property rights.
• Financing and mortgages.
• Real estate calculations.
• Closing procedures.
• Property management.
• Federal and Florida regulations.
• FREC rules.

Florida requires a passing score of at least 75 on the sales associate examination. The exam fee is separate from the DBPR application fee. Because testing charges and scheduling policies may change, verify the current amount directly through Pearson VUE when you schedule.

A good preparation plan includes completing the course first, reviewing missed practice questions, memorizing essential formulas, and studying Florida law separately from general real estate concepts. Pay special attention to commission rules, escrow, brokerage relationships, disclosures, and calculations.

If you do not pass, Pearson VUE and DBPR procedures determine when and how you may retake the examination. Review the current candidate instructions before booking a second attempt.

Activate Your License With a Broker

Passing the exam does not automatically mean you are ready to work independently. A Florida sales associate must operate under a licensed broker.

After approval and examination, the license may be issued in an inactive status unless a broker activates it. Florida DBPR explains that activation may be completed through the appropriate DBPR form or by the broker through the broker’s online account.

Before choosing a brokerage in or near Medley, compare:

• Commission split and transaction fees.
• Training for new agents.
• Desk, technology, and marketing fees.
• Lead distribution.
• Mentoring and supervision.
• Commercial real estate support.
• Spanish-language or multilingual business resources.
• Office location and accessibility.
• Policies for working across Miami-Dade County.
• Access to listing, transaction-management, and electronic-signature systems.

A brokerage with strong commercial or industrial experience may be particularly relevant if you want to work with Medley’s warehouse, distribution, manufacturing, contractor, and business-owner communities. A residential-focused brokerage may be a better fit if you plan to serve buyers and sellers in nearby Hialeah, Doral, Miami Lakes, or other residential markets.

You do not need to live in Medley to hold a Florida license. You do need a Florida broker relationship to practice as an active sales associate.

Realistic Timeline and Total Cost

A realistic timeline is often several weeks to a few months, depending on how quickly you complete the course, obtain fingerprints, receive DBPR approval, schedule the exam, and find a brokerage. A fast-moving applicant may complete the steps quickly, while a person studying part time or dealing with application questions may need longer.

A practical sequence looks like this:

1. Enroll in and complete the approved 63-hour course.
2. Pass the school’s course examination.
3. Submit the DBPR application.
4. Complete electronic fingerprints.
5. Wait for eligibility and application processing.
6. Schedule the Pearson VUE examination.
7. Pass the state exam.
8. Select a broker and activate the license.
9. Begin the 45-hour post-license course before the first renewal deadline.

Known official costs should be confirmed before payment because Florida fees can be revised. The current DBPR sales associate application form lists $62.75 for the application. Additional expenses normally include:

• The pre-license course.
• Electronic fingerprinting.
• The Pearson VUE examination.
• Transportation or technology costs.
• Brokerage startup, association, marketing, or transaction fees.

Do not confuse the application fee with every cost of becoming active. The course provider, Livescan vendor, testing administrator, and brokerage may each charge separately.

Complete the 45-Hour Post-License Course

Florida requires a newly licensed sales associate to complete 45 hours of approved post-license education before the first renewal. This requirement applies even if the license is inactive.

The post-license course is more career-oriented than the entry-level course. It can reinforce practical topics such as contracts, brokerage operations, finance, property management, appraisal, and transaction responsibilities.

Missing the post-license deadline can have serious consequences. DBPR states that failure to complete the required post-license education by the initial expiration date can cause the license to become null and void. Mark the deadline shown on your license and enroll early rather than waiting for the final weeks.

Continuing Education After the First Renewal

After the first renewal period, Florida licensees generally must complete 14 hours of continuing education every two-year renewal cycle. The education requirement is separate from paying the renewal fee.

The current renewal structure includes:

• Three hours of Core Law.
• Three hours of Business Ethics and Practices.
• Eight hours of specialty education.

Verify the exact course categories and renewal instructions for your license period through DBPR. Completing education alone does not renew the license; you must also submit the renewal and applicable payment by the deadline.

Career Opportunities Around Medley

A Medley-area license can support more than conventional residential sales. Potential directions include:

Industrial and commercial real estate

Medley’s industrial character makes commercial real estate a natural local focus. Agents may work with business owners, tenants, landlords, investors, manufacturers, distributors, contractors, and logistics companies seeking warehouse, flex, office, or industrial space.

Commercial transactions often require knowledge of leases, operating expenses, zoning, loading access, building functionality, environmental considerations, and transportation routes. New agents should seek brokerage training before presenting themselves as specialists.

Residential real estate nearby

Many people who work in Medley live elsewhere in Miami-Dade County. A sales associate can build a residential practice serving buyers, sellers, renters, and investors in nearby communities while maintaining a local business connection.

Understanding commute routes, schools, housing types, insurance considerations, condominium rules, flood exposure, and municipal differences is more valuable than simply claiming to serve “all of Miami.”

Property management and investment

Florida real estate education can lead toward property management, leasing, and investment-related work. Some activities require specific supervision, contracts, or additional expertise. Learn the limits of a sales associate license and follow your broker’s policies.

New-construction and land opportunities

Western Miami-Dade agents may encounter redevelopment, land-use, infill, and commercial expansion opportunities. These transactions can involve zoning, permitting, environmental review, access, utilities, and local government approvals. Refer specialized legal, engineering, tax, or planning questions to qualified professionals.

What Can a New Agent Earn?

Florida does not guarantee a salary for licensed sales associates. Many agents are paid through commissions, and income depends on closed transactions, brokerage agreements, market conditions, expenses, specialization, and the amount of time spent prospecting and serving clients.

Avoid relying on online claims that promise a specific first-year income. A new Medley-area agent should prepare for an uneven early period while building referrals, learning contracts, developing a geographic niche, and establishing a pipeline.

Before joining a brokerage, ask for a written explanation of commission splits, fees, lead costs, commission advances, team arrangements, and independent-contractor obligations. Also budget for marketing, transportation, insurance, technology, association dues, and taxes.

A Practical Medley Licensing Strategy

A locally informed launch plan could look like this:

• Complete the Florida course online while maintaining a realistic study schedule.
• Learn Medley’s industrial and commercial geography, not just residential neighborhoods.
• Visit nearby business districts and understand major roadway connections.
• Interview brokerages with both commercial and residential capabilities.
• Build a contact list of local business owners, contractors, tenants, landlords, and residents.
• Learn when a transaction requires zoning, environmental, legal, tax, or engineering advice.
• Create marketing content that explains practical local issues without making unsupported market claims.
• Finish the 45-hour post-license requirement well before the first renewal deadline.
• Select continuing education that supports your chosen niche.

Licensing is the legal starting point. Long-term success depends on supervision, ethical conduct, market knowledge, responsive communication, and consistent client development.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old must I be to get a Florida real estate license?

You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Do I need to live in Medley or Florida?

No. Florida’s sales associate license is a state license, and residency in Medley is not required. You must still satisfy Florida’s education, application, fingerprint, and examination requirements.

Can I take the 63-hour course online?

Yes, if the course is approved for Florida pre-licensing education and you satisfy the provider’s attendance, testing, and identity requirements. Confirm approval before enrolling.

How much is the Florida application?

The current DBPR sales associate application form lists a $62.75 fee. Course tuition, fingerprints, examination charges, and brokerage expenses are additional.

Can I work immediately after passing the exam?

You must have an active license and work under a qualifying Florida broker. If the license is inactive, it must be activated before performing licensed real estate services.

What happens if I skip the 45-hour post-license course?

Failure to complete the required 45-hour post-license education by the initial expiration date can cause the sales associate license to become null and void.

How often is continuing education required?

After the initial renewal requirements, Florida generally requires 14 hours of continuing education during each two-year renewal cycle.

Is commercial real estate different from residential real estate?

The license is the same, but the transactions, documents, financial analysis, property issues, and client expectations can differ substantially. New agents should obtain brokerage training before handling complex industrial or commercial assignments.

Authoritative Sources

• Florida DBPR/FREC licensure information
• Florida DBPR Sales Associate Initial Application
• Florida DBPR Real Estate Associate Requirements
• Florida Real Estate Commission official home and renewal information
• Florida Real Estate Law Book
• Pearson VUE Florida real estate examination information