How to Get Your Real Estate License in Miami Springs, Florida

If you want to sell homes, condominiums, investment properties, or commercial space in Miami Springs, the first step is completing Florida’s approved education and licensing process. A convenient place to begin is Florida’s 63-hour real estate pre-licensing course, which can help you satisfy the education requirement while studying online around work, family, or other commitments.

Miami Springs is a distinctive place to start a real estate career. The city is a compact, residential community in central Miami-Dade County, located near Miami International Airport, the Miami Springs Golf Course, the Miami River, and major routes such as the Palmetto Expressway and Northwest 36th Street. Those features create a market that differs from larger nearby areas such as Doral, Hialeah, Coral Gables, and Miami.

A Florida sales associate license can open the door to residential sales, leasing, relocation, new construction, property management support, and commercial real estate. However, the license alone does not authorize independent practice. New licensees must work under a Florida-licensed broker and complete additional education after receiving the initial license.

Florida Sales Associate Requirements

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, or DBPR, and the Florida Real Estate Commission, or FREC, establish the requirements for becoming a sales associate. Before beginning the application process, confirm the latest forms, fees, and rules through the Florida Real Estate Commission’s official licensure information.

Applicants must meet these basic conditions:

Be at least 18 years old.
Hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
Possess a valid Social Security number.
Complete the required pre-license education.
Submit an application and required fee.
Provide electronic fingerprints.
Pass the Florida sales associate examination.
Activate the license under a qualifying employing broker.

Florida does not require a college degree for a sales associate license. A college education can be useful for finance, marketing, business, or communications, but it is not a prerequisite.

Applicants should also disclose relevant criminal, disciplinary, or licensing history accurately. A prior issue does not automatically mean an applicant cannot become licensed, but DBPR may require additional documentation or review. Omitting information can create a more serious problem than disclosing it promptly.

Complete the 63-Hour Pre-License Course

The required education is a FREC-approved 63-hour sales associate pre-license course. The course covers Florida real estate principles, real estate law, contracts, financing, property ownership, brokerage relationships, appraisal concepts, taxes, closing procedures, and other subjects tested on the state examination.

The 63 hours are instructional hours as defined by Florida’s rules, not necessarily 63 ordinary clock hours. The course provider must be approved for Florida licensing education, and the course must include the required end-of-course examination.

Online education is permitted when offered through an approved provider. Online study may be particularly useful for Miami Springs residents who work near the airport, commute through central Miami-Dade, or need a schedule that fits around irregular shifts. Before enrolling, verify that the provider is authorized to offer Florida pre-license education and that the course completion will be reported or documented as required.

Online Florida real estate licensing education can allow students to review lessons on a flexible schedule, but online does not mean effortless. Plan regular study sessions, complete practice questions, and set aside time to learn Florida-specific rules rather than relying only on general real estate knowledge.

The pre-license course is generally valid for two years after completion for licensing purposes. If you do not complete the remaining licensing steps within that period, you may need to repeat the course.

Submit the Florida License Application

After completing the course, submit the sales associate application to DBPR. The official application identifies a current application fee of $62.75. Because fees and forms can change, check the current DBPR application before submitting payment.

The application typically asks for identifying information, education details, residency information, and answers concerning criminal convictions, professional discipline, or prior licenses. Use your legal name consistently and answer every question carefully.

Applications may be submitted through DBPR’s online services or by using the appropriate paper application. If DBPR requests supporting records, respond promptly. Examples may include court dispositions, prior licensing records, employment information, or explanations of an event disclosed on the application.

An application can be submitted before every final licensing step is complete, but the applicant must satisfy the education, fingerprint, and examination requirements before a license can be issued and used.

Complete Fingerprints and the Background Check

Florida requires applicants to submit electronic fingerprints through an approved Livescan service. Fingerprints are used for a criminal-history background check and are transmitted to state and federal databases.

Miami Springs applicants can use an approved Livescan location in Miami-Dade County. The provider—not DBPR—usually collects the fingerprinting charge, so the cost varies by vendor. Confirm that the provider is approved and that the fingerprints are being submitted for a Florida DBPR real estate license application.

Schedule fingerprints carefully. If the submission is incomplete, sent under the wrong agency information, or made too early, it may delay the application. Keep the receipt and any transaction number in case DBPR needs confirmation.

The background check is not a separate real estate examination. It is an eligibility and regulatory review. Applicants with criminal or disciplinary history should gather official documents early instead of waiting for DBPR to request them.

Schedule and Pass the Pearson VUE Exam

Once the education and application requirements are satisfied, schedule the Florida sales associate examination with Pearson VUE. The Pearson VUE fact sheet lists the sales associate examination fee as $36.75 and provides a testing time of three and one-half hours.

The examination is based on Florida real estate law and approved course material. Pearson VUE testing centers are available in the Miami area, so a Miami Springs candidate should compare locations, appointment times, parking, and travel conditions before selecting a site.

The official passing standard for the Florida sales associate examination is at least 75. If you do not pass, Pearson VUE and DBPR rules determine when you may reschedule and what reexamination steps apply.

Effective preparation should include:

Reviewing the 63-hour course textbook and lesson objectives.
Practicing Florida-specific license law questions.
Memorizing formulas for commissions, prorations, finance, and closing calculations.
Studying brokerage relationships and disclosure duties.
Taking timed practice examinations.
Reading each question carefully before selecting an answer.

Do not assume that general sales experience or knowledge of Miami real estate is enough. The test evaluates state law and technical concepts that may not arise in everyday property conversations.

Activate the License With an Employing Broker

Passing the examination does not by itself allow a new sales associate to operate independently. A sales associate must be associated with and activated by a Florida-licensed employing broker.

If no broker activates the license, DBPR may issue it in an inactive status. The license can be activated through the appropriate DBPR form or by the broker through the broker’s online account.

Choosing a broker is one of the most important career decisions for a new Miami Springs licensee. Compare:

Training for new agents.
Commission splits and transaction fees.
Lead distribution.
Desk, technology, and marketing charges.
Availability of managers and experienced agents.
Support for contracts, disclosures, and compliance.
Coverage of Miami-Dade neighborhoods.
Residential, leasing, commercial, or relocation specialties.
Language capabilities relevant to local clients.

A broker familiar with Miami Springs can provide valuable local guidance on neighborhood boundaries, municipal services, airport-area considerations, condominium documents, flood and insurance questions, and transactions involving properties near major transportation corridors. Experience in nearby markets such as Hialeah, Doral, or Virginia Gardens may also help, but the broker should understand Miami Springs specifically rather than treating it as interchangeable with every other Miami-Dade community.

A Realistic Timeline

A motivated student may complete the process in a few months, but there is no guaranteed statewide timeline. The schedule depends on course pace, application processing, fingerprint availability, examination appointments, test results, and broker selection.

A realistic planning range is:

Coursework: Several weeks to a few months, depending on whether you study full-time or part-time.
Application and fingerprints: Often completed within days once the required information and appointments are available, though DBPR review may take longer if additional documents are needed.
Exam scheduling: Dependent on Pearson VUE appointment availability and authorization.
Broker activation: Potentially immediate after a broker agrees to employ and activate you, subject to proper submission.

Allow extra time if you have a prior conviction, disciplinary history, incomplete records, or difficulty finding an employing broker. Avoid promising clients that you can begin practicing until your license status is active and properly associated with a broker.

Official Costs to Budget

The verified official costs identified in the current DBPR and Pearson VUE materials include:

| Item | Current listed amount |
|---|---:|
| DBPR sales associate application | $62.75 |
| Pearson VUE sales associate examination | $36.75 |
| Fingerprinting | Varies by approved Livescan provider |
| Pre-license course | Varies by education provider |
| Initial license and later renewal fees | Confirm current amount with DBPR |

The DBPR application form lists the $62.75 application fee, while Pearson VUE lists the $36.75 examination fee. Course tuition, study materials, fingerprinting, transportation, and optional exam preparation are separate expenses.

Do not rely on old blog posts or unofficial fee summaries. Florida licensing charges can change, and the amount shown on an official application or payment screen should control.

Complete the 45-Hour Post-License Course

After receiving the initial sales associate license, complete a FREC-approved 45-hour post-license course before the first renewal deadline. This applies whether the license is active or inactive.

The 45-hour requirement is not the same as the initial 63-hour course. It is designed to build practical knowledge after initial licensure and must be completed by the deadline printed on the license record. Failure to complete the post-license requirement on time can cause the license to become null and void.

New agents should not wait until the final weeks before expiration. Completing the course early leaves time to resolve reporting problems, correct enrollment issues, or address a failed course examination.

Complete 14 Hours of Continuing Education

After the first renewal cycle, Florida licensees generally must complete 14 hours of continuing education during each renewal period. The education requirement applies to active and inactive licensees, although the specific renewal obligations and course categories should be confirmed with DBPR.

Current Florida renewal information identifies a 14-hour structure that includes:

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

Education may be completed through approved distance or classroom instruction. Track completion carefully and renew by the deadline shown in your DBPR record.

Potential Earnings and Career Opportunities

Florida real estate sales associates are generally compensated through commissions or commission-related arrangements rather than a guaranteed salary. Income can vary substantially based on transactions closed, brokerage agreement, property type, market conditions, personal marketing, referral activity, expenses, and the time required to build a client pipeline.

A Miami Springs licensee may pursue several paths:

Residential home sales.
Condominium sales and leasing.
First-time-buyer representation.
Relocation for airport, airline, hospitality, or logistics employees.
Investment-property transactions.
Property management support.
New-construction sales.
Commercial leasing and sales.
Land and redevelopment opportunities.
Referral business across Miami-Dade County.

Miami Springs’ central location can be useful for building a service area beyond the city itself. An agent may work with residents moving within the county, owners near the airport, buyers comparing Miami Springs with Hialeah or Doral, and clients seeking access to employment centers while preferring an established residential setting.

Income should be evaluated conservatively. New agents may have substantial startup costs and may go months before closing a first transaction. Ask prospective brokers for a written explanation of commission splits, fees, transaction costs, team charges, and when commissions are paid. Do not treat a broker’s income example as a guaranteed result.

Practical Advice for Miami Springs Applicants

Before enrolling, confirm that the education provider is approved for Florida licensing. Before applying, gather identification and any records related to prior legal or licensing matters. Before choosing a broker, interview several offices and ask how they support new agents in Miami Springs.

Develop local knowledge beyond property descriptions. Study municipal services, neighborhood streets, airport-related traffic patterns, flood and insurance concerns, condominium and homeowners’ association documents, school-boundary questions, and the differences between Miami Springs and surrounding municipalities. Always verify current information through official sources rather than making unsupported promises to clients.

The best local agents combine licensing knowledge with careful listening. Buyers and sellers may value an agent who can explain both the transaction and the practical realities of living near Miami International Airport and central Miami-Dade transportation routes.

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 a college degree?

No. Florida requires a high school diploma or equivalent, not a college degree.

Can I complete the 63-hour course online?

Yes, online education is available through approved providers. Confirm that the course is approved for Florida sales associate licensing before enrolling.

How much is the Florida real estate exam?

Pearson VUE lists the Florida sales associate examination fee as $36.75.

Is fingerprinting required?

Yes. Applicants must submit electronic fingerprints through an approved Livescan service.

Can I work without a broker?

No. A sales associate must be activated under a Florida-licensed employing broker to practice real estate.

What happens after I pass the exam?

Your license must be issued and activated. If no broker activates it, the license may remain inactive.

What education is required after licensing?

Sales associates must complete 45 hours of approved post-license education before the first renewal. After that, licensees generally complete 14 hours of continuing education during each renewal period.

Authoritative Sources