How to Get Your Real Estate License in Virginia Gardens, Florida

If you want to sell homes, leases, or investment property in Virginia Gardens, the first step is earning a Florida real estate sales associate license. A practical way to begin is through Florida’s approved 63-hour pre-licensing course, which can help you complete the education requirement online while preparing for the state examination.

Virginia Gardens is a small municipality nestled between Miami Springs and Miami International Airport. That location gives new real estate professionals a distinct local perspective: the village is close to airport-related employment, established residential neighborhoods, major highways, and the broader Miami-Dade market. However, the license is issued by the State of Florida, not by the Village of Virginia Gardens or Miami-Dade County.

This guide explains the current process, required costs, expected timeline, education obligations, and practical career considerations for becoming a licensed sales associate while living in or serving Virginia Gardens.

Florida Sales Associate Requirements

Florida’s entry-level real estate credential is called a sales associate license. It allows you to perform real estate services under the supervision of a Florida-licensed broker.

Before applying, confirm that you meet the state’s basic eligibility requirements:

You must be at least 18 years old.
You must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
You must have a United States Social Security number.
You must complete the required Florida-approved pre-license education, unless an exemption applies.
You must submit fingerprints for a background check.
You must pass the Florida Real Estate Sales Associate Examination.

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, or DBPR, states that applicants must have a U.S. Social Security number and a high school diploma or equivalent. A four-year degree or higher in real estate may qualify an applicant for an education exemption, but the applicant must submit an original certified transcript for review.

A criminal record does not automatically mean an application will be denied. The background check allows DBPR and the Florida Real Estate Commission, known as FREC, to review an applicant’s history. Applicants should answer disclosure questions accurately and provide any documentation requested by the department.

Complete the 63-Hour Pre-License Course

The central education requirement is a 63-hour FREC-approved pre-license course. Florida describes the course as covering the fundamentals of real estate principles and practices, basic real estate, and license law.

The 63 hours are classroom-hour requirements, with each classroom hour consisting of 50 minutes of instruction. The course includes a required end-of-course examination. Florida-approved providers may offer the class in person, online, or through other approved distance-education formats.

For a Virginia Gardens resident, online education can be especially convenient. You can study around work, family responsibilities, or a commute through Miami-Dade County rather than traveling to a traditional classroom. Online does not mean informal, however. Choose a provider whose course is approved for Florida real estate licensing and follow all attendance, identity-verification, testing, and completion rules.

The course completion is valid for two years from the completion date. That gives you time to apply and take the state examination, but waiting too long can create an avoidable problem. If the course expires, Pearson VUE will not accept it as valid proof at the examination site.

A strong study plan should include:

Regular study blocks rather than trying to complete the course at the last minute.
Review of Florida license law and brokerage relationships.
Practice with real estate math, including commissions, prorations, and closing calculations.
Careful review of the course final exam and state-exam topics.
Early collection of identity and application documents.

You can start Florida real estate license education online while planning the remaining application steps.

Apply to DBPR and Submit Fingerprints

You may submit the sales associate application before completing the pre-license course, although you must show proof of valid course completion before sitting for the state exam. Applying early can reduce waiting time, but the application should be completed carefully.

The process generally includes:

Complete the Florida sales associate application.
Pay the required application fee.
Submit fingerprints through an approved Livescan Service Provider.
Wait for DBPR to process the application and background-check results.
Receive authorization to schedule the state examination.
Provide proof of the valid 63-hour course when required.

Florida requires electronic fingerprints as part of the licensing process. DBPR instructs applicants to use a Livescan provider registered with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, or FDLE. Fingerprint results may take up to five days to reach the department after submission, although the total application review can take longer depending on the application and background information.

Schedule fingerprinting soon after submitting the application. Waiting several weeks can delay the entire process, particularly if DBPR requests clarification or additional records.

Official Licensing Costs

The exact total cost depends on the education provider, fingerprint vendor, examination appointments, and any optional preparation materials. The official Florida fee documents identify these state charges:

Sales associate initial application fee: $20.
Sales associate biennial license fee: $64.
Fingerprinting: the amount charged by the selected authorized Livescan provider.
Pre-license education: varies by school and course format.
Pearson VUE examination: the applicable fee shown when scheduling the examination.

Fees can change, and some official Florida documents display different statutory or historical fee schedules. Before paying, check the current DBPR application instructions and Pearson VUE scheduling page for the amount presented for your transaction. Military veterans, spouses, and Florida National Guard members may qualify for certain fee waivers, reimbursements, or discounts.

A realistic budget should therefore include more than the $20 application fee. Plan for the course, fingerprinting, the examination appointment, transportation or testing-related expenses, and the initial license fee when applicable. Keep receipts and confirmation numbers for every payment.

Take the Pearson VUE State Examination

Florida’s sales associate examination is administered by Pearson VUE. After DBPR approves the application and you have valid proof of the 63-hour course, you can schedule the examination through Pearson VUE.

The state licensing requirement is a passing score of at least 75 on the Florida Real Estate Sales Associate Examination. Florida’s requirements document also identifies an alternative Florida Real Estate Law Examination passing standard, but most first-time applicants should verify with DBPR which examination path applies to their application before scheduling.

The examination tests both general real estate knowledge and Florida-specific rules. Preparation should focus on:

Property rights and legal descriptions.
Contracts and transaction documents.
Agency relationships and brokerage duties.
Fair housing and federal regulations.
Florida license law and FREC rules.
Real estate finance and mortgages.
Property valuation and appraisal concepts.
Leasing and property management basics.
Real estate calculations.
Brokerage operations and professional conduct.

Read Pearson VUE’s current candidate instructions before arriving. Bring the identification documents required by the testing center and make sure your name matches the examination registration and application records. A mismatch can prevent you from testing.

If you do not pass, review the score information, target weak subjects, and follow Pearson VUE and DBPR instructions for retesting. Avoid scheduling a second attempt without changing your preparation strategy.

Activate the License With a Broker

Passing the exam does not automatically mean you can operate independently. A newly issued sales associate license may be inactive until it is activated.

To practice real estate, you must work under an employing Florida real estate broker. Activation may be completed through the DBPR RE 11 form, or the broker may activate the sales associate through the broker’s online account after the license number is issued.

This requirement matters in Virginia Gardens because your employing broker affects how you build business throughout the area. Interview brokerages serving the village, Miami Springs, Hialeah, Doral, Miami, and nearby airport communities. Compare:

Commission splits and transaction fees.
Training for new agents.
Mentoring and supervision.
Lead distribution.
Desk, technology, and marketing charges.
Availability of bilingual or multilingual support.
Office access and local market coverage.
Policies for residential sales, rentals, commercial property, and referrals.

A broker should also help you understand Florida-specific transaction procedures, disclosures, escrow practices, advertising rules, and the limits of a sales associate’s authority.

Complete the 45-Hour Post-License Requirement

After receiving the license, a Florida sales associate must complete 45 hours of approved post-license education before the first renewal deadline. This requirement applies whether the license is active or inactive.

The post-license education is not the same as continuing education. It is an initial licensing obligation designed to reinforce practical skills and legal knowledge. Florida-approved topics may include property management, appraisal, finance, marketing, technology, listing and selling property, business planning, office management, and time management.

Do not wait until the final weeks before renewal. The course must be completed, including any required examination, by the expiration date. Failure to complete the first-renewal post-license requirement can cause the license to become null and void.

Florida may waive post-license education for a licensee with a four-year real estate degree or higher, subject to the state’s documentation and eligibility rules.

Complete 14 Hours of Continuing Education

After the first renewal period, active Florida real estate licensees generally must complete 14 hours of continuing education during each two-year renewal period.

The current structure includes:

3 hours of Florida law core education.
3 hours of business ethics and practices.
8 hours of specialty education.

Distance education and classroom options may be available through approved providers. Continuing education must be completed in addition to paying the renewal fee. Keep track of both the education deadline and the license-renewal deadline so that one does not get overlooked.

Realistic Timeline for a Virginia Gardens Applicant

The timeline varies according to study schedule, application review, fingerprint processing, examination availability, and whether you pass the first time. A realistic planning range is approximately two to six months for a well-organized applicant.

A possible sequence looks like this:

Weeks 1–8: Complete the 63-hour course and pass the course examination.
Weeks 2–6: Submit the DBPR application and complete Livescan fingerprinting.
Weeks 5–10: Receive authorization, schedule Pearson VUE, and prepare for the state exam.
Weeks 8–14: Take and pass the state examination.
After passing: Have an employing broker activate the license.
Before first renewal: Complete the 45-hour post-license course.

This is a planning estimate, not a guaranteed state processing time. A background issue, incomplete application, expired course, missing transcript, testing delay, or failed examination can extend the process.

Earnings and Career Opportunities

Florida real estate sales associates are commonly compensated through commissions or other transaction-based arrangements rather than a guaranteed salary. Actual income can vary substantially based on closed transactions, brokerage agreement, market conditions, property type, experience, lead generation, and expenses.

There is no guaranteed income simply because a person earns a license. New agents may spend time building a client base before closing their first transaction. Budget for licensing, association or multiple-listing expenses where applicable, marketing, transportation, insurance, technology, and taxes.

Virginia Gardens offers a focused geographic starting point. You might build expertise in:

Single-family homes and condominiums.
Residential rentals.
Relocation connected to Miami International Airport-area employment.
First-time buyers.
Airport-adjacent neighborhoods and commuting patterns.
Investment and small multifamily properties.
Referrals to agents serving Miami-Dade and South Florida.

The village’s proximity to Miami Springs and Miami International Airport makes local knowledge especially useful. Learn neighborhood boundaries, access routes, municipal services, flood and insurance considerations, property-tax information, condominium rules, and the differences between village and neighboring-city regulations. For official local information, consult the Village of Virginia Gardens rather than relying on general descriptions of Miami.

A Practical Start-to-Finish Checklist

Use this checklist to organize the process:

Confirm that you are at least 18 and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Confirm that you have a U.S. Social Security number.
Enroll in a Florida-approved 63-hour sales associate course.
Complete the course and pass its required examination.
Submit the DBPR application and state fee.
Complete electronic fingerprints through an approved Livescan provider.
Monitor application status and respond promptly to DBPR requests.
Schedule the Pearson VUE examination.
Pass the Florida sales associate examination with the required score.
Select an employing broker serving Virginia Gardens or the surrounding Miami-Dade area.
Activate the license.
Complete the 45-hour post-license education before the first renewal deadline.
Complete 14 hours of continuing education during later renewal periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the Florida pre-license course online from Virginia Gardens?

Yes. Florida-approved education may be offered through distance education, provided you use an approved provider and satisfy the provider’s attendance and examination requirements. Online study does not eliminate the application, fingerprint, or Pearson VUE examination steps.

Do I need a college degree?

No. Florida requires a high school diploma or equivalent, not a college degree. A four-year real estate degree or higher may qualify you for an education exemption, but DBPR must review acceptable documentation.

How long is the 63-hour course valid?

The course is valid for two years from the completion date. You must use valid proof of completion when taking the state examination.

Can I sell real estate immediately after passing the exam?

Not unless the license is properly activated with an employing broker. Florida issues licenses in inactive status unless activation is completed through the broker or the appropriate DBPR process.

What happens if I miss the 45-hour post-license deadline?

Failure to complete the required post-license education by the initial expiration date can cause the sales associate license to become null and void. Contact DBPR promptly if you are approaching the deadline.

How much does it cost to become licensed?

The official Florida materials identify a $20 sales associate initial application fee and a $64 biennial sales associate license fee. Your total cost also includes education, fingerprints, the Pearson VUE examination, and potentially other business expenses. Verify amounts before payment because fees and vendor charges can change.

Can I work only in Virginia Gardens?

A Florida license is not limited to one municipality. You can serve clients across Florida subject to your broker’s supervision, brokerage policies, and applicable laws. Focusing on Virginia Gardens can nevertheless help you develop a recognizable local specialty.

Is real estate a salaried career?

Usually, sales associates are compensated through brokerage and transaction arrangements rather than a guaranteed salary. Earnings depend on completed business and expenses, so prospective agents should plan for variable income during the early months.

Authoritative Sources