Florida Real Estate License Cost Calculator
Estimated Total Cost
Cost Breakdown
- Pre-Licensing Course $0.00
- Exam Fee $0.00
- Fingerprinting $0.00
- License Application $89.00
- Corrections $0.00
- Association Membership $0.00
- Study Materials $0.00
Getting a Florida real estate license is a state‑issued credential that allows an individual to act as a real estate salesperson or broker in Florida is a popular goal for many aspiring agents. The big question on everyone’s mind is: how much will it actually cost? Below you’ll find a detailed, up‑to‑date cost breakdown for 2025, plus tips to keep the expense under control.
Key Takeaways
- Total out‑of‑pocket cost for a first‑time salesperson license in 2025 averages between $800 and $1,200.
- Mandatory expenses include a state‑approved 63‑hour pre‑licensing course, exam fee, fingerprinting, and the DBPR application fee.
- Optional costs (association dues, MLS fees, study aids) can add $200‑$400 if you choose them.
- Retaking the exam or correcting errors can increase the total by $100‑$300.
- Plan ahead with the checklist below to avoid surprise fees.
Step‑by‑Step Cost Breakdown
Below is the typical expense list for a brand‑new real estate salesperson license. Numbers reflect the most recent fee schedules from the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR) and popular education providers.
Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation sets the official fees for the exam, fingerprinting, and the license itself. Education providers set their course prices.- Pre‑licensing education (63‑hour course) - The state requires a 63‑hour course approved by DBPR. Prices vary:
- Online self‑paced programs: $150‑$250
- Live classroom (in‑person or virtual): $250‑$350
- Bundled packages (course + exam prep + study guides): $300‑$450
- State exam fee - The real estate salesperson exam costs $36.75 per attempt. If you need a retake, you’ll pay the same amount again.
- Fingerprinting & background check - Required for every applicant. The service fee is $86.50 (includes the FBI‑approved electronic fingerprint card).
- License application fee - DBPR charges $89.00 for a new salesperson license. This fee is non‑refundable. License application must be submitted online through the DBPR portal.
- Errors or corrections - If you make a mistake on the application (wrong address, missing signature), the DBPR charges a $25 correction fee per request.
- Optional association membership - Joining the Florida Association of Realtors (FAR) or a local MLS can cost $150‑$300 per year. Membership isn’t mandatory but provides market data, networking, and discounts on MLS access.
- Continuing education (CE) for the first renewal - After the first two years, agents must complete 45 hours of CE. Initial CE costs $100‑$200, but it’s not part of the “getting your license” budget.
The average Florida real estate license cost therefore falls between $800 and $1,200, depending on how you choose your education path and whether you add optional membership fees.
Cost Summary Table
| Item | Low End | High End | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre‑licensing course | $150 | $450 | Online vs. live classroom; bundled packages include study guides |
| State exam fee | $36.75 | $36.75 | Per attempt; retake adds same amount |
| Fingerprinting & background check | $86.50 | $86.50 | Mandatory for all applicants |
| License application fee | $89.00 | $89.00 | Paid to DBPR |
| Correction / error fee | $25 | $75 | Assumes up to three corrections |
| Optional association/MLS membership | $150 | $300 | Not required but valuable for new agents |
| Study materials (books, practice exams) | $30 | $120 | Depends on whether you buy bundled or individual items |
Budget‑Friendly Checklist
Use this list to track each expense and avoid surprise fees.
- Choose an accredited 63‑hour course that fits your budget (compare at least three providers).
- Register for the exam early; the DBPR portal shows exact dates and the $36.75 fee.
- Schedule fingerprinting at a nearby approved location; keep the receipt for DBPR upload.
- Complete the online license application; double‑check all fields to skip the $25 correction fee.
- If you’re hesitant about association dues, start with the basic FAR membership (<$150) and upgrade later.
- Set aside $100 for unexpected costs (e.g., a second exam attempt).
Tips to Lower Your Total Cost
- Bundle your course and study aids. Many schools offer a discount when you purchase the 63‑hour class together with practice exams and a textbook.
- Take advantage of free resources. The DBPR website provides a sample exam and a list of approved providers; some community colleges even waive the fingerprint fee for students.
- Schedule the exam at the first available slot. Delaying can push you into a higher‑priced exam window (some centers raise fees after peak periods).
- Consider a group fingerprinting session. Local real‑estate schools sometimes arrange a discounted rate for a class of students.
- Skip the optional membership for the first year if you’re just testing the waters; you can join later once you have a few transactions under your belt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum amount I need to become a licensed salesperson?
If you choose the cheapest online 63‑hour course ($150), pay the exam fee ($36.75), fingerprinting ($86.50) and the DBPR application ($89), the bare minimum is about $362. However, you’ll likely need study material ($30) and a small buffer for unexpected fees, bringing the realistic floor to roughly $425.
Can I take the exam before finishing the 63‑hour course?
No. Florida law requires you to complete the approved course and receive a completion certificate before you can register for the state exam. The DBPR portal will block exam registration if the certificate isn’t on file.
How many times can I retake the exam?
You may retake the exam up to three times within a 12‑month period. After the third failure, you must wait 60 days before re‑applying for another exam attempt, and you’ll need to pay the $36.75 fee each time.
Do I need to pay a renewal fee right away?
The first renewal occurs two years after your initial license issuance. The renewal fee is $93, plus 45 hours of continuing education. This cost does not factor into the initial licensing budget but is important for long‑term planning.
Is the fingerprinting fee refundable if my application is denied?
No. The fingerprinting and background‑check charge is a service fee paid to the vendor and is non‑refundable, even if the DBPR later rejects the application for unrelated reasons.
Next Steps After Paying
Once you’ve covered the costs, follow this short roadmap:
- Enroll in a state‑approved 63‑hour course and finish all modules.
- Schedule fingerprinting; upload the electronic card to the DBPR portal.
- Collect your completion certificate, then register for the exam (pay $36.75).
- Pass the exam, then submit the online license application with the $89 fee.
- Wait for the DBPR to approve and issue your license (usually within 7‑10 business days).
- Consider joining a local realtor association or MLS if you want immediate market access.
Keeping track of each step and its associated cost will prevent surprises and get you into the field faster. Good luck on your journey to becoming a licensed Florida real estate professional!
