Keeping your Florida real estate license active is required to legally work as a real estate agent or broker. Renewing your license ensures that you stay compliant with state regulations and up-to-date with industry knowledge.
Whether you’re approaching your first or twenty-first renewal, this guide will walk you through Florida’s entire real estate license renewal process.
From understanding continuing education (CE) requirements to managing expiration deadlines, we’ve covered everything you need to know. Additionally, we’ll share tips to help you avoid common renewal mistakes and streamline the process as much as possible.
Key Takeaways
- Timely License Renewal is Crucial: Florida real estate licenses must be renewed every two years by March 31 or September 30; failure to do so results in an inactive status.
- Post-License Courses Are Required: A 45-hour post-licensing course is required for your first-time renewal. Brokers must complete a 60-hour post-licensing course.
- Continuing Education is Mandatory: Sales associates and brokers are required to complete 14 hours of CE every two years. Courses must be from DBPR-approved providers.
- Avoid Common Renewal Mistakes: Issues such as missing deadlines, using unapproved continuing education (CE) providers, or assuming automatic CE reporting can delay or prevent a successful renewal.
How Do I Renew My Real Estate License in Florida?
If you follow these steps, renewing your Florida real estate license is a simple process. You’ll complete the renewal online through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)’s portal, MyFloridaLicense.com. Here’s how it’s done:
1. Log in to your DBPR account
Head to MyFloridaLicense.com and log in using your account details. If you don’t have an account, you must create one and link your license to begin the process.
2. Confirm continuing education completion
Before renewing, ensure you’ve met the state-required continuing education (CE) requirements or completed your 45-hour post-licensing course if this is your first renewal. (Brokers completing their first renewal must complete a 60-hour post-licensing course.) These are mandatory to proceed.
3. Pay the renewal fee
Pay the renewal fee for your license type. The fees are as follows:
- Sales Associate: $64
- Broker: $72
4. Verify renewal status
After completing payment, your renewal is processed, and your license status will be updated to active. You can verify your license status through the portal or print a physical copy of your renewed license.
Timeline Tip
Start your renewal process at least 90 days before your license expiration date to avoid unnecessary pressure or delays.
Florida Real Estate License Renewal Deadlines
Florida real estate licenses expire every two years, with expiration dates falling on March 31 or September 30, depending on the issue date of your license.
Key points to remember
- Late Renewals: If you miss the deadline, your license will become inactive, and you’ll be unable to conduct real estate transactions legally.
- Expired and Reactivated Licenses: Licenses can be reactivated within two years of expiration by completing any outstanding requirements, such as continuing education (CE) and paying any additional fees.
- Beyond Two Years: Licenses expired for more than two years require reapplication and retaking the state real estate exam.
Mark your renewal date in your calendar and consider setting reminders three months in advance.
How Many Hours of Continuing Education Are Required for Florida Real Estate License Renewal?
You must complete your courses through a DBPR-approved CE provider.
Post licensing course
If this is your first renewal, a 45-hour post-licensing course is required instead of the 14-hour CE requirement. Brokers must complete a 60-hour post-licensing course. Please note that your license will be null and void if you do not complete your post-licensing requirements by the due date, and you will have to start the licensing procedure from scratch.
Standard renewal CE requirements
Both sales associates and brokers must complete 14 hours of continuing education every two years. Here are the course requirements:
- 3 Hours Core Law
- 3 Hours Ethics and Business Practices
- 8 Hours Specialty CE Topics
Pro Tip: Save your CE completion certificates in case of audits or reporting errors.
How Much Does It Cost to Renew Your Florida Real Estate License?
Renewal costs vary depending on your license type and whether it’s a standard or late renewal.
- Standard Renewal Fees
- Sales Associate License: $64
- Broker License: $72
- Late Renewal Penalty
- Penalties range from $25 to $100, depending on how late you renew your license.
Additionally, CE courses typically cost $15–$60 per course, depending on the provider and format (online or in-person).
What Happens if You Miss the Renewal Deadline?
If you fail to renew your license on time, it will be placed in an inactive status, meaning you will no longer be legally authorized to conduct real estate transactions.
Renewing your license during the 2-year grace period
- Complete any missing CE courses.
- Pay your late renewal fee.
- Reactivate your license through MyFloridaLicense.com.
Renewing your license after 2 years
If you let your license expire for two years, you must reapply as a new applicant and retake the Florida state real estate exam.
Avoid the stress by staying on top of your renewal deadlines.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Renewal
Renewal is straightforward, but many agents and brokers still make avoidable mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:
- Forgetting CE deadlines or neglecting CE courses altogether.
- Taking courses from unapproved providers.
- Waiting until the last minute to renew.
- Assuming CE completion is automatically reported.
Plan ahead and double-check everything to ensure a smooth process.
Additional Tips for a Smooth Renewal
Follow these tips to make your Florida real estate license renewal process easier:
- Utilize DBPR-approved CE providers, such as McKissock Learning, to ensure you receive trusted, high-quality courses that meet all state requirements and help you fulfill your continuing education needs.
- Set reminders for renewal deadlines in your calendar.
- Keep CE completion certificates as proof of your coursework.
- Regularly check your license status at MyFloridaLicense.com to avoid surprises.
By staying organized and proactive, you’ll breeze through your renewal without any hiccups.
FAQ – Renewing Your Florida Real Estate License
What’s the difference between post-licensing and CE in Florida?
Post-licensing and continuing education (CE) serve different purposes in the lifecycle of your Florida real estate license. Post-licensing is required for new salesperson and broker licensees and must be completed before the first renewal of your license. It is a one-time educational requirement designed to expand your foundational knowledge and skills.
Continuing education (CE), on the other hand, is required for every renewal period after the first and ensures that you stay up-to-date with laws, industry practices, and ethical standards. It is an ongoing requirement throughout your career.
Can I renew my Florida real estate license early?
Yes, you can renew your Florida real estate license early. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) allows licensees to complete their renewal requirements as soon as they are ready, provided it’s within their renewal cycle. This can help avoid the risk of missing deadlines if you complete your requirements in advance.
Can I complete CE online?
Yes, you can complete your continuing education (CE) requirements online. Florida offers flexible options, including state-approved online courses that allow you to meet the required hours at your convenience. Many licensees prefer this option because it provides the ability to learn at their own pace, anytime and anywhere.
Are there CE exemptions for military or senior licensees?
Active-duty military members and spouses may qualify for an exemption from renewal requirements, as their licenses can remain in good standing while on active duty and for a set period after returning.
There are no CE exemptions for senior licensees.
Contact and Resource Information
If you have additional questions or need help, here are some resources and contacts to guide you:
- Florida DBPR – Division of Real Estate
- Contact Info: Use the Help Center on the DBPR website for assistance with your renewal.
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