FLORIDA REAL ESTATE LICENSING GUIDE
Passing the state examination is a major milestone, but it does not complete the entire licensing process. Here is what happens next, from license issuance and broker selection to activation and your first post-license education requirement.
Last reviewed: September 24, 2026
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After you pass the Florida Real Estate Sales Associate Examination and satisfy the applicable licensing requirements, your sales associate license can be issued. Unless it is activated with a qualifying broker, the license is issued in inactive status. You must become active under a broker before working as an active sales associate.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
After completing the Florida Real Estate Sales Associate Examination, candidates receive an official examination result report. Passing the exam is a major licensing milestone, but it is not the final step before working as an active sales associate.
Once the applicable licensing requirements have been satisfied, Florida can issue your sales associate license. If it has not yet been activated with a qualifying broker, the license is issued in inactive status.
A Florida sales associate works under the direction, control, or management of a licensed broker. Before working in active status, you need to become associated with a qualifying Florida real estate broker or an eligible owner-developer.
Your license must be activated before you work as an active sales associate. Activation can be completed using DBPR Form RE 11, or your qualifying broker can add and activate you through the broker's DBPR online account.
After your license has been activated under the qualifying broker, you can begin performing licensed real estate activities within that brokerage relationship and in accordance with Florida law.
Florida sales associates must complete the required 45 hours of approved post-license education before the expiration of the initial sales associate license, whether the license is active or inactive.
Learn about Florida's 45-hour post-license requirements →ACTIVE VS. INACTIVE
Florida's published licensing requirements state that the sales associate license is issued in inactive status unless it is activated. To work as an active sales associate, you must become associated with a qualifying broker and have your license status activated.
An inactive license means you hold the license, but you are not currently authorized to perform licensed services as an active sales associate.
CHOOSING A BROKER
Florida requires active sales associates to work under a broker, but brokerages can differ considerably in how they train, support, compensate, and develop new agents. Before making a decision, compare more than the name on the office door.
Ask what structured training, mentoring, transaction support, technology training, and new-agent education are available.
Understand the brokerage's commission structure, fees, transaction charges, desk fees, technology costs, and other expenses before committing.
Find out whether the brokerage provides leads, expects agents to generate their own business, or uses a combination of both.
New sales associates often have questions about contracts, disclosures, transactions, and compliance. Consider how accessible the broker and support staff will be when you need guidance.
Brokerages differ significantly in size, structure, specialization, branding, office environment, technology, and expectations. Look for a model that fits how you intend to build your business.
Consider whether the brokerage provides opportunities to develop skills beyond your first transactions, including sales, negotiation, marketing, prospecting, and future leadership.
ACTIVATING YOUR LICENSE
Florida provides Form DBPR RE 11 for changes to a sales associate's employment and license status. To become active, the employing broker can complete the required activation process. A qualifying broker may also add the sales associate through the broker's DBPR online account.
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YOUR NEXT EDUCATION REQUIREMENT
Your education requirements do not end when you pass the state examination. Florida sales associates must generally complete 45 hours of approved post-license education before the expiration of the initial sales associate license.
That requirement applies whether your sales associate license is active or inactive.
Florida DBPR warns that failure to complete the required post-license education by the initial expiration date can cause the license to become null and void.
AFTER YOUR FIRST RENEWAL
The 45-hour post-license requirement applies to the initial renewal period for Florida sales associates. After satisfying that first-renewal requirement, Florida's regular continuing education requirements apply during later renewal periods.
That means it is useful to think of your education as an ongoing professional requirement rather than something that ends when you pass the licensing exam.
RELATED GUIDES
COMMON QUESTIONS
Not simply because you passed the examination. A Florida sales associate must have the license issued and activated under a qualifying broker before working in active status.
No. Florida's published sales associate requirements state that the license is issued in inactive status unless it is activated.
A sales associate can use DBPR Form RE 11 to become active with a real estate company, or the qualifying broker can add and activate the associate through the broker's DBPR online account.
Yes, if you want to work as an active Florida real estate sales associate. Sales associates perform licensed activity under the direction, control, or management of a qualifying broker.
Yes. Florida's published requirements state that sales associates must complete the required 45-hour post-license education before the initial license expires whether the license is active or inactive.
Florida sales associates generally must complete 45 hours of approved post-license education during their initial renewal period.
Florida DBPR states that failure to complete the required post-license education by the initial license expiration date can cause the license to become null and void.
OFFICIAL FLORIDA RESOURCES
License issuance, activation procedures, forms, education requirements, and renewal rules can change. Confirm your current status and obligations with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
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You're leaving the Greyson Institute website. Florida DBPR will open in a new tab.
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YOUR NEXT EDUCATION STEP
Understand Florida's 45-hour post-license requirement and explore the education path that follows licensure.
