Real Estate License in Florida: Cost Breakdown Guide

Real Estate License in Florida: Cost Breakdown Guide
Posted on 12.04.25

If you’re planning to start a real estate career in the Sunshine State, understanding the real estate license Florida cost is one of the smartest first steps you can take. The total investment to become a licensed real estate agent in Florida typically ranges from $350–$700, depending on your education provider, exam attempts, and state fees.

Knowing these costs upfront helps you budget, compare options, and decide whether now is the right time to pursue your new real estate career. In this guide, we’ll break it all down for you.

Cost to Get a Real Estate License in Florida

So, how much is a real estate license in Florida from start to finish? For most students, the cost for a Florida real estate license falls between $350 and $700. That includes your required pre-licensing education, exam fee, fingerprinting, and application with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

You can get your real estate license online in 4-6 months on average depending on how quickly you finish your course and schedule your exam.

Your total cost to get a real estate license in Florida depends on:

  • Which school you choose for your pre-licensing course
  • Whether you choose online or in-person classes
  • How many times you take the state exam
  • Required state application and background check fees

Florida Real Estate License Cost Breakdown

To make planning easier, here’s a clear Florida real estate license cost breakdown. This section covers every major expense required to earn your license so you can see the true cost of a real estate license in Florida from start to finish.

Florida Real Estate Pre-Licensing Course Cost (Online vs In-Person)

Before you can sit for the exam, you must complete a 63-hour FREC-approved pre-licensing course. This is the core education requirement and often the largest single expense, so understanding the Florida real estate pre-licensing course cost is key.

The Florida real estate license course cost varies based on:

  • Online vs. in-person format
  • Whether exam prep is included
  • Level of instructor access and support
  • Course materials (digital vs. printed)
  • Extra features, such as practice tests or flashcards

Online providers like VanEd typically offer a flexible learning experience designed for busy adults, with features such as:

  • Flexible, 100% online learning
  • Self-paced progress so you can study around your schedule
  • Instructor support and Q&A
  • Payment plans or bundled options (where available)

Pre-Licensing Course Comparison  

Below is a neutral, high-level comparison of common course formats—no specific prices, just what usually impacts cost and experience.

FormatTypical Cost ConsiderationsLearning StyleTime Commitment
OnlineOften the most affordable; fewer overhead costsSelf-paced, flexible, learn anywhereStudy on your own schedule
In-PersonUsually higher due to classroom facilitiesStructured, scheduled class sessionsFixed days and times
HybridMid-range; combines both formatsMix of self-paced + occasional liveFlexible with some fixed sessions

Florida Real Estate Exam Fee

Once you’ve completed your pre-license education, you’ll schedule the Florida real estate exam. Many students ask, “How much is the real estate exam in Florida?” The answer is straightforward: the exam costs $36.75 per attempt.

Because that fee applies each time you take the test, strong preparation can help you save money by reducing the risk of retakes.

Key exam details:

  • Administered by Pearson VUE
  • Offered at approved testing centers (and sometimes online, depending on current policies)
  • Covers national real estate principles and Florida-specific law
  • Requires an approved course completion before scheduling

Florida Real Estate Application and Fingerprinting Fees

In addition to your course and exam, the cost for a Florida real estate license includes your application and required background check.

You can expect:

  • Application fee (DBPR): $89
  • Fingerprinting and background check: around $50 on average

These fees cover:

  • Identity verification and fingerprint processing
  • State and federal background screening
  • Review and approval of your license application

These amounts are set by the state and service providers, so they apply no matter which school you choose.

Total Cost of a Real Estate License in Florida (Low–High Estimates)  

When you put everything together, the Florida real estate license cost generally falls into a predictable range. Here’s a simplified view:

Total Cost EstimateWhat’s Included
Low End: ~$350Lower-cost online course, one exam attempt, application fee, fingerprinting
High End: $700+Higher-priced or in-person course, potential exam retakes, upgraded materials

This Florida real estate license cost breakdown helps you estimate what you’ll likely spend and plan your budget with fewer surprises.

How Much Is Real Estate School in Florida? (Course Options & Pricing Factors)  

When students ask, “How much is real estate school in Florida?”, they’re usually talking about the educational portion, the pre-licensing course, not the full licensing process.

Because Florida real estate license course cost varies by provider, you’ll see a wide range of options.  

The main factors that affect what you’ll pay for school include:

  • Course format (online, in-person, or hybrid)
  • Whether instructor support is live, on-demand, or via email/chat
  • Whether exam prep materials are bundled into the price
  • Inclusion of extra study tools, like flashcards, videos, or coaching sessions

Education Format and Budget

When you’re comparing real estate schools in Florida, the format you choose has a big impact on both your experience and your budget. Each option—online, in-person, or hybrid—comes with its own set of advantages, so it’s worth thinking about how you like to learn and what fits your lifestyle.

Online School Benefits


Online real estate schools are a popular choice for students who need flexibility. They’re:

  • Self-paced and flexible, making them ideal if you work full-time or have family obligations
  • Accessible from home or on the go, so you can study wherever you have an internet connection
  • Often more affordable overall because providers don’t have the same classroom and facility overhead

In-Person School Benefits 


In-person classes may be a better fit if you prefer a traditional classroom setting. These programs typically offer:

  • A structured classroom environment with a set curriculum and schedule
  • Fixed class times that can provide extra accountability and routine
  • Live interaction with instructors and classmates, which some students find motivating and helpful for asking questions on the spot

Hybrid Options 


Hybrid programs blend both styles, combining the convenience of online coursework with occasional live sessions. This can be a good middle ground if you want flexibility but still value some real-time interaction and guidance.

If you choose VanEd, you’ll get access to online, state-approved pre-licensing courses designed to help you master the material and feel confident on exam day. Choosing a trusted school increases your chances of passing on the first try, which can save you money on exam retakes and extra study materials.

Additional Costs to Maintain a Florida Real Estate License

The cost of a real estate license in Florida doesn’t end once you pass the exam and activate your license. There are ongoing education requirements you’ll need to budget for to stay active and compliant with state regulations.

These are not huge costs, but they’re important to remember when planning your long-term Florida real estate license cost.

Post-Licensing Education (First Renewal)

Florida requires new sales associates to complete:

  • A 45-hour post-licensing course before their first license renewal.

This course expands on what you learned in pre-licensing and helps bridge the gap between theory and real-world practice. Many agents choose online post-license courses so they can complete the hours around their workload. VanEd offers approved online post-licensing options that fit into a busy real estate schedule (insert internal link to post-licensing page if you have one).

Continuing Education (Future Renewals)

After you’ve completed your post-licensing education, you’ll move into regular Continuing Education (CE) cycles.

Florida currently requires:

  • 14 hours of CE every two years

These courses typically cover:

  • Legal and regulatory updates
  • Ethics and professional conduct
  • Industry trends and best practices
  • Specialty topics (e.g., fair housing, contracts, or advertising)

CE helps you stay compliant and up to date while also sharpening your skills so you can better serve your clients. You can fulfill these requirements with a convenient online CE provider like VanEd.  

Start Your Florida Real Estate License Journey with VanEd

When you’re planning for your Florida real estate license course cost, choosing the right school is just as important as knowing the numbers. VanEd offers FREC-approved, online pre-licensing courses designed to fit your life, whether you’re changing careers, working full-time, or juggling family responsibilities.

Our Florida real estate pre-licensing course cost is clearly outlined up front, with multiple package options so you can choose the level of support, exam prep, and extras that fit your goals and budget. Many students appreciate the ability to study on their own schedule while still having access to instructor support and built-in practice tools.

With VanEd, you get:

  • 100% online, self-paced Florida pre-licensing courses
  • State-approved content that meets FREC requirements
  • Instructor support and helpful student resources
  • Payment plans or course bundles where available
  • Optional exam prep tools to help you feel confident on test day

If you’re ready to take the next step, enroll in our Florida Real Estate Pre-Licensing course today and start working toward your license on your own terms. Need extra help to prepare for the real estate exam? Check out our online National exam prep course to help you pass on the first try!