How Many States Have Florida Real Estate License Reciprocity?
Relocating to a new state is stressful enough without wondering if you’ll have to redo your real estate education and exam from scratch. While many states offer real estate license reciprocity, Florida is different. It uses a system called mutual recognition that lets eligible out-of-state agents skip most licensing steps and focus only on the Florida real estate law exam.
In this guide, we’ll explain how Florida’s mutual recognition works, which states qualify, and how to get your Florida license as efficiently as possible.
What Is Mutual Recognition in Real Estate for Florida?
Unlike many states, Florida does not offer traditional real estate license reciprocity. Instead, it uses mutual recognition agreements with a select group of partner states.
Under this system:
If you are licensed in a mutual recognition state, you can:
- Skip Florida’s pre-licensing course
- Skip the national portion of the real estate exam
- Take only the 40-question Florida law exam
- Apply directly for a Florida real estate license
Important notes:
- You must be a non-Florida resident at the time you apply.
- You must hold an active real estate license in one of Florida’s partner states.
- Mutual recognition is not always reciprocal. You must check each state individually.
If you’re planning to take advantage of mutual recognition real estate rules in Florida or simply start your career in the state, you’ll still need high-quality education to prepare for the state law exam and maintain your license. Explore VanEd’s Florida real estate pre-licensing and continuing education courses to get the training you need to meet Florida’s requirements and stay compliant.
How Many States Have Reciprocity with Florida?
Florida currently has mutual recognition agreements with 10 states:
| State | Mutual Recognition with Florida | Helpful Detail / What to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Yes | Must pass the Florida real estate law exam to obtain a license. |
| Arkansas | Yes | Mutual recognition eases licensing, but the law exam is still required. |
| Connecticut | Yes | You’ll bypass full pre-licensing, but not the Florida law exam. |
| Georgia | Yes | Must hold an active license in good standing and pass the law exam. |
| Illinois | Yes | Education may transfer, but you still take the Florida law exam. |
| Kentucky | Yes | Mutual recognition applies only if your current license is active. |
| Mississippi | Yes | Expect to apply through DBPR and pass the state law exam. |
| Nebraska | Yes | License history and discipline are reviewed before approval. |
| Rhode Island | Yes | Qualified applicants sit only for the Florida law portion. |
| West Virginia | Yes | Mutual recognition speeds the process, but testing is still required. |
Benefits of Reciprocity
Obtaining your Florida real estate license through mutual recognition offers several advantages:
1. Faster Entry Into a Competitive Market
Skip the 63-hour pre-licensing course and full exam. Focus only on state-specific law.
2. Expand Your Market Reach
Work with clients in multiple states. Especially beneficial if:
- You serve relocating buyers
- You work in referral networks
- You want to grow your business across state lines
3. Build Expertise in Multiple State Laws
Agents with multi-state licensure stand out to buyers and sellers seeking knowledgeable representation.
4. Save Time and Money
Less coursework + fewer exam requirements = a quicker, more affordable path to licensure.
Who Qualifies for Florida Real Estate License Reciprocity?
Now that you understand which states offer reciprocity, you might think you're all set. However, there are a few more requirements besides simply having a license in states like Alabama or Nebraska. To qualify for a Florida real estate license under mutual recognition, you must:
- Hold an active real estate license from a mutual recognition state
- Be a non-resident of Florida at the time of application
- Be at least 18 years old
- Hold a high school diploma or GED
- Submit a license history certificate dated within the last 30 days
- Complete fingerprinting and background checks through an approved vendor
If your license is inactive or expired, you must reactivate it before applying.
Limitations and Continuing Education Requirements
You will still need to complete continuing education requirements even after receiving a Florida license through reciprocity. Sales associates must complete 18 hours of post-license education training during their first renewal period. Additionally, continuing education is necessary every two years, amounting to 14 hours required for each license renewal.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for Reciprocity in Florida
If you meet the eligibility requirements, here are the steps you should follow to apply for Florida real estate license reciprocity:
1. Confirm Eligibility
Verify that your home state has mutual recognition with Florida and that your license is active.
2. Submit Your License History
Request a certification of license history from your state licensing commission and send it to the Florida DBPR.
3. Apply for Mutual Recognition Approval
Complete your application for the Florida real estate law exam through the DBPR.
4. Schedule and Pass the Florida Law Exam
Take the 40-question exam through Pearson VUE.
Score required to pass: 75% or higher.
5. Activate Your License
Once you pass the exam, affiliate with a licensed Florida broker to officially activate your license.
Most applicants complete this process in 4–6 weeks, depending on how quickly they submit documents and schedule the exam.
Costs and Fees for Florida Real Estate Reciprocity
Here are the typical costs associated with obtaining a Florida license through mutual recognition:
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $62.75 |
| Law Exam Fee (Pearson VUE) | $36.75 |
| Fingerprinting / Background Check | $50–$80 |
| License Activation Fee | Around $50 |
| Optional Exam Prep | Varies by provider |
Estimated total cost: $420 to $1,090, depending on optional coursework or prep materials.
VanEd offers affordable, state-specific exam prep and licensing packages designed to make the process smooth and stress-free.
Florida Real Estate Reciprocity Made Easy with VanEd Exam Prep
If you're licensed in one of Florida’s mutual recognition states, you’re already well on your way to earning your Florida real estate license. Florida’s booming real estate market, combined with low barriers to entry under mutual recognition, makes now a great time to expand your professional reach.
For those new to the Sunshine State, VanEd offers a Florida pre-licensing course that provides everything you need to pass the state law exam. All of our courses are designed to be flexible and accommodating, so you can work at your own pace.
Whether you’re applying for your first license or continuing your education, VanEd is here to help you succeed. Start today and take the next step toward building your real estate career!
