Real Estate Exam Florida: Everything You Need to Know

How Hard Is the Florida Real Estate Exam?

The Florida Real Estate Exam has a reputation for being challenging, with first-time pass rates typically landing around 50–55%. Many people don’t pass on their first attempt, and some need multiple tries before they’re successful. That doesn’t mean you won’t pass—it just means you need a solid plan and consistent preparation.

Here are a few areas that many candidates find the most difficult:

Real Estate Math  
Many test-takers say the math portion is the toughest part of the exam. Questions often involve depreciation, appreciation, property size and area calculations, and various financial formulas. If math isn’t your strongest subject, spend extra time practicing these types of problems so you feel more confident.

Florida Real Estate Law  
Florida has its own set of state-specific real estate laws and rules, which can feel confusing if you’re not familiar with them. Be sure to review:

• Florida’s special laws and regulations
• License law and disciplinary rules
• Disclosure requirements and agency relationships  
  Because these topics are heavily tested, a strong understanding of Florida law is essential.

Property Rights and Ownership  
Property ownership concepts can be easy to mix up. Make sure you’re comfortable with:

• Types of ownership (e.g., joint tenancy, sole ownership)
• How deeds transfer property
• Freehold vs. leasehold estates
• Property types such as condominiums and time-shares  
  These concepts appear frequently on the exam and are commonly missed.

Vocabulary and Terminology  
Real estate has a lot of specific terminology, and it can be easy to confuse similar terms if you don’t review them often. Regularly studying vocabulary and working through practice questions will help these terms stick and make exam questions easier to understand.

VanEd’s exam prep resources are built to help you master these challenging areas. With targeted practice and clear explanations, you can strengthen your weak spots and improve your test-taking skills. No matter how tough the exam seems at first, if you stay consistent and keep learning, you can pass.

How to Register for the Florida Real Estate Exam

Here’s a step-by-step look at how to register for the Florida Real Estate Exam:

1. Submit Your DBPR Application

Start by completing the online application on the DBPR website. You’ll need to:

• Fill out the required application form
• Pay the application fee
• Provide proof that you’ve completed the 63-hour pre-licensing course
• Submit digital fingerprints for a background check

Make sure that your personal information, including your name and contact details, matches what you’ll use when scheduling your exam.

2. Wait for Approval

Once your application and fingerprints have been submitted, the DBPR will review your information and conduct a background check. Processing times can vary, so it’s wise to apply well before your ideal exam date.

When you are approved, you’ll receive notification and instructions on how to move forward with scheduling your exam.

3. Schedule Your Exam with Pearson VUE

After your DBPR application is approved, Pearson VUE will issue you a RE applicant ID. You’ll use this ID to schedule your exam.

Go to the Pearson VUE website to:

• Choose your exam date
• Select a test center location
• Review any additional testing policies or requirements

You can select the testing center that’s most convenient for you, and all scheduling details are provided on the Pearson VUE website.

4. Take the Exam

Once your exam is scheduled, your main focus should be preparation. Pearson VUE offers official practice exams that closely resemble the real test format. Taking these practice tests can help you:

• Get comfortable with the question style
• Practice timing
• Identify areas where you need more review

By exam day, you should have reviewed your course materials thoroughly, completed practice questions, and familiarized yourself with the test format so you can walk into the testing center feeling prepared.

How Much Is the Real Estate Exam in Florida?

It’s easy to assume you’ll pay a single fee and be done once you pass the exam. In reality, there are several costs involved in getting your Florida real estate license. The good news is that these upfront expenses are an investment in a career where total pay for agents in Florida can range from about $76,000 to over $95,000.

Here’s a breakdown of the main fees:

• Exam Fee: $36.75
• Application Fee: $62.75
• Fingerprinting and Background Check: Typically between $50 and $80

If you need to retake the exam, you’ll pay the $36.75 exam fee again each time. Exam fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, so it’s smart to schedule your test only when you feel adequately prepared. Proper study and a good pre-licensing course can reduce the likelihood of needing multiple attempts.

Where to Take the Florida Real Estate Exam

All Florida real estate candidates must take the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center. Florida state law does not allow remote or at-home testing for this exam.

Pearson VUE has test centers located throughout the state to help you find a convenient location. Testing centers are available in the following cities:

• Orlando
• Boynton Beach
• Oakland Park
• Fort Myers
• Gainesville
• Jacksonville
• Miami
• Pensacola
• Tallahassee
• Tampa
• Hollywood
• St. Petersburg
• Coral Gables
• Ormond Beach
• Lake Mary
• Melbourne
• Sarasota
• Lakeland
• Doral
• Ft. Lauderdale

When scheduling, choose the test center that best fits your location and travel needs. Be sure to confirm the address and any site-specific rules before exam day.

Plan Ahead

Planning ahead can make a big difference in both your confidence and your results. As soon as you finish your pre-licensing course, try to schedule your exam while the material is still fresh in your mind.

You’ll also want to complete your DBPR application and fingerprinting early to avoid delays in the approval process. The sooner you’re approved, the more flexibility you’ll have in picking an exam date and location that works for you.

If your ideal date is full, consider being flexible with your schedule. Occasionally, earlier exam slots open up when other candidates cancel.

On exam day:

• Arrive early with all required identification and documents
• Double-check the test center location and rules in advance
• Get a good night’s sleep the night before the exam

Remember, VanEd provides pre-licensing and exam prep courses to help you prepare, but the exam itself is administered only by Pearson VUE and the state. With good planning and strong preparation, you’ll be in the best position to succeed.

How to Pass the Florida Real Estate Exam

We’ve talked about how challenging the Florida Real Estate Exam can be, but now let’s focus on what you can do to pass it with confidence. Like any major test, success comes down to having a clear plan and following it consistently.

Start by creating a detailed study schedule that covers all the topics from your pre-licensing course. Spread out your review over several weeks so you’re not cramming at the last minute. The more intentional and organized your study time, the better your chances of passing on your first attempt.

Here’s how to build an effective study plan:

Carve Out Time Everyday

Decide in advance when you’ll study each day and how long each session will be. Treat this time like a non-negotiable appointment with yourself.

To make studying more manageable, break it into 30–60 minute blocks. Focus on one topic per block rather than trying to tackle everything at once. Short, focused sessions help you stay engaged and retain more information.

Consistent daily study habits will not only improve your knowledge but also build your confidence as exam day approaches.

Focus on Important Topics

When you study, prioritize the areas that are heavily tested and often more difficult, such as:

• Real estate law
• Real estate principles
• Math and financial calculations
• Florida-specific state laws and regulations

Rotate topics so you’re covering a variety of material throughout the week instead of focusing on just one area for days at a time. This helps reinforce your learning and prevents burnout on a single subject.

Take Practice Exams

Practice exams are one of the most powerful tools you can use to prepare. They help you:

• Get used to the format and style of questions
• Practice pacing yourself within the time limit
• Identify where you need more review

VanEd's practice exams are designed to closely mirror the real Florida Real Estate Exam. After each practice test, review all of your answers, not just the ones you missed. Understanding why an answer is correct will help you avoid similar mistakes on the actual exam and deepen your understanding of the material.

Is the Florida Real Estate Exam Open Book?

No. The Florida Real Estate Exam is closed book and proctored. You are not allowed to bring notes, study guides, textbooks, or reference materials into the exam room.

On exam day, you’ll be required to bring a valid photo ID, and only a few personal items are permitted. Test centers strictly limit what you can take into the room, and phones, food, drinks, and most personal belongings are not allowed.

The exam is closely monitored through cameras and live proctors to maintain fairness and prevent cheating.

This might sound strict, but it’s another reason why thorough preparation is so important. If you study well and take advantage of quality prep materials, you won’t need an open book to feel ready for the exam.

What to Expect on Exam Day

On the day of your exam, plan to arrive at the testing center at least 30 minutes early. This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s required. Arriving late could result in being denied entry and having to reschedule (and repay) for a new test date.

You’ll need to bring:

• Two forms of signature identification, one of which must be government-issued and include your photo, current address, and the same name you used on your DBPR application. Accepted IDs include:
• Driver’s license
• State identification card
• Passport
• Military identification card

One of the following, if applicable:

• Florida Division of Real Estate Authorization Notice (if received before testing)
• Certificate of Pre-licensing Education Completion
• Florida Bar Card
• Letter of Equivalency from the Division of Real Estate
• Calculator, if allowed by the testing center’s policies
• Foreign language translation dictionary (for non-native English speakers), if permitted under Pearson VUE rules

You will be given instructions by the testing staff and may have access to breaks during the exam. However, the exam clock continues to run during any breaks, so manage your time carefully.

Pearson VUE testing centers are designed to provide a quiet, professional environment where you can focus. Knowing what to expect ahead of time can help reduce anxiety and allow you to concentrate fully on the exam.

What to Do After Passing the Florida Real Estate Exam

Passing the exam is a big milestone, but there are still a few steps before you’re officially a licensed real estate agent in Florida. Once you receive your passing score, you’ll need to:

• Apply for your active license through the DBPR website
• Affiliate with a licensed broker to begin practicing real estate
• Activate your license with DBPR so you can legally represent clients

It usually takes a few weeks to receive your license number after completing all required steps.

Remember, your education doesn’t stop once you’re licensed. To remain active, Florida real estate agents must complete 14 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years. VanEd offers state-approved continuing education courses to help you stay compliant with Florida’s requirements and keep your knowledge up to date.

Ready to Start? Prepare for the Florida Real Estate License Exam with VanEd

Before you can take the Florida Real Estate Exam, you’ll need to complete a 63-hour pre-licensing course. VanEd offers Florida-approved online pre-license and exam prep courses designed to fit your schedule and help you feel confident on exam day. Our courses give you the skills, knowledge, and test preparation you need to earn your real estate license and launch your career. We’re here to make sure you’re fully prepared and ready to succeed. Enroll today and take the first step toward becoming a Florida real estate agent!