Florida Real Estate Sales Associate Exam Overview

Welcome to OpenExamPrep's FREE Florida Real Estate Sales Associate exam prep guide. This comprehensive resource covers Florida-specific regulations, licensing requirements, and state real estate laws governed by the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) under the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

About the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC)

The Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) is responsible for licensing and regulating real estate professionals in Florida. FREC operates under the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and establishes education requirements, administers licensing, and handles disciplinary matters.

Contact Information

Florida Licensing Requirements at a Glance

Pre-License Education Requirements

Florida requires 63 hours of pre-license education from a FREC-approved school or provider.

Course Requirements

Course Content

The 63-hour Florida Pre-licensing course covers topics required by the Florida Real Estate Commission:

• Real estate law and regulations
• Property ownership and land use
• Agency relationships and duties
• Contracts and transaction documents
• Real estate finance
• Property valuation
• Closing procedures
• Florida-specific disclosures
• Fair housing laws
• Ethics and professional conduct

Important: Your course completion certificate is valid for 2 years from the date you pass the course exam. You must apply and pass the state exam within this window.

The Florida Real Estate Exam

The Florida real estate sales associate exam is administered by Pearson VUE at testing centers throughout Florida.

Exam Structure

Exam Topics

The Florida exam covers Florida-specific real estate content:

1. Real Estate License Law - FREC authority, licensing requirements
2. Real Estate Brokerage - Relationships, duties, compensation
3. Real Estate Contracts - Types, elements, performance
4. Agency Relationships - Types, disclosure, duties
5. Residential Contracts - FAR/BAR contracts, provisions
6. Property Rights - Ownership, encumbrances, liens
7. Real Estate Finance - Loans, mortgages, closing costs
8. Valuation - Appraisal approaches, CMAs
9. Fair Housing - Federal and Florida requirements
10. Closing - Settlement procedures, prorations

Registration

Step-by-Step Licensing Process

Step 1: Meet Basic Requirements

Verify you meet Florida's eligibility requirements:

• At least 18 years old
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Social Security number required
• Good moral character (no disqualifying criminal history)

Step 2: Complete Pre-License Education

Complete 63 hours of approved education:

1. Enroll in a FREC-approved school (online or classroom)
2. Complete all 63 hours of coursework
3. Pass the course exam
4. Receive your certificate of completion
5. Certificate valid for 2 years

Step 3: Apply for the Exam

Submit your application through DBPR:

1. Complete the Sales Associate Initial Application (RE 1)
2. Provide proof of education completion
3. Submit required documentation
4. Pay application fees
5. Complete background check (electronic fingerprinting)

Step 4: Schedule and Pass the Exam

Register with Pearson VUE:

1. Receive exam eligibility from DBPR
2. Visit pearsonvue.com or call to schedule
3. Select testing center and date
4. On exam day, arrive 30 minutes early
5. Bring valid government-issued photo ID
6. Complete 100 questions within 3.5 hours
7. Score 75% or higher (75 correct)
8. Receive immediate pass/fail results

Step 5: Activate Your License

After passing the exam:

1. Your license is issued in an "involuntary inactive" status
2. Find a sponsoring broker
3. Complete broker affiliation paperwork
4. License becomes active when affiliated with a broker

Total Costs Summary

Important Timelines

Post-License Education

Florida requires significant post-license education before your first renewal.

Sales Associate Post-License

Warning: Failure to complete the 45-hour post-license course before your first renewal will result in license expiration. You would then need to retake the 63-hour pre-license course and state exam.

License Renewal

Florida real estate licenses renew every 2 years.

Continuing Education Requirements

Renewal Process

• Complete 14 hours of CE before expiration
• Renew through DBPR online system
• Pay renewal fees
• Maintain active broker affiliation

Florida Agency Relationships

Understanding Florida's agency disclosure requirements is essential for the exam.

Agency Types

Required Disclosures

Florida requires specific disclosure forms:

• Single Agent Disclosure - Must be signed before confidential information
• Transaction Broker Disclosure - Default relationship notification
• No Brokerage Relationship Disclosure - When not representing party
• Consent to Transition - When changing relationship type

Exam Tip: Know when each disclosure is required and what duties apply to each relationship type. This is heavily tested.

Florida Trust Account Requirements

Florida has strict requirements for handling client funds.

Escrow/Trust Account Rules

FREC Escrow Dispute Options

When there's an escrow dispute, brokers have four options:

1. Mediation - If both parties agree
2. Arbitration - If required by contract
3. Interpleader - Court action to determine rightful party
4. Notify FREC - For FREC to escrow the funds

What This Guide Covers

This FREE study guide focuses on Florida state-specific content:

Chapter 1: FREC & Licensing Requirements

• FREC structure and authority
• Florida Real Estate Law
• Licensing requirements and processes
• Disciplinary procedures

Chapter 2: Florida Agency Relationships

• Single agent vs. transaction broker
• Disclosure requirements
• Duties and limitations
• Consent to transition

Chapter 3: Florida Contracts & Disclosures

• FAR/BAR contracts
• Disclosure requirements
• Florida-specific provisions
• Closing procedures

Chapter 4: Florida Escrow & Property Law

• Escrow deposit requirements
• Trust account regulations
• FREC escrow dispute options
• Florida property considerations

Study Tips for Success

Recommended Study Plan

Key Numbers to Memorize

Next Steps

Ready to begin? Here's your action plan:

1. Verify eligibility - Age 18+, HS diploma, SSN
2. Enroll in 63-hour course - FREC-approved school
3. Complete education - Pass course exam
4. Apply to DBPR - RE 1 application
5. Complete background check - Fingerprinting
6. Schedule exam - Through Pearson VUE
7. Pass exam - 75% on 100 questions
8. Find a broker - Activate your license
9. Complete post-license - 45 hours before first renewal
10. Get licensed - Start your career!

Remember: This guide focuses on Florida-specific content. Florida exams test primarily state law, not national concepts.

Let's get started with Chapter 1: FREC & Licensing Requirements!