Key Takeaways
- Florida real estate licenses are valid for 2 years (or less for initial licenses depending on birth month)
- Continuing education requires 14 hours every 2-year cycle, including 3 hours of core law
- Post-license education (45 hours) is required before the first renewal and is separate from CE
- Licenses not renewed within 2 years of expiration require retaking the state exam
- The Real Estate Recovery Fund pays up to $50,000 per transaction and $150,000 per licensee
Last updated: January 2026
License Maintenance and Discipline
Florida real estate licenses require ongoing maintenance through continuing education and timely renewal.
License Terms and Renewal
Initial License Term
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Expiration date | March 31 or September 30 based on birth month |
| Initial term | 18-24 months (varies) |
| Subsequent terms | 24 months (2 years) |
Renewal Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sales associate renewal | $32 (biennial) |
| Broker renewal | $32 (biennial) |
| Late renewal | Additional fees apply |
Continuing Education (CE)
Regular CE Requirements
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Total per cycle | 14 hours |
| Core law | 3 hours (mandatory) |
| Specialty CE | 11 hours (electives) |
| Cycle | Every 2 years |
Core Law Requirement
The 3-hour core law course covers updates to:
- Florida real estate law
- FREC rules
- Federal laws affecting real estate
Important: The 14 hours of CE is DIFFERENT from the 45-hour post-license education required for first renewal.
Late Renewal and Expired Licenses
Renewal Status
| Status | Time Frame | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Active | Before expiration | Complete CE, pay fee |
| Involuntary inactive | 0-12 months after expiration | Complete CE, pay fees |
| Null and void | 12+ months after expiration | Retake course and exam |
Disciplinary Procedures
Investigation Process
- Complaint filed with DBPR
- Preliminary investigation by DRE
- Probable cause determination by FREC
- Administrative complaint filed (if cause found)
- Hearing before Administrative Law Judge
- FREC final order issued
Penalties Available
| Penalty | Description |
|---|---|
| Citation | Minor violations, fine only |
| Reprimand | Formal warning |
| Fine | Up to $5,000 per violation |
| Probation | Supervised practice |
| Suspension | Up to 10 years |
| Revocation | Permanent license loss |
Common Violations
| Violation | Potential Penalty |
|---|---|
| Failure to account for funds | Suspension/revocation |
| Misrepresentation | Fine, suspension |
| Dishonest dealing | Revocation |
| Advertising violation | Citation, fine |
| Failure to disclose | Fine, probation |
Real Estate Recovery Fund
Purpose
Compensates consumers harmed by licensee misconduct when:
- Licensee commits fraud, misrepresentation, or breach
- Consumer obtains court judgment
- Consumer cannot collect from licensee
Limits
| Limit | Amount |
|---|---|
| Per transaction | $50,000 |
| Per licensee (lifetime) | $150,000 |
Effect on License
After fund payment:
- License automatically suspended
- Must repay fund plus interest
- License remains suspended until repayment
- If not repaid, license revoked after 5 years
Voluntary vs. Involuntary Inactive
| Status | Description |
|---|---|
| Voluntary inactive | Requested by licensee (not practicing) |
| Involuntary inactive | Expired but within 12 months |
Both require completing all CE and paying fees to reactivate.
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Test Your Knowledge
How many hours of continuing education are required for Florida license renewal?
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Test Your Knowledge
What is the maximum amount the Florida Real Estate Recovery Fund will pay per licensee?
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