Advancements in technology have allowed real estate agents to promote their properties and services to clients anywhere in the country and even beyond.
That said, as a real estate agent, you might be looking to expand your portfolio into a property market as hot as the one in Florida. But will Florida recognize your out-of-state license?
Florida real estate reciprocity offers a means to expand real estate careers into its borders without sitting through complete real estate coursework for licensing. All you need is to pass a simple test on its real estate laws.
If your state is not a party to this agreement, there are multiple other options to get your license recognized that we should look at below.
Let’s explore real estate license reciprocity in Florida and other options to have your real estate license accepted in Florida.
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Overview on Real Estate License Reciprocity in Florida
Also known as mutual recognition, license reciprocity is an agreement made by states allowing real estate professionals to obtain licenses in other states. In Florida, all you need is to sit and pass a state exam for your license to be recognized.
Provided you have a valid license in your current state, your second real estate license in Florida might just be 40 questions away.
How to Get Your License Through Florida Reciprocity
Florida offers mutual recognition agreements, also referred to as real estate reciprocity, to eight states:
- Alabama
- Connecticut
- Arkansas
- Nebraska
- Georgi
- Mississippi
- Illinois
- Rhode Nebraska
When you are licensed by any of the states with a mutual recognition agreement (reciprocity) with Florida, you are exempted from having to sit the 63-hour pre-license education classes. Your only requirement will be doing the section on the exam dealing with Florida laws.
The section contains 40 questions, and the pass mark is set at 30 and above. Once you pass the test, you will qualify for a Florida real estate license.
The reciprocity application process will also require you to provide your license history to claim mutual recognition. Keep in mind that you can not be a resident in Florida when making an application claiming reciprocity. The process will also not apply to you if you already hold a license through the exchange in the other states party to the mutual recognition.
All applicants must meet the minimum age requirement, have a social security number, and hold a high school diploma or its equivalent.
When Reciprocity Is Not An Option
If you are a broker, then you still have another option. Florida has all its state broker’s license courses done online; provided you have had a license from any state for at least two years, you can become a real estate broker in Florida. Take the Florida broker pre-licensing course and take the 200-question states exam.
If you are not interested in becoming a broker and would prefer not to keep up with all the compliance requirements, you can consider becoming a Sales Associate. If you aim to sell real estate in Florida and already have the needed skills, then an associate license is the right pick for you.
This route will require you to sit the 63-hour pre-licensing course and complete the state exam.
Key Takeaways on Reciprocity
Provided you have a valid real estate license in the eight states party to mutual recognition with Florida, the state will recognize your license. Just pass the 40-question portion of the state exam.
Additional Application Requirements and Procedures
You must be 18 years and above to apply for the Florida real estate state exam. You should submit the application using a printed form to the Florida DPR and do it online.
The approval process will take you approximately ten days. Once approved, you’ll get a candidate ID number that you’ll use to schedule your state exam.
- Give out your fingerprints to allow for an FI background check
- Use the Pearson Vue testing service in Florida
- Apply for the license in Florida once you’ve passed your exam; this will cost you approximately $89
- Your license will remain valid for 18 to 24 months.
- You can either become a broker or sales associate.
- The licenses given are issued as inactive; therefore, you cannot immediately practice in real estate. You make your license active by being sponsored by another broker.
Winding It Up
Expanding your real estate ventures to a new country is a hugely positive step for any real estate professional. Florida has an attractive real estate market, making it a great starting point. Florida and mutually agreeing states got into real estate reciprocity to boost real estate transactions across the states.
Therefore, you have every reason to reap the benefits of an expanded market. Inquire about any restrictions in your state, and make sure you go through all the steps needed, as highlighted above.
