Your education as a real estate professional does not end at passing your licensure exam, in fact, it’s just getting started!

In order to maintain your Florida real estate license and stay in compliance you must renew your license periodically and complete the required education for each renewal.

Here is a breakdown of what to expect:

All Florida Real estate licenses renew on either March 31^st or September 30^th . The first renewal is 18-24 months after initial licensure and subsequent renewals are biennial (every 2 years). Expiration dates can be found on your license and in your DBPR online account. The DBPR will also notify you via email when your license is due for renewal.

Whether you are a newly licensed agent, or have upgraded to a brokers license, the process is the same: Obtain initial license, Complete the required post license course for 1st renewal period, and then 14 hours continuing education for each subsequent renewal. Education requirements must be met, application submitted to the DBPR, and all applicable fees paid before midnight EST on the date of expiration.

Special exemptions for renewal education:

• Licensees with a 4 year degree (or higher) in real estate can apply for an post-license education exemption. To apply, submit your original transcripts to: Division of Real Estate – Education Section – 400 West Robinson Street, Suite N801, Orlando, Florida 32801.

• Florida Bar Members who are active and in good standing are exempt from the 14 hour continuing education requirement. They are NOT exempt from post license requirements. If you are a member of the Florida BAR and haven’t yet notified the DBPR, you can call them at (850) 487-1395.

Licensees approved for special exemption must still submit their renewal application and applicable fees before midnight on the day of expiration.

2^nd & Subsequent Renewals are Biennial

Unlike the pre and post license course material, continuing education is THE SAME for sales associates, brokers, and broker associates.

Licensees must complete 14 hours of continuing education with an approved provider and pass the end of course exam. Continuing education consists of 3 hours core law, 3 hours business ethics practices, and 8 hours of specialty education. Must also submit renewal application and pay applicable fees.

Post license courses are designed to help newly licensed agents add practical skills to the foundational real estate knowledge acquired in pre-licensing. It helps agents learn how to actually become a real estate agent and dive deeper into the skills that will make you money. Even though you have between 18-24 months to complete this course, we recommend getting started ASAP.

Failure to Renew

If you fail to complete your first renewal cycle, your license will become null and void. This means your license is no longer active and if you wish to practice real estate, you must start over with a new pre-license course. There is no leniency for 1 renewals so it is pertinent to start your post license education as soon as possible after obtaining your initial license.

For second and subsequent renewals, there is a grace period. If you fail to renew by the expiration during your second or subsequent renewal, your license will automatically become “involuntary inactive”. This means you will no longer be able to practice real estate, BUT, you can re-activate your license by completing your 14 hours of CE, and paying the renewal fee AND late fee. If you fail to reactivate within 12 months, you will be required to complete double the education hours with a 28 hour reactivation course, plus submitting your renewal and paying all fees. Failure to complete this within 24 months will result in a null and void license. Once a license had gone null and void, you must restart the entire licensing process.

As a real estate agent, you should always be striving to advance your education. Mandatory education is just the beginning.

Check out the professional development courses offered by VERAX.

If you have question or need help renewing your license, don’t hesitate to give us a call! (352) 783-2462