14-Hour Florida Real Estate Continuing Education Course-Open Book Exam

Florida real estate license renewal: What are the basic continuing education requirements?

Florida requires active real estate licensees to complete 14 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years as part of the license renewal period. The 14-hour education requirement typically includes a 3-hour core law update and 11 hours of specialty or elective continuing education courses. Completing 14 hours of continuing, approved Florida real estate ce credits and submitting course completion information to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) are required to renew your Florida real estate license and maintain an active license status.

License renewal: When is my renewal date and how can I check my license expiration date?

Your renewal date or license expiration date is printed on the bottom of your license and also available on the DBPR website. Florida real estate license renewal follows a two-year license term for most sales associates and brokers; first renewal for newly licensed sales associates often coincides with post-licensing requirements. To avoid lapses, check the renewal date well before the renewal period and confirm continuing education completion and payment of the renewal fee through the Florida real estate commission portal or DBPR online services.

Continuing education courses: Who is required to complete 14 hours and are there exceptions?

All active Florida real estate licensees — including sales associates and brokers — are required to complete 14 hours of continuing education every renewal cycle, which includes the 3-hour core law. Exceptions include those on inactive license status, certain newly licensed sales associates during their first renewal who must complete 45 hours of post-licensing education instead of the 14-hour CE, and licensees in other specific situations as defined by the Florida Real Estate Commission. Always verify your status and requirements with the DBPR prior to enrolling in real estate continuing education courses.

Real estate continuing education courses: Can I complete my continuing education online and what counts as qualifying CE credits?

Yes, Florida real estate continuing education courses are available here, and The Real Estate Licensing School of Florida’s courses are approved by the Florida Real Estate Commission. Qualifying CE credits must be from courses approved by the DBPR and cover required topics like core law and elective subjects. Course completion documentation is reported to the DBPR by The Real Estate Licensing School of Florida, and licensees should retain certificates and confirm course completion and CE credit posting before they submit their renewal.

Renew your license: What is the renewal process and how do I pay the renewal fee?

To renew your real estate license, complete the required continuing education, verify course completion is recorded with the DBPR, and submit your renewal online through the DBPR or real estate commission portal. Pay the applicable renewal fee at the time of submission using the accepted payment methods; some options include credit card online or check/money order if mailing is allowed. The applicable renewal fees vary by license type (sales associate, broker) and whether you are switching to or from inactive status.

Renewal requirements: What happens if I let my Florida real estate license expire or miss the renewal deadline?

If your license expires, your license status will change and you may be required to complete additional education or reinstate through the DBPR. If the license expiration date results in less than 24 months since your last renewal, you may still be required to complete the 14 hours of continuing education. For licenses that have been expired for longer periods (often 12 months but less than 24 months or more than 24 months), you may need to retake the pre-license course, retake the state exam, or complete additional hours such as 60 hours for reactivation depending on DBPR rules. Contact the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation for specific reinstatement steps and applicable renewal fees.

Florida real estate continuing education: How does post-licensing differ from continuing education for first renewal?

Post-licensing education applies to newly licensed sales associates and brokers and generally requires completing 45 hours of post-license education before the first renewal. After the first renewal, licensees enter the recurring continuing education cycle and must complete 14 hours of real estate CE every two years. Post-licensing hours are distinct from the biennial continuing education requirements and are required to renew your real estate license for the first renewal after initial licensure.

Continuing education requirements: Are there specific topics I must take, like core law or ethics?

Yes, Florida real estate continuing education includes mandatory topics such as the 3-hour core law update, which addresses recent changes in real estate law and Florida real estate commission rules. Elective education courses can cover areas like real estate law, brokerage management, ethics, and specialty topics. Ensure the continuing education courses you choose are approved for CE credits by the DBPR and count toward the required 14 hours of continuing education every 2 years.

DBPR and real estate education: How do I verify course completion and my renewal was accepted?

After completing continuing education courses, your course completion should be reported to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation by the approved education provider. You can verify course completion and your license renewal status online via the DBPR license search or your account dashboard. Keep copies of course completion certificates in case you need to document completion. If the DBPR shows any discrepancies, contact the education provider or the Florida Real Estate Commission for assistance and to ensure your license renewal is processed and your license remains in active status.