This article originally appeared on dailybayonet.com

Suppose you’re interested in becoming a real estate professional in Florida. You might wonder if you need to be a Florida resident to obtain your real estate license. 

The truth is, you don’t have to be a Florida resident to become a real estate agent in the Sunshine State. 

However, there are certain requirements that you must meet to qualify for a Florida real estate license. 

In this blog post, we’ll discuss what you need to know about getting your real estate license in Florida, regardless of whether you’re a state resident.

The Requirements to Get Florida Real Estate License

To get a real estate license in Florida, you must meet several criteria. 

• You must be at least 18 years of age. 

• You must have a high school diploma or equivalent and complete 63 hours of pre-licensing courses from an approved real estate school. 

• You must also pass a background check and the Florida sales associate exam.

• You must have a United States Social Security number.

• All candidates must pay the $89 fee, submit fingerprints and undergo an FBI and Department of Law Enforcement background check. 

Once you have met all these qualifications, you will receive your real estate license and can begin practicing as an agent.

What Happens if I Don’t Meet These Requirements? 

You must meet the above requirements to be eligible for a real estate license in Florida. Additionally, any false information provided during the licensing process could result in further penalties or criminal charges, depending on the offense. Therefore, all information provided during the application process must be accurate and truthful.

Steps For Getting a Florida Real Estate License 

Even though you don’t have to be a resident of Florida to apply for a real estate license, you still need to go through some steps before officially becoming a licensed real estate agent. 

Take and Pass a Pre-License Course

Before applying for a real estate license in Florida, you must take and pass a pre-license course from an approved provider. This course consists of principles and practice. It covers general topics such as contracts and finance and the law portion, which includes issues like fair housing and environmental regulations.

Get Your Fingerprints Taken

After completing the educational requirements, the next step towards obtaining a Florida real estate license is submitting your fingerprints for a background check. You can do this by submitting a request online.

Submit Your Application

Once your fingerprints have been submitted, you can fill out the official application form with the required documents, including proof of identity, a completed background check, proof of education completion, and payment of the required fees. 

Schedule & Pass the State Exam

After applying, you must schedule and pass the official real estate examination. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and is administered any day online or by Pearson VUE. 

In Conclusion

Being a Florida resident is not required to get a real estate license. Non-residents can obtain their license just as easily, provided that they meet all of the other requirements set by the state. This is great news for people considering relocating to Florida or wanting to pursue a real estate career in the Sunshine State.