If you hold a Florida real estate license, staying compliant with renewal requirements is essential to maintain your active status and good standing with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Here’s a guide on the DBPR Florida real estate license renewal process and what you need to do to keep your license up to date.
General Renewal Requirements
In Florida, real estate licenses must be renewed every two years. The DBPR mandates that all licensed sales associates and brokers complete a 14-hour continuing education (CE) course within this renewal period. This course covers essential updates on real estate law, ethics, and other key industry topics to ensure that agents are well-informed and compliant with current standards. In addition to the CE requirement, licensees must also pay a bi-annual renewal fee to the DBPR.
Failing to meet either the CE requirement or the payment deadline can result in your license being placed on inactive status or even risk cancellation. To stay in good standing, it’s important to keep track of your renewal period and complete the requirements before the deadline.
First Renewal Requirements for New Licensees
If you’re newly licensed in Florida, either as a sales associate or broker, there are specific post-licensing education requirements for your first renewal:
Sales associates are required to complete a 45-hour post-licensing course.
Brokers must complete a 60-hour post-licensing course.
This post-licensing education is a one-time requirement and must be completed within the first two years after receiving your initial license. Unlike the standard 14-hour CE course, the post-licensing course is more comprehensive and focused on core real estate principles, Florida regulations, and professional development, providing new licensees with a solid foundation for their careers.
Failure to complete the post-licensing requirement by the deadline will result in your license becoming null and void, meaning you will need to start the licensing process over if you want to continue working in real estate.
Staying on Track with DBPR Deadlines
To ensure you don’t miss any deadlines, it’s a good idea to set reminders well before the renewal date. The DBPR typically sends email notifications prior to the renewal deadline, so make sure your contact information is up to date in the DBPR system.
For first-time licensees, staying on top of the post-licensing requirements is crucial, as missing the deadline will require reapplying for licensure from scratch. Completing your 45-hour or 60-hour post-license course ahead of time can provide peace of mind and allow you to focus on growing your business without interruption.
Steps for a Smooth Renewal Process
Complete the Required Education: Enroll in a DBPR-approved CE course if you’re due for a 14-hour renewal or a post-license course if it’s your first renewal as a sales associate or broker. The school should send your completed CE course to the DBPR.
Pay the DBPR their bi-annual fee: You would then need to pay the DBPR their bi-annual fee by logging into your online portal.
Maintain Compliance: Keep records of your completed education and make sure your contact details with the DBPR are up to date to receive important notifications. You can also check online to make sure they have updated your expired date.
Conclusion
Staying compliant with DBPR Florida real estate license renewal requirements is key to maintaining your active status as a Florida real estate professional. Whether you’re a seasoned agent renewing every two years or a new licensee approaching your first renewal deadline, being proactive with your continuing education and fee payments ensures you stay in good standing with the DBPR. By keeping up with these requirements, you’ll avoid lapses in your license and be better equipped to continue building your career in Florida real estate.