Florida Broker License by Endorsement: What You Need to Know in 2025
Are you a licensed real estate broker in another state with years of experience under your belt? You can now skip Florida’s 72-hour broker pre-licensing course and still qualify for your Florida broker license — thanks to the recently launched Broker License by Endorsement pathway.
This new licensing option allows experienced brokers from any U.S. state to fast-track their Florida licensure without having to start over. Whether you're planning to move to Florida or simply expand your business here, this process could save you months of time.
✅ What Is Broker License by Endorsement?
Broker License by Endorsement became available on July 1, 2024, following new legislation under House Bill 1273. It allows out-of-state brokers with sufficient experience to apply for a Florida broker license without having to retake pre-licensing education.
This is not the same as mutual recognition. While mutual recognition is limited to just a handful of states and only available to non-residents, endorsement is available to both residents and non-residents and applies to brokers from any U.S. state.
🔍 Who Qualifies?
- Hold a current and active broker license in another U.S. state.
- Have at least 24 months of active real estate experience (broker or sales associate) in the past 5 years.
- Ensure your license is in good standing.
- Complete a background check and fingerprinting.
- Pass Florida’s 40-question real estate law exam.
✅ Yes, Florida residents can apply by endorsement too — not just out-of-state brokers.
📝 Application Process
- Apply through the Florida DBPR.
- Submit your license and experience verification.
- Complete fingerprinting and pass a background check.
- Take and pass the Florida-specific 40-question law exam.
- Pay the application fee (about $91.75).
Once approved, you’ll receive your Florida broker license.
📘 How to Prepare for the Florida Law Exam
Although the law exam is shorter than the full state exam, it covers only Florida-specific real estate laws, which may be very different from what you’re used to in your current state.
🎯 Best Study Resource:
Florida Mutual Recognition Exam Prep Course
This course is the perfect prep tool for anyone applying via endorsement, even though it’s marketed toward mutual recognition students. Why? Because it focuses entirely on the Florida Real Estate Law Exam, which is the same exam required for both endorsement and mutual recognition applicants.
- Easy-to-understand breakdowns of Florida statutes and rules
- Practice exams and video lessons
- Exam strategies designed specifically for the 40-question format
This course gives you the confidence to pass Florida’s law exam on your first attempt.
🚨 Don’t Forget: Post-Licensing Is Still Required
Once you’ve passed the exam and received your Florida broker license, you are still required to complete 60 hours of Florida broker post-licensing education before your first renewal period.
You can find the required course here: 👉 Florida Broker Post-Licensing Courses
Failure to complete this requirement will result in your license becoming null and void — so make sure to plan ahead and enroll early.
🆚 Endorsement vs. Mutual Recognition
| Requirement/Feature | Endorsement | Mutual Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| Available to FL residents? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| States eligible | All U.S. states | Limited to 9 (e.g., GA, AL) |
| License type required | Broker only | Sales associate or broker |
| Experience required | 24 months in last 5 years | ❌ None |
| Exam required | Florida 40-question law exam | Florida 40-question law exam |
| Course required | ❌ No pre-license, only post-license | ❌ No pre-license, only post-license |
🌴 Why Get Licensed in Florida?
Florida’s real estate market is one of the most active in the nation, with:
- High demand in both residential and commercial sectors
- A steady stream of new residents
- No state income tax
Getting licensed in Florida positions you to tap into this growing opportunity — whether you’re looking to relocate or expand your real estate operations across state lines.
🚀 Take the First Step Today
If you're an experienced broker ready to grow your business in Florida, the Broker License by Endorsement is the fastest and easiest way to get started.
👉 Enroll now in the Mutual Recognition Exam Prep Course and start preparing for Florida’s 40-question law exam today.
Then don’t forget to plan ahead for your post-license education: 👉 Register for Broker Post-Licensing Courses to keep your license active after your first renewal.
Let us know if you have questions — our advisors are here to help you every step of the way.
