WIth its sandy beaches, sunny days, and some of the world’s most popular attractions, there are plenty of reasons to move your real estate business to the Sunshine State.
Moving a professional license to a new state, however, can be tricky. Each has its own requirements for license mobility, based on its overall licensing procedures — and Florida is no exception.
Does Florida have reciprocity for real estate licenses?
As you prepare to make the move, it is important to consider the type of real estate insurance you may need in Florida, whether it is professional liability insurance, general liability insurance, workers’ compensation, or a combination of the three.
1. Florida real estate mutual recognition states.
For a select few states, Florida has real estate license mutual recognition. This means that you can transfer your licenses between any of those particular states without having to complete education requirements. You need only to complete the licensing requirements in order to obtain an equivalent Florida license. Before practicing in Florida, however, make sure you have the necessary business liability insurance to protect yourself and your business.
2. Florida real estate transfer of experience.
Don’t live in a mutually recognized state? You still have options. If you’ve held an active real estate license in another state for at least two years of the past five, that experience may allow you to waive the Florida sales associate licensing exam and obtain a Florida broker license instead. You will, however, still need to complete the broker pre-licensing course, as well as the state exam. More on below.
Before you get started, you may want to look into obtaining professional liability insurance, which can help protect you from claims of negligence or errors and omissions that may arise in your real estate practice.
3. Become a sales associate.
If you don’t meet the two-year requirement, your third option is to get your sales associate license. While this isn’t license reciprocity, it can save you some time and effort. Opting for the sales associate license is a far less extensive licensing process than going for a broker license. You will need to complete the respective licensing course and pass the state exam.
If you don’t meet the two-year requirement, your third option is to get your sales associate license. While this isn’t license reciprocity, it can save you some time and effort. Broker licensing is a more intensive process, with a particularly rigorous course and exam.
Opting for the sales associate license is a far less extensive licensing process. You will need to complete the respective licensing course and pass the state exam. Regardless of the path you choose, make sure you are covered with the necessary liability insurance coverage for your work as a real estate sales associate.
How to get Florida real estate license reciprocity
If you live in a mutual recognition state (more about those later), there are still some requirements that must be met in order to reciprocate your license.
- You must meet the general Florida standards for applicants. This means you must be 18 years or older, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, and be able to provide a valid Social Security number.
- You must pass the 40-question Florida laws portion of the state real estate exam with a grade of at least 30 points. You will also need to make sure you have the appropriate level of professional liability insurance to practice real estate in Florida.
Which states have or do not have real estate license reciprocity with Florida?
We cover some popular states here. You can find more information about Florida real estate reciprocity at the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation website.
Georgia real estate license reciprocity with Florida.
Georgia is one of the states in the mutual recognition agreement with Florida. In order to qualify, you must be at least 18, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, and not be a resident of Florida at the time of application. Even if you meet all the requirements for licensure, it is important to make sure you have the proper business liability insurance in place.
Florida real estate license reciprocity with North Carolina.
Florida does not offer mutual recognition with North Carolina. If you hold a North Carolina real estate license consider looking into the two-year licensing exemption described earlier in this article, or pursue a sales associate license.
Florida real estate license reciprocity with Texas.
Like North Carolina, Florida unfortunately does not offer mutual recognition with Texas. Again, the best course of action may be to look into your other options.
Illinois real estate license reciprocity with Florida.
Florida does extend mutual recognition to Illinois real estate license holders. As with Georgia, you must meet the age, educational, and residency requirements.
Before you begin working as a real estate professional in Florida, you will need to secure liability insurance coverage that meets the state’s requirements.
New York real estate license reciprocity with Florida.
New York is not among the states that Florida offers reciprocity. New York real estate license holders transfering to Florida should consider the two previously described alternatives.
Florida real estate license reciprocity with Connecticut.
Florida offers mutual recognition for real estate license holders based out of Connecticut. Just like Georgia and Illinois, the same age, residency, and educational requirements apply.
Florida real estate license reciprocity with Tennessee.
Tennessee real estate licenses are not mutually recognized in Florida. The alternative avenues for getting a Florida real estate license may be available, as with North Carolina, Texas, and New York.
What other states have reciprocity with Florida?
The following states’ real estate licenses are also mutually recognized in Florida:
- Alabama
- Kentucky
- Mississippi
- Nebraska
- Rhode Island
- West Virginia
Florida Broker License Reciprocity
Broker license reciprocity in Florida, as with real estate sales licenses, will depend on your issuing state. The mutual recognition with the states listed above also applies to broker licenses.
If you hold a license that isn’t from one of the mutually recognized states, your license won’t reciprocate. However, if you have at least two years’ experience as a sales associate in the past five years, that experience can be applied toward obtaining a Florida broker license. However, the pre-licensure course and full exam are still required.
Florida Appraiser License Reciprocity
If you’re a licensed appraiser looking to relocate to Florida, you may be able to apply for reciprocity. The bad news is that full reciprocity is not offered, as additional requirements must be met. Here’s what you need to know.
Appraisers licensed outside Florida can apply for Florida licensure. Your application will include:
- A valid Social Security number.
- Proof of a high school diploma or equivalent education.
- Being at least 18 years old.
- Proof of a current appraiser license from the issuing state.
- Payment of the Florida appraiser license fee.
- A background check, as well as fingerprints.
- Proof of successfully passing the Florida Supplemental Exam.
- The name and physical address of your business.
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