Starting a real estate career in Florida opens the door to independence, flexibility, and long-term income, but the early steps aren’t always as clear as they should be.
One of the biggest questions agents ask is: How long do I need to work under a broker before I can go out on my own?
Florida real estate agents must work under a licensed broker for at least 24 months before applying for a broker license. This 2-year requirement ensures agents gain experience handling transactions, maintaining compliance, and understanding state laws before operating independently.
Florida’s licensing system is built around structure. You can’t skip ahead, but you can move through it strategically. The key is knowing what counts as experience, what’s optional versus required, and how to avoid distractions that slow your progress.
Why Florida Requires Agents to Work Under a Broker First
Earning a real estate license in Florida doesn’t mean you’re immediately allowed to operate independently. Before you can represent clients, list properties, or collect commission, your license needs to be placed under a managing broker.
This process is often referred to as “hanging your license.”
What It Means To “Hang” Your License
You’re affiliating with a brokerage, and by doing so, giving that broker legal oversight over your transactions. You’re not an employee, but you’re not operating solo either.
Why Brokers Carry Legal Responsibility
The managing broker is accountable for your work under Florida law. That includes:
- Reviewing contracts and advertising
- Ensuring compliance with escrow rules
- Addressing any complaints or legal issues tied to your license
Brokers take on real liability, and in return, they provide supervision, whether that’s light-touch or hands-on depends on the model.
What If Your Broker Isn’t Responsive?
That’s not something to ignore. If you can’t reach your broker when a compliance question pops up or you’re unclear on a deal detail, it’s a risk to your license.
Florida allows you to switch brokerages at any time, without penalty. If the fit isn’t right, move on before problems arise. Your license, your business.
Your First Two Years as a Florida Real Estate Agent
The first two years are where you build your base, experience, knowledge, and reputation. You’re also laying the groundwork to eventually step into full independence, if that’s your path.
Here’s how that early timeline breaks down:
Complete the 63-hour pre-licensing course
This FREC-approved course covers contracts, ethics, real estate law, financing, and more. It’s required before you can even schedule your exam.
Pass the Florida real estate exam
Once your course is complete, you’ll take the state exam. It’s challenging but manageable with preparation.
Activate your license under a brokerage
After passing, your license stays inactive until a broker officially accepts it. Activation is required before you can legally practice.
Complete your 45-hour post-licensing course within two years
Before your first license renewal, you’ll need to finish this course. It goes deeper into business planning, prospecting, and compliance.
How Long You Must Work Under a Broker in Florida (And Why)
Florida doesn’t just require you to start under a broker, it also requires experience before you can level up to broker status yourself.
To qualify for a broker license, the state requires:
- 24 months of active licensure within the past 5 years
- That experience must come from being affiliated with a brokerage, not just holding a license passively.
What counts as “active” experience?
Simply holding a license isn’t enough. You must be engaged in real estate activities:
- Listing, selling, leasing, or managing real property
- Under the supervision of a licensed broker
You don’t need to hit sales targets, but your work must be legitimate and traceable if the state requests verification.
Do you need a minimum number of sales?
No. There is no set transaction count. But experience matters, you’ll be better prepared for the broker exam and daily operations if you’ve closed deals, negotiated contracts, and handled clients directly.
Will just a few transactions still qualify?
Yes. Even if you only close a few deals per year, your time counts as long as your license is active and affiliated with a broker.
What Happens If You Want to Work Solo Right Away?
Many agents come in thinking they can open their own office or brand immediately after licensing. In Florida, that’s not how it works.
Sales associates cannot operate independently. You must work under a broker, no exceptions. That said, you can still operate with a high degree of autonomy depending on your brokerage model.
What flexibility can you have under a broker?
Some brokerages, like ours, allow you to:
- Work part-time without pressure to hit sales numbers
- Build your personal brand instead of being locked into heavy corporate branding
- Focus only on referrals, if that suits your lifestyle or income strategy
You don’t need to be tied to an office, forced into desk duty, or micromanaged to comply with the law.
Can you form an LLC to receive commission?
Yes. Florida allows licensed agents to form a PA or PLLC and receive their commissions through that entity.
The company must be registered with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). This setup is commonly used by agents looking to:
- Streamline taxes
- Build credit as a business
- Set up for future growth
It’s a smart move if you plan to stay in the industry long-term.
The Road to Becoming a Broker in Florida: Step-by-Step
Becoming a broker is about more than passing another exam. It’s about assuming full control, and full responsibility, for your real estate business.
Once you’ve met the 24-month active experience requirement, here’s what comes next.
Step 1: Complete the 72-hour broker pre-licensing course
This FREC-approved course dives into management, supervision, and real estate law at a deeper level.
Step 2: Submit your application, fingerprints, and background check
Florida requires full background clearance as part of your broker application.
Step 3: Pass the broker exam
You’ll need a 75% or higher to pass. The exam is significantly more technical than the sales associate test.
Step 4: Complete your 60-hour post-licensing course (within your first renewal cycle)
This course focuses on risk management, running a brokerage, and supervising agents.
Typical timeline from agent to broker
- Year 1: Pass sales associate exam, hang license, start working deals
- Years 1–2: Build experience, complete post-licensing
- After 24 months: Enroll in broker pre-licensing, pass exam
- Year 3: Launch your own brokerage or team, complete 60-hour post-licensing
Plenty of agents use this window to maximize income under a flat-fee model, retaining more of what they earn while gaining the hands-on experience needed to eventually run their own operation.
Real Estate Agent vs. Broker: What’s the Real Difference?
A lot of agents come into real estate unsure of how much authority their license actually gives them. In Florida, the differences between a real estate sales associate and a broker are based on licensing level, legal responsibility, and the ability to operate independently.
Real estate sales associate (agent)
This is the entry-level license most professionals start with.
- Must work under a broker
- Can list, sell, and lease properties
- Cannot supervise other agents or manage escrow accounts
Real estate broker
A broker license unlocks more autonomy and oversight.
- Can operate independently
- Can supervise agents and open a brokerage
- Carries full liability for any transaction supervised
The takeaway:
- Agent = works under a broker’s supervision
- Broker = has more education, control, and legal responsibility
What buyers and sellers really care about
Here’s something we’ve told hundreds of agents: Clients hire you, not the logo on your business card.
People care about your professionalism, communication, and results. We’ve seen agents build loyal client bases under low-overhead models, with zero dependency on a national brand. It’s your skills that drive the business, not a franchise name.
What If You Don’t Like Your First Broker? (Switching Explained)
Choosing your first brokerage is important, but it’s not permanent. Florida gives agents the freedom to transfer their license quickly if something doesn’t feel right.
How to switch brokerages in Florida
- File a new DBPR RE 11 form or let your new broker initiate the transfer online
- The update is processed immediately
- You can begin working under your new broker as soon as the transfer goes through
Signs it may be time to switch
Not every brokerage lives up to its promises. If you’re seeing any of the following, it’s worth reassessing:
- Surprise fees that weren’t disclosed up front
- No access to your broker for compliance or support
- Pressure to attend meetings, hit quotas, or participate in office programs that don’t serve your goals
- A mismatch between your preferred work style and their systems
“Is it hard to switch early in your career?”
Not at all. There’s no waiting period and no penalty. In fact, switching early can keep your momentum intact if your first choice turns out to be a poor fit.
Hidden Fees, Fine Print, and Other Worries to Watch Out For
The biggest trap new agents fall into? Underestimating the long-term cost of staying at the wrong brokerage.
High splits are only part of the picture. Look closely at the hidden fees too.
Questions to ask before signing with a brokerage
- What are the monthly or annual fees?
- Are there transaction fees, and how much?
- Is there a sales quota tied to penalties or fees?
- What tech or marketing services are actually included?
Comparing fee structures: flat-fee vs. commission split
Traditional brokerages may offer a 70/30 split but layer in:
- $200/month desk fees
- Admin charges
- Franchise fees
- Tech subscriptions
Meanwhile, a flat-fee model simplifies your cost structure. We operate on:
- $100/year
- $100 per closing
- No hidden fees
Do You Really Need to Join the REALTOR® Association?
There’s a lot of pressure, and confusion, around joining the REALTOR® association. Here’s the bottom line: in Florida, it’s not required.
Your real estate license remains fully valid whether you’re a REALTOR® or not.
MLS access without joining the association
One of the most persistent myths is that you can’t access MLS listings without being a REALTOR®. That’s false. MLS access depends on whether your brokerage is a member, not your personal membership.
Some agents join a local MLS directly through their brokerage without becoming association members.
When it makes sense to join (and when it doesn’t)
Join the association if:
- You’re listing or showing homes full-time
- You need MLS access every day
- You value networking events and formal REALTOR® designation
Skip it if:
- You’re doing referral-only work
- You operate part-time
- You want to keep costs low while building your business
FAQ: “If I skip joining, will I still have MLS access?”
In some cases, yes, if your broker holds MLS membership and offers access. Local board policies vary, so it’s worth confirming with your brokerage before deciding.
We allow agents to choose. There’s never any pressure to join unless it aligns with your business goals.
How to Pick the Right Brokerage for Your First 2 Years
Your first two years in the industry shape your long-term path. The right brokerage will give you the structure, flexibility, and cost model that fits your strategy, not theirs.
Mentorship vs. independence: what do you really need?
If you thrive in structured environments and want training, look for real mentorship, not just access to old webinars.
If you’re self-directed, the better move is joining a brokerage that lets you work without being micromanaged. You should be able to reach your broker when needed but still run your business your way.
100% commission vs. training-based splits
Ask yourself:
- Do you want to keep more commission and pay for training only when you need it?
- Or give up 30–50% of every deal for general training that may not apply to your business?
We see many agents spend thousands on splits they never recover, especially early on.
Ask these questions in your next brokerage interview
- What are the exact costs to stay active monthly and per transaction?
- Is training optional or mandatory?
- What happens if I scale down temporarily?
- Are there any required sales quotas, office time, or meeting attendance?
Unique insights from the field
- Flat-fee brokerages often offer full independence, no office time, no meetings, no production minimums
- “Referral Only” isn’t a legal status, it’s a marketing label. You can do referrals without joining the association as long as your license is active and you’re with a compliant broker.
All About Working Under a Broker Answered
Can I start my own team as a new agent?
Yes, as long as you’re affiliated with a licensed broker who allows it. Some firms are flexible; others are not. Make sure to ask before joining.
Can I hold multiple licenses in Florida?
No. You can hold only one active sales associate or broker license at a time. Once you’re a broker, you can legally structure multiple business entities if needed.
What if I go inactive before hitting 24 months of experience?
Only active months count toward your broker license eligibility. If your license goes inactive, the clock pauses until you’re reactivated.
Your Roadmap to Freedom as a Florida Agent
- New Agent: Pass exam → Hang license with a broker
- First 2 Years: Build experience, complete 45-hour post-licensing
- After 24 Months Active: Take broker course → Pass exam → Become eligible to launch your own brokerage
Moving from support to self-sufficiency
Working under a broker isn’t a barrier, it’s your launchpad. The right broker helps you build experience and income while avoiding complexity and hidden costs.
And when you’re ready for the next level, you’ll already have the habits, knowledge, and capital to move forward on your own terms.
We designed our brokerage to support that path, with transparency, agent control, and zero fluff.
If you’re ready to stop splitting your commissions and start building a business around how you want to work, join Realty Hub. We’re here to help you do it leaner, smarter, and faster.