Your 5-Step Checklist to Activate Your Real Estate License
Congratulations! You’ve studied, stressed, and passed the Florida real estate exam—no small feat. But after the initial celebration fades, many new licensees hit a wall of uncertainty. The question hits hard: Now what?
You’re not alone. This is one of the most common points of confusion for new agents. The good news? The path to activating your real estate license is straightforward once you know the steps. This guide will walk you through the five key actions needed to go from “licensed” to “active” in the eyes of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
Step 1: Understand "Active" vs. "Inactive" Status
After passing your state exam, your license is technically issued—but it’s not active yet. There are two license statuses in Florida:
• Inactive License: You are licensed but not legally allowed to practice real estate.
• Active License: You are authorized to represent buyers, sellers, landlords, or tenants in real estate transactions.
To work legally, you need an active license. That’s where the next steps come in.
Step 2: Find a Sponsoring Broker
You cannot activate your license independently. In Florida, all new sales associates must be sponsored by a licensed real estate broker.
Your sponsoring broker will serve as your supervising professional and help you launch your real estate career. Choose wisely—look for a brokerage that aligns with your goals, offers training, and provides tools and mentorship.
Questions to ask when choosing a broker:
• Do they offer in-house training or mentorship programs?
• What’s their commission split?
• What technology and marketing tools are provided?
• Do they have office meetings or team collaboration?
Once you’ve secured a broker, you’re ready to notify the state.
Step 3: Complete the DBPR RE 11 Form
To activate your license, your broker needs to complete the DBPR RE 11 form titled “Sales Associate – Become Active.”
This form can be submitted:
• Online through the DBPR’s MyFloridaLicense portal.
• By mail, though online submission is faster and preferred.
This form officially links you to your broker and begins the activation process.
Pro Tip: Make sure your information on the form matches your original license application exactly to avoid delays.
Step 4: Broker Approval Through the DBPR Portal
After submitting the RE 11 form, your sponsoring broker must log into their DBPR online account and approve the request. This step finalizes your activation request.
Once processed, your license status will be updated to “Active” on the DBPR’s license lookup tool. You’ll also receive confirmation via email.
This is a crucial administrative step—your license is not active until your broker approves the connection.
Step 5: Know Your Deadlines — The 45-Hour Post-Licensing Course
Here’s something many new agents don’t realize: Your first renewal period starts the day your license is issued, not the day it becomes active.
Within 18–24 months of license issuance, you must complete the 45-Hour Sales Associate Post-Licensing Course to keep your license valid. This is a mandatory requirement under Florida real estate law.
Failing to complete this course on time will result in your license becoming null and void—meaning you’d have to start over.
At Florida Real Estate School, we offer an on-demand, mobile-friendly 45-hour post-licensing course that fits your schedule, with 24/7 instructor support. Enroll early so you're not scrambling at the last minute.
Final Thoughts
The "Now what?" moment after passing your Florida real estate exam can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. By understanding the activation process and taking the right steps in the right order, you’ll go from newly licensed to legally active quickly and confidently.
This checklist is more than just paperwork—it’s your gateway to starting a successful real estate career.
Ready to take the next step? Secure your broker, activate your license, and enroll in your post-licensing course today. Your career is officially in motion—and Florida Real Estate School is here to guide you at every turn.
