Florida's 14-Hour Continuing Education Regulations
When Are You Eligible for Continuing Education?
Before a licensee can begin their 14-hour CE requirement, they must first complete their post-licensing education. For sales associates, this consists of a 45-hour post-licensing course, while brokers must complete a 60-hour post-licensing course. This education must be completed within the initial licensing period; otherwise, the license will expire and cannot be renewed.
Once the post-licensing requirement is satisfied, licensees transition into the CE cycle, which must be completed every two years before their license expiration date.
License Expiration Dates and Renewal Requirements
All Florida real estate licenses expire on either March 31st or September 30th, depending on the individual’s original licensing date. Licensees are required to complete their CE before their expiration date to maintain their license in active status.
Failure to complete the 14-hour CE requirement will result in the license becoming null and void, requiring the individual to retake the pre-licensing course and exam to regain licensure.
Breakdown of the 14-Hour Continuing Education Requirement
The 14 hours of CE can be completed in one sitting or broken up into multiple sessions but must include:
- 3 Hours of Core Law – Covers legal updates and regulatory changes.
- 3 Hours of Ethics and Business Practices – Focuses on ethical real estate conduct and professional responsibilities.
- 8 Hours of Electives – Courses related to real estate practices, industry trends, or specialized topics.
Online vs. In-Person Course Requirements
Licensees have flexibility in how they complete their CE, with both online and in-person options available:
- Online Courses: Require an end-of-course exam that must be passed to receive credit.
- In-Person or Livestreaming Classes: Do not require an exam—attendance alone is sufficient for course completion.
Final Thoughts
Continuing education is a mandatory component of maintaining an active real estate license in Florida. After completing post-licensing education, real estate professionals must stay on top of their CE requirements every two years to avoid costly penalties or license cancellation. Whether choosing an online course with an exam or an in-person session for a more interactive experience, ensuring compliance with Florida’s education requirements is essential to sustaining a successful real estate career.
For those due for CE, now is the time to enroll and secure your license renewal on time!
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations - Division of Real Estate
Website: www.myfloridalicense.com
Phone #: 850-487-1395
Fax #: 850-488-8040
Address: 400 West Robinson St., N801, Orlando, FL 32801