Can A Felon Pursue A Real Estate Career In Florida?

Is it possible for individuals from other countries to work as real estate agents in Florida? While U.S. citizenship is not a requirement, aspiring agents must be legal permanent residents. However, obtaining permanent residency solely through a real estate agent role in the United States can be a challenging endeavor.

To obtain a real estate license in Florida, you need to follow a specific process, which includes passing the Florida real estate salesperson license exam. Additionally, a crucial part of this process is undergoing a comprehensive background check. This background check is conducted by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and is aimed at ensuring that candidates meet the state’s eligibility criteria for a real estate license.

As part of this background check, applicants are also required to submit their fingerprints through a process known as Live Scan, unless they qualify for an exemption based on factors such as age or military service. This fingerprint check is an integral part of the screening process to verify the applicant’s identity and ensure they meet the necessary requirements.

Please note that the specific requirements and procedures may change over time, so it’s advisable to consult the latest guidelines and regulations provided by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) for the most up-to-date information on obtaining a real estate license in Florida. As of January 4, 2022, these were the requirements in place, but they may have been updated since then.

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• United States Social Security number.
• Complete 63 hours of approved pre-licensing instruction within the last two years.
• Pass the Florida sales associate exam.
• Pay the $89 fee and get fingerprinted.