Florida Real Estate Continuing Education (CE): Requirements, Courses, and Tips for Success

Meta Description: Stay compliant and advance your career with our comprehensive guide to Florida real estate continuing education (CE). Learn Florida's CE requirements, deadlines, course format options (online vs. in-person), top CE providers like Empire Learning, exam tips, costs, and why continuing education is essential for every Florida real estate agent and broker.

Florida Real Estate CE Requirements and Deadlines

In Florida, maintaining an active real estate license requires completing state-approved continuing education (CE) every renewal cycle. The Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) mandates 14 hours of continuing education for sales associates and brokers during each two-year license renewal period (after the first renewal) FLORIDAREALTORS.ORG. These 14 hours must include:

3 hours of Core Law – updates on Florida real estate law and Commission rules
3 hours of Ethics and Business Practices – training on ethics and professional practices
8 hours of Specialty Credit – elective topics related to real estate practice

This specific breakdown ensures that all licensees stay current on crucial legal changes and ethical standards FLORIDAREALTORS.ORG. New licensees have a different initial requirement (post-licensing education) before their first renewal – 45 hours for sales associates and 60 hours for brokers, instead of regular CE REALESTATETRAININGINSTITUTE.COM. After that first renewal, the 14-hour continuing education requirement applies for all subsequent renewals.

Renewal Deadlines: Florida real estate licenses expire every two years on either March 31 or September 30, as assigned by the state based on your initial licensing date REALESTATETRAININGINSTITUTE.COM. Your exact deadline is shown on your license, and you must complete the required CE hours before this expiration date to be eligible for renewal. For example, if your license expires on September 30 of a given year, all 14 hours of CE must be finished and reported prior to that date. Missing the deadline can result in your license becoming inactive or void, which means you cannot legally practice real estate until you meet the requirements and pay any penalties.

It's wise to plan ahead so you're not scrambling to complete CE at the last minute. Florida's Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) typically sends a reminder notice 60 days before expiration, but you are ultimately responsible for tracking your renewal cycle. Completing your continuing education early not only ensures you remain in compliance, but also gives you time to absorb the knowledge and put it into practice.

Online vs. In-Person Florida Real Estate CE Courses

Florida allows you to complete continuing education through multiple formats – either online (distance learning) or in-person classroom courses, or even live webinars – according to your preference NABOR.COM. Each format has its pros and cons, and the best option depends on your learning style, schedule, and budget. Below is a comparison of online vs. in-person CE courses for Florida real estate professionals:

Online Courses (Distance Education):

Flexibility and Convenience: Online Florida real estate CE courses let you study anytime and anywhere. You can complete modules on your computer or tablet at home, at the office, or on the go, at your own pace. This is ideal for busy agents who need to fit in an hour of coursework here and there.
Self-Paced Learning: Most online CE providers allow you to pause and resume courses as needed. You might finish the 14 hours over several days or weeks instead of dedicating full days in a classroom.
Lower Cost: Online CE is often more affordable. Some providers offer the full 14-hour CE package for as low as around $25-$30 GOLDCOASTSCHOOLS.COM, which typically includes all required topics and the final exam. Online courses frequently have sales or bundle deals, making them cost-effective.
Exam Requirement: With online CE, you will need to pass an end-of-course exam to receive credit. Florida law requires a score of at least 80% to pass the CE exam CASETEXT.COM. (More on the exam in the next section.) Reputable online courses usually include review quizzes and even allow multiple attempts or exam retakes if you don't pass on the first try GOLDCOASTSCHOOLS.COM. However, be aware that if you cannot pass the exam, Florida rules may require you to repeat the entire course before trying again CASETEXT.COM.
Interaction: Online learning is mostly self-guided. Some courses include videos, interactive modules, or even mini-games to keep you engaged REALESTATELICENSETRAINING.COM. You typically have access to an instructor or support via email/phone if you have questions, but you won't have face-to-face interaction with a teacher or classmates during the learning process.

In-Person Courses (Classroom or Live Webinar):

Structured Schedule: Classroom CE courses are held at set times (often in a one or two-day seminar format). This provides structure—great if you prefer a dedicated time slot to knock out all 14 hours with fewer distractions. Live webinar courses (streaming classes) similarly occur on a schedule but allow you to attend remotely.
No Final Exam (for live classes): A potential advantage of in-person or live-streamed CE in Florida is that many classroom courses do not require a final exam. If you attend at least 90% of the instruction time and participate, the provider can issue your completion without an exam in some cases GOLDCOASTSCHOOLS.COM. For example, Gold Coast Schools (a Florida provider) advertises that their classroom and livestream CE classes have "No Exam at the end of course" GOLDCOASTSCHOOLS.COM. This can reduce stress compared to an online course where an exam is mandatory.
Interactive Learning: In-person classes offer live interaction. You can ask questions in real time, hear anecdotes from the instructor, and participate in group discussions or activities. This can enhance understanding, especially on complex legal updates, because you can get immediate clarification.
Networking Opportunities: Attending a CE class in person (or even via live webinar with other attendees) allows you to network with fellow real estate professionals GOLDCOASTSCHOOLS.COM. You might meet other agents, brokers, or industry experts, leading to valuable connections or referral opportunities. The shared classroom experience can make learning more engaging and less isolating.
Higher Cost & Time Investment: The downside is that live courses tend to be more expensive and less flexible. A typical two-day classroom CE program in Florida might cost around $80-$100 (for example, approximately $99 for a full 14-hour classroom course) GOLDCOASTSCHOOLS.COM. You also need to travel to the location (unless it's a webinar) and block out full days, which can be challenging for busy Realtors. However, the fee often includes instruction by an experienced teacher and sometimes additional materials or refreshments.

In summary, online CE courses are great for convenience, affordability, and self-paced learning, whereas in-person CE courses offer structure, personal interaction, and no testing pressure at a higher cost. Florida real estate agents and brokers can choose either format (or even mix and match) to fulfill the 14-hour requirement, as long as the provider and courses are FREC-approved. Many providers even offer both options. Consider your learning style: if you're self-motivated and tech-comfortable, online CE might be ideal. If you prefer a classroom environment or dislike tests, a live course could be worth the extra cost. The end goal is to complete the required Florida real estate CE in a way that you both meet your license requirements and truly absorb the updated knowledge.

Choosing the Best Florida Real Estate CE Provider

Florida has a wide variety of approved continuing education providers. When selecting a CE provider, you'll want to consider factors like course quality, price, format, customer support, and how well the program fits your schedule. Below are some of the best-known providers for Florida real estate CE (continuing education). Each of these schools is approved by Florida's licensing authorities – however, we maintain a neutral, unbiased perspective in listing them:

Empire Learning – One of the top choices for Florida real estate CE. Empire Learning offers an easy-to-use online platform and affordable CE packages to complete your 14-hour requirement. Their courses are designed to be straightforward and convenient for busy professionals. (Visit the official site: Empire Learning).
The CE Shop – A popular online real estate school known as a one-stop shop for licensing education. The CE Shop provides a full 14-hour Florida CE package as well as individual courses, all online. They are praised for an interactive course experience that includes videos, scenario-based lessons, and even gamified elements to keep students engaged REALESTATELICENSETRAINING.COM. The CE Shop often runs promotions, making its packages very affordable for the value provided.
McKissock Learning – One of the nation's largest real estate CE providers, highly regarded for its comprehensive course library and professional development tools. McKissock is often considered a top pick for continuing education thanks to its user-friendly courses and extra resources beyond the basics REALESTATELICENSETRAINING.COM. They offer Florida 14-hour CE packages online and even a subscription option (CE Plus Membership) that gives unlimited access to courses and additional training content, which can be cost-effective if you hold multiple licenses or want ongoing education.
Gold Coast Schools – A Florida-based real estate school in operation for 50+ years. Gold Coast offers continuing education in multiple formats: classroom sessions at their Florida campuses, live-streaming webinars, and online courses. They cater to different learning preferences. Notably, Gold Coast's in-person and live-stream CE classes have no final exam and are great for networking GOLDCOASTSCHOOLS.COM, while their self-paced online course is budget-friendly (around $25) and allows unlimited exam attempts GOLDCOASTSCHOOLS.COM. This provider is well-known among Florida agents for reliable, state-approved courses and responsive support.
Kaplan (Bob Hogue School) – Kaplan Real Estate Education (which includes the Bob Hogue School of Real Estate in Florida) is a trusted name offering both online continuing ed and live classes/webinars. They provide professionally produced courses, and Kaplan is known for having experienced instructors and quality content. This can be a good option if you prefer a structured program; for instance, they might offer a scheduled 14-hour CE webinar that you can attend from home but still interact with an instructor and classmates.
Other Options – In addition to the above, many local Realtor® associations in Florida offer CE classes to their members, sometimes branded as programs like "CE Express" or via Florida Realtors® Education initiatives. These can be classroom seminars or special-topic courses at local board offices. Also, NAR's Realtor® University and other industry organizations provide online CE that often counts toward Florida credit (always verify approval). Always ensure the provider is FREC-approved and that the course will be reported to the DBPR so your credits count toward renewal.

When comparing providers, consider reading reviews or asking colleagues for their experiences. The "best" provider ultimately is one that fits your learning style and helps you complete your Florida real estate CE efficiently and successfully.

Tips to Pass Florida CE Exams and Retain Important Information

Completing the coursework is only part of the continuing education process – you'll also need to pass the CE exam (for online or correspondence courses) to get credit. Florida's CE final exams are not overly difficult, but preparation is key because you must score at least 80% to pass CASETEXT.COM. If you don't achieve a passing score, Florida regulations require you to retake the entire course before you can try the exam again CASETEXT.COM. That makes it critical to get it right the first time. Additionally, beyond just passing the test, you'll want to retain the new information for your actual real estate practice. Here are some tips for efficiently completing your Florida real estate CE and remembering what you learn:

Understand the Core Material: Pay close attention to the Core Law and Ethics modules in your CE courses. These sections (3 hours each) cover legal updates, rule changes, and professional standards that are likely to be emphasized on the exam and are vital for your day-to-day practice. Make sure you grasp any new Florida statutes or FREC rule changes introduced. The exam will test key points from these required topics, so a solid understanding of them boosts your confidence for the test and ensures you don't miss important legal changes in real life.
Take Notes and Highlight Key Points: Even if the course is online, keep a notebook or digital document to jot down important facts, dates, or rules as you go through the material. Writing things down helps commit them to memory. Many online courses have printable outlines or note-taking features (for example, some providers like McKissock include built-in note tools REALESTATELICENSETRAINING.COM). Highlighting or noting items such as new Florida laws, contract changes, or ethical practices will make it easier to review later before the exam.
Use Practice Quizzes: Take advantage of any practice questions or chapter quizzes in the course. These help gauge your understanding and get you familiar with the question format. If your provider offers a practice exam or end-of-chapter tests, do them! They often mirror the style of the real exam. Review any questions you get wrong and re-read those topics. Knowing the type of questions to expect (typically multiple-choice, as Florida requires) will reduce surprises on the final test.
Don't Rush Through the Course: While you can complete online CE at your own pace, avoid skimming too fast just to get through. Florida CE courses are timed to ensure you spend the minimum required hours, but you should also aim to absorb the content. Schedule your learning in manageable blocks – for instance, do a couple of hours each evening over a week, rather than a frantic 14-hour marathon on the deadline day. Breaking up the study sessions helps with retention and prevents burnout. If you're in a classroom course, engage actively: ask questions and participate; it will help solidify the knowledge so you won't even need to "study" for a test afterward.
Leverage Open-Book Resources: Check if your CE exam is open-book. Many online CE exams allow you to refer back to course materials or notes while taking the test (this is often the case, since the goal is to ensure you know where to find information). Even if it's open-book, prepare as if it's not – but know that you can quickly lookup a statute or formula if you're stuck. Mark your course PDF or textbook with tabs or bookmarks for crucial sections (like license law updates, escrow rules, etc.) so you can quickly find them during the exam if needed.
Aim for Mastery, Not Just Memorization: Try to connect the CE material with your real-world experience. For example, if the course covers a new Florida law about teams or advertising, think about how it will change your brokerage's practices. When learning about ethics, reflect on scenarios in your past deals. Applying concepts to real situations helps transfer them from short-term memory to long-term understanding. This way, you're not just cramming for the test, but truly retaining the information for your career.
Plan Your Exam Time Wisely: When you feel ready for the final exam, take it when you are least likely to be interrupted and when you're mentally fresh. For many, this might be early morning or a quiet evening. Allocate sufficient time (the exam could be around 30 questions or more, since Florida requires a minimum of 30 questions for a 14-hr course exam CASETEXT.COM). Read each question carefully. Because you need 80% to pass, you can only miss a few questions – so approach each one methodically. If you're unsure, eliminate obviously wrong answers and make an educated guess, then mark the question (if the system allows) to revisit if you have time. Double-check your answers before submitting.
Review and Reflect After Completion: After you pass the exam and finish the course, take a moment to review any materials or a summary one more time while it's fresh. This will reinforce your learning. Some providers give a downloadable certificate or summary of the course – save those. Not only will you need proof of completion for your records, but revisiting the summary in a few months can be a good refresher. Also, think about sharing interesting new insights with your colleagues or broker – teaching others or discussing new laws and best practices can improve your own retention.

By following these strategies, you can pass your Florida real estate CE exam efficiently and actually remember the important updates and skills you've learned. This means you'll not only renew your license on time, but you'll also be able to put your continuing education to work in growing your business and avoiding legal pitfalls.

Cost and Time Commitment for Florida CE

One of the most common questions about continuing education is: "How much time and money do I need to budget for this?" The good news is that Florida real estate CE is relatively reasonable on both fronts, especially compared to the initial licensing education. Here's an overview of what to expect in terms of cost and time commitment:

Course Pricing:

Online CE Costs: Online courses tend to be the most affordable. Many online providers offer the entire 14-hour package (covering all required topics) in the range of about $20 to $60. In fact, as noted earlier, some schools charge roughly $25 for a complete online CE course GOLDCOASTSCHOOLS.COM. Prices may fluctuate with promotions, or if extra features like textbooks or video content are included. On average, budgeting around $30-$50 for a reputable online CE package is common.
Classroom Course Costs: In-person classes or live webinar programs are generally pricier. You might pay anywhere from $75 up to $150 for a two-day classroom seminar, depending on the school and if it includes any extras (lunch, manual, etc.). For example, a well-known Florida provider charges about $99 for the full 14-hr classroom course GOLDCOASTSCHOOLS.COM. The higher fee often goes toward compensating the live instructor and facility costs. Some agents find the live instruction well worth it for the interaction and lack of exam requirement, whereas others are happy to save money with an online course.
A la Carte vs. Package: Keep in mind, you could also purchase courses individually (say, a 3-hour Core Law class from one source and 8 hours of electives from another). Individual CE courses in Florida might cost around $10-$20 per 3-4 hour module. However, buying a 14-hour package from one provider is usually cheaper overall than piecemeal. The package ensures you fulfill all parts in one go. If you only need a specific number of hours (perhaps you completed some CE via a conference or other credits), then individual courses might make sense.
Hidden Fees: Generally, CE providers include everything in the course price, but it's wise to check for any extra fees. For instance, ensure the quoted price includes the state reporting fee (most will say they report your credits to DBPR for you as part of the service). Watch out for any charges for retaking an exam (some providers might charge a small fee for a second exam attempt, though many offer unlimited attempts for free). Reputable schools, like those mentioned earlier, tend to have "no hidden fees" policies GOLDCOASTSCHOOLS.COM – meaning once you pay, you get the course, support, and reporting without surprise add-ons.

Time Commitment:

Total Hours: You must complete 14 hours' worth of content. If you do it all back-to-back, that's roughly equivalent to two full workdays of training. Many agents will tackle it in segments instead. For example, you might do 7 hours one day and 7 the next, or spread it out over several evenings or weekends.
Online Course Pacing: Online CE is usually self-paced within the constraint of the course timers. Florida-approved online courses will have progress checkpoints to ensure you spend the required time. You can often log in and out at your convenience. A smart approach is to break the 14 hours into smaller chunks – say, 2 hours a day over a week. This way, you only need to dedicate a short block in your schedule at a time. Because you have up to two years to complete the CE, some very proactive agents even do a little each quarter (though most prefer to get it done in a focused timeframe).
Classroom Scheduling: If you opt for a classroom or live webinar, the schedule is fixed (e.g., 9am to 5pm on Thursday and Friday for a 14-hr seminar). Plan your work and personal obligations accordingly, and be prepared to attend the entire session to get credit. The upside is you'll finish all the CE in one go. Make sure not to arrive late or leave early; providers require typically at least 90% attendance, and missing more than a small fraction can disqualify your credit CASETEXT.COM.
Studying and Exam Time: Beyond just "seat time," factor in a little extra time for exam preparation and the exam itself. If you've paid attention during the 14 hours, additional studying might be minimal – maybe an hour to review notes. The final exam (if you have one) might take another 30 minutes to an hour. All told, the entire process from start to finish (learning + exam) should comfortably fit within 15-16 hours of your time.
Busy Professionals Time Management: For busy real estate professionals, time is money. Here are a few time management tips to handle CE efficiently:
- Mark Your Calendar Early: Note your renewal deadline far in advance and set a target to finish CE at least one month prior. This avoids last-minute panics. You might even schedule your preferred CE course dates right after your previous renewal (many providers publish schedules well in advance).
- Leverage Slow Periods: If your business has seasonal lulls (for example, a slow period in the market during holidays or right before school starts), use that time to knock out your education. Completing CE during a slow month means it won't interfere when you're swamped with clients.
- Use Downtime Wisely: With online courses, you can turn otherwise unproductive downtime into progress. For instance, instead of scrolling on your phone at night, you could complete a 1-hour lesson. Some agents even use time waiting at open houses (if there are no visitors) or between client appointments to read through a segment of their CE material on a tablet or laptop.
- Accountability: If you struggle with procrastination, consider signing up for a live class or a scheduled webinar – something that commits you to a set time. The structured approach forces you to allocate the time. Alternatively, pair up with a colleague and hold each other accountable: plan to take the same online course and set mutual deadlines (e.g., agree to finish by the end of this month and celebrate completion together).

In terms of balancing cost and time, figure out what's more valuable to you. If budget is tight, an online course maximizes savings and allows you to spread the learning over time. If time is of the essence and you prefer to "just get it done", a slightly more expensive two-day class might be worthwhile to clear the requirement quickly. Either way, Florida's CE is a manageable commitment – 14 hours every two years is a small investment to protect your ability to keep practicing real estate legally and successfully.

Importance of Continuing Education for Career Growth

Some agents (especially seasoned ones) might view continuing education as just an obligatory task for license renewal. However, approaching Florida real estate CE as an opportunity rather than a chore can truly benefit your career. The real estate industry is dynamic, and staying educated is key to staying relevant. Here are several reasons why continuing education is essential for your professional growth as a real estate agent or broker:

Stay Up-to-Date with Laws and Regulations: Real estate laws, licensing regulations, and contract forms are continuously evolving. By taking your CE courses, you ensure you're aware of new Florida legislation and FREC rule changes that affect how you do business. This knowledge lets you provide accurate, current information to clients and avoid legal mistakes JOINLOKATION.COM. It builds trust with customers when you can confidently explain the latest rules (for example, changes in flood zone disclosures or team advertising requirements) because you learned it in CE.
Enhance Professionalism and Ethics: Continuing education typically reinforces the ethical standards and professional conduct expected in real estate. Courses on business ethics or best practices help you reflect on your own practices and improve them. Demonstrating a commitment to learning signals to clients and colleagues that you take your profession seriously. Over time, agents who continually educate themselves tend to have a more polished approach to client service, which boosts their reputation. In short, CE helps you "level up" your professionalism and credibility in the eyes of clients and peers JOINLOKATION.COM.
Expand Your Skill Set: CE isn't just about rules – you often have elective topics that can broaden your skills. You might choose an elective on technology in real estate, social media marketing, property management, or commercial investment basics. These courses can introduce you to new niches or techniques. For example, learning about conducting a comparative market analysis (CMA) in a CE elective might improve your ability to price homes accurately. Over a career, these additional skills translate into better service for your clients and can open up new revenue opportunities (like adding leasing services or becoming proficient in investment properties).
Stay Competitive in the Industry: The real estate market in Florida is competitive. Agents who keep up with industry trends and innovations will stand out. Through continuing education, you might learn about emerging trends (perhaps a course on sustainable "green" homes, or the latest digital transaction management tools). This knowledge allows you to offer the most modern solutions to clients. You'll be able to say, "Yes, I'm familiar with that new financing program" or "I've been updated on the latest market statistics," giving you an edge over agents who haven't kept up. In a fast-changing industry, lifelong learning helps you stay ahead of the curve JOINLOKATION.COM.
Networking and Idea Sharing: Especially when you take live CE classes or webinars, you gain the benefit of interacting with other professionals. These settings can become brainstorming sessions where agents share experiences or tips. You might learn about a useful app or a lead-generation idea from a fellow student. Such interactions can spark new ideas for your business. Even online, some courses have forums or group discussions. Engaging in these can connect you with a broader community and potentially referral partners.
Protect Your License and Clients: Ultimately, the mandatory nature of CE is there to protect the public and maintain a high standard in the profession. By diligently completing your continuing education, you reduce the risk of legal infractions or disciplinary issues. You'll be less likely to commit a violation like mishandling escrow funds or violating advertising rules if you have been reminded of the do's and don'ts in your courses. This protects your career (no one wants their license suspended for an avoidable mistake) and it protects your clients' interests because you're operating with current knowledge. It's a form of insurance for your professional integrity.
Fuel for Personal Growth: Beyond the immediate real estate context, committing to regular education cultivates a growth mindset. It keeps you intellectually active and curious. You might find that something you learned in a CE class inspires you to pursue a new certification or designation (like CRS, GRI, or ABR) which can further distinguish you in the marketplace. In other words, CE can be a springboard to other professional development pursuits that enhance your career in the long term.

In summary, continuing education is not just a checkbox for license renewal – it's a vital tool for career longevity and success. Agents and brokers who embrace CE tend to stay sharper, give better advice, and adapt more quickly to changes in the real estate landscape. In Florida's dynamic market, knowledge truly is power. Each time you renew your license, ask yourself what you learned that can make you a better real estate professional. By doing so, you'll see the tangible benefits of continuing education in your growing confidence, competence, and business opportunities.

Conclusion

Florida real estate continuing education (CE) is a fact of life for licensed agents and brokers – but with the right approach, it can be far more than just a state requirement. By understanding the Florida real estate CE requirements, planning your courses (online or in-person) strategically, choosing a quality provider like Empire Learning or another top school, and applying good study habits, you can fulfill your CE with minimal stress and maximum benefit. You'll keep your license active and in good standing, avoid any lapse in your ability to practice, and gain valuable updates that keep you at the forefront of the industry.

Staying compliant with CE laws is essential, but staying educated is what truly sets you up for long-term career growth. Florida's real estate market is competitive and always evolving – much like the continuing education courses that evolve to address new laws and trends. Embrace the learning process, and you'll find that continuing education not only protects your real estate career but also helps it thrive. Whether you're a new agent hungry to learn, an experienced broker needing a refresher, or a busy professional squeezing in courses on the weekend, make the most of your Florida real estate CE. It's an investment in yourself and your future success in the vibrant Florida real estate industry.