Florida Licensed Broker Associate - What is it and is it any different from a Real Estate Agent?

According to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation:

A broker is a person who, for another, and for compensation or in anticipation of compensation, appraises, auctions, sells, exchanges buys, rents, or offers, attempts or agrees to appraise, auction or negotiate any sale, exchange, purchase or rental of business enterprises or any real property or any interest in or concerning the same or who advertises the same.

"Broker associate" means a person who is qualified to be issued a license as a broker but who operates as a sales associate in the employ of another.

I am a licensed Florida Real Estate Broker. I studied hard for, took, and passed the stringent Florida Real Estate Broker test. In simple language and language used on the Department of Business and Professional Regulation's website, one of our regulating bodies, a broker is an "upgrade from Sales Associate to Broker". In more simple terms, it means I've gone beyond that of a "Real Estate Sales Agent" through education to obtain a Broker's license. It doesn't make me a better real estate agent per se but probably makes me more educated in real estate.

What does that mean for my real estate customers?

First, it means I am likely more educated in real estate than another agent who hasn't pursued the Broker level. It tells customers I have a minimum level of education and experience beyond that required of a Real Estate Sales Agent. Next, it tells you a little something about ME - that I am serious about my business and put forth the effort to achieve the highest level of expertise possible. Not all agents can say that.

It doesn't make me a better agent directly. It doesn't automatically give me more experience than an agent who has been doing real estate for 40 years. It does mean I go above and beyond to help serve my clients as best I can.

What's the difference between a Broker and a Broker Associate?

I am a Broker Associate. I hold the exact same license as a Broker but choose not to run my own Brokerage so I am not the "BIC" or Broker In Charge at my firm and therefore I am not called a Broker but a Broker Associate.

The broker license allows me to open my own brokerage firm one day, should I choose to, and become a Broker In Charge or remain happy with the firm I am at and serve my clients while remaining a Broker Associate. It takes A LOT of work to run a brokerage and I prefer to work with clients, not spend a lot of my time running a brokerage.

What are the requirements to become a Broker or Broker Associate?

From the DBPR Website:

Application Requirements:

AGE: Must be at least 18 years of age.

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER: You must have a United States Social Security number to apply. You may visit the Social Security Administration website for information on how to obtain one.

EXPERIENCE: Must show proof of one of the following: Has been registered as an active sales associate for at least 24 months during the preceding 5 years under one or more brokers; has held a current and valid real estate sales associate's license for at least 24 months during the preceding 5 years in the employ of a governmental agency for a salary and performing the duties authorized in Chapter 475, F.S.; or has held a current and valid real estate broker's license for at least 24 months during the preceding 5 years in any other state, territory, or jurisdiction of the United States, or in any foreign national jurisdiction.

CERTIFICATION OF LICENSE HISTORY: A current certification of license history from the state you are claiming experience from is required if the experience is coming from a state other than Florida. The history must contain your initial license exam type, current license status, disciplinary information, and how many active months within the preceding five years.

EDUCATION: Prior to sitting for the state exam you must show proof of course completion of Florida-approved 72-hour pre-license education for brokers. The course is good for two (2) years from the date of completion. An expired course will not be accepted at the exam site and you will not be able to sit for your exam without proof of a valid course completion slip. The course is not required at the time of application submission. You may submit an application for state exam approval prior to taking the pre-license education. See the list of approved providers.

EDUCATION EXEMPTIONS: If you hold a 4-year degree or higher, in real estate you may be exempt from the pre-license education requirement. In order to determine your exemption please submit an original certified transcript with your application for review. If you wish to submit prior to application, please send an original certified transcript with a cover letter to: Division of Real Estate, Attention: Education Section, 400 West Robinson Street, Suite N801, Orlando, Florida 32801.

EXAMINATIONS: The examination is given by Pearson Vue. To learn more visit their website to find a location near you to set up your exam once your application has been approved by the DBPR. The Candidate Information Booklet is a source to help guide you through the examination process.

FEE: Pay the required fee as provided in the application. Military veterans, their spouses, and Florida National Guard members may be eligible for a fee waiver, fee reimbursement, and/or fee discount. Please visit the DBPR Military Services page for more information.

FINGERPRINTS: Must have a background check as part of the licensing process.

Robert Paul, PA | Broker Associate