Orlando’s real estate market is one of the most active in Florida. Tourism, population growth, and ongoing development keep demand high — and that means demand for licensed real estate agents is strong, too. If you’re thinking about getting your Florida real estate license and you’re based in Orlando, online pre-licensing education has made the process faster and more flexible than ever.
Here’s what you need to know before you enroll.
Florida Real Estate License Requirements at a Glance
Before choosing a course, understand what Florida actually requires:
- Complete 63 hours of state-approved pre-licensing education
- Pass the end-of-course exam with a score of 70% or higher
- Submit a license application through the Florida DBPR
- Pass the Florida real estate licensing exam administered by Pearson VUE
- Activate your license through a sponsoring broker
Online courses cover step one — and the best ones prepare you thoroughly for step four.
Best Online Real Estate Pre-License Schools for Orlando Students
1. Gold Coast Schools
Gold Coast is one of Florida’s most established real estate schools. Their online courses are self-paced, available on any device, and include live instructor support. They also offer exam prep packages that are genuinely useful.
2. Kaplan Real Estate Education
Kaplan offers Florida-approved online real estate courses with multiple format options — self-paced video, livestream, and text-based. Their exam prep is thorough and their content quality is high.
3. The CE Shop
The CE Shop has become a favorite among self-motivated learners. Their platform is modern, content is regularly updated, and they offer a pass guarantee on some packages. Strong for people who prefer to learn at their own pace.
4. Bob Hogue School of Real Estate
A Florida-based school with strong roots in the Orlando market. Courses are taught by instructors with real Florida real estate experience. Offers both live online and self-paced formats.
5. Larson Educational Services
A more affordable option with solid content and straightforward delivery. Good for students on a tight budget who are disciplined enough to work through self-paced material.
Comparison Table
| School | Format | Price Range | Exam Prep Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Coast | Self-paced/Live | $200–$400 | Yes |
| Kaplan | Self-paced/Livestream | $300–$500 | Yes |
| The CE Shop | Self-paced | $150–$350 | Yes (some packages) |
| Bob Hogue | Live online/Self-paced | $200–$350 | Yes |
| Larson Educational | Self-paced | $100–$200 | Limited |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Rushing through the material. The Florida licensing exam is harder than many expect — especially the math questions. Give yourself adequate time.
- Skipping exam prep. The pre-license course and the state exam cover overlapping but not identical material.
- Not checking DBPR approval. Make sure any course you enroll in is approved by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
Pro Tips for Orlando Students
- Schedule your state exam shortly after finishing the course while the material is fresh.
- Talk to active Orlando brokers before you finish your course — having a sponsoring broker lined up speeds up license activation.
- Join the Orlando Regional REALTOR Association to start networking early.
FAQs
How long does it take to get a real estate license in Florida? Most students complete the process in 2–4 months, depending on study pace and exam scheduling.
Can I take the Florida licensing exam online? No — the Pearson VUE exam must be taken in person at a testing center. Several are located in the Orlando area.
How much does it cost in total to get a Florida real estate license? Expect $300–$700 total, including the course, application fee ($83.75), and exam fee ($36.75).
Conclusion
Orlando is one of the best markets in Florida to launch a real estate career. Choose a DBPR-approved online course, don’t skip exam prep, and have a broker conversation early. The process is manageable, and the career payoff in Orlando’s market is real.
