Top 5 Things to Know Before Purchasing a Florida Pre-License Real Estate Course

Choosing the right Florida real estate pre-license course is crucial to passing the licensing exam and starting your career successfully. Not all courses offer the same value—considering accreditation, format, pass rates, study materials, and costs is essential. Here’s everything you need to know before enrolling.

1. State Accreditation & Compliance

Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) Approval

The Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC), part of the Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR), mandates that aspiring real estate professionals complete a 63-hour pre-license course from an approved provider.

Why Accreditation Matters

  • Only FREC-approved courses count toward state licensing requirements.
  • Non-approved courses are a waste of time and money—you won’t be eligible for the state exam.
  • Approved courses follow FREC’s official syllabus, ensuring the best preparation.

How to Verify Accreditation

Before enrolling, verify that your course provider is on Florida’s DBPR-approved list. If a provider does not clearly state its FREC approval, consider it a red flag.

2. Course Format & Flexibility

Choosing the Right Learning Format

  • Online (Self-Paced): Learn at your own pace, ideal for busy schedules.
  • Live Online (Instructor-Led): Attend virtual classes with real-time guidance.
  • In-Person: Classroom setting with structured learning and networking.
  • Hybrid (Mixed Learning): Combination of self-study and live instruction.

Comparing Top Providers

Provider Formats Offered Live Instructor Access
Cameron Academy Self-Paced, Live Online, In-Person Yes
The CE Shop Self-Paced No
Colibri Real Estate Self-Paced, Live Stream Yes (Premium Plans)
Kaplan Self-Paced, Live Online Yes

3. Pass Rates & Reputation

Florida Real Estate Exam Pass Rates

The Florida real estate exam has an average 50-60% first-time pass rate. Choosing a course with a strong track record increases your chances of success.

How Major Providers Compare

  • The CE Shop: Reports a 90%+ pass rate.
  • Colibri Real Estate: Offers a “Pass or Don’t Pay” guarantee.
  • Cameron Academy: Highly rated by students with strong instructor-led training.

4. Included Study Materials & Support

Essential Features to Look For

  • Practice Exams & Simulators: Full-length tests for exam readiness.
  • Instructor Support: Access to Q&A, live coaching, and tutoring.
  • Study Guides & Summaries: Condensed notes for last-minute review.

Course Comparison

Provider Practice Exams Live Q&A Study Guides
Cameron Academy Yes Yes Yes
The CE Shop Yes (Premium) No Yes
Colibri Real Estate Yes Yes (Premium) Yes
Kaplan Yes Yes Yes

5. Pricing, Refunds & Additional Costs

Pricing Tiers

  • Budget Options: $70 – $150 (Minimal features, text-based courses).
  • Mid-Range: $200 – $400 (Includes exam prep, video lessons).
  • Premium: $400 – $800 (Live instruction, career support).

Refund & Pass Guarantees

  • The CE Shop: 30-day refund policy.
  • Colibri Real Estate: “Pass or Don’t Pay” guarantee.
  • Cameron Academy: Student-friendly policies with high ratings.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right Florida pre-license real estate course is essential for success. Whether you prefer a flexible online program or structured in-person training, ensure the course is FREC-approved, offers high-quality study materials, and has a proven track record. Cameron Academy, The CE Shop, and Colibri Real Estate all offer excellent options based on your learning style and budget.

More Articles

Getting licensed or staying ahead in your career can be a journey—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Grab your favorite coffee or tea, take a moment to relax, and browse through our articles. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your expertise, we’ve got tips, insights, and advice to keep you moving forward. Here’s to your success—one sip and one step at a time!

Florida’s New Real Estate Laws Aim to Enhance Housing Affordability and Protection

Today marks a significant shift for homeowners in Florida as a suite of new laws takes effect, driven by the legislative efforts of Florida Realtors. These laws, approved by Governor Ron DeSantis, are designed to enhance affordability and protection for residents, touching on various aspects of the real estate industry.

By |October 14, 2024|Categories: Article, Legislation, Real Estate|Tags: , |0 Comments

Opportunities Emerge as Mortgage Rates Decline Amid Record-High Home Prices

After weeks of steady declines, mortgage rates have finally reached a range that brings the dream of homeownership closer for many hopeful buyers. This shift suggests potential relief in the inflated housing market, offering buyers increased purchasing power despite ongoing high home prices.

By |October 13, 2024|Categories: Article, Housing Market, Mortgage Rates|Tags: , |0 Comments

The $47.5 Trillion Housing Market Boom Driven by Remote Work

The national housing market has reached a staggering valuation of $47.5 trillion, marking a $2.4 trillion increase over the past year. This remarkable growth underscores the profound impact of remote work on housing trends.

By |October 13, 2024|Categories: Article, Real Estate, Remote Work|Tags: , |0 Comments

U.S. Housing Market: A Glimpse into the Future

The U.S. housing market is poised for significant changes over the next five years, according to a recent analysis by Norada Real Estate Investments. With a complex interplay of factors, including rising interest rates and increased housing supply, the market is expected to experience a slowdown, with home prices either remaining flat or seeing a modest decline.

By |October 13, 2024|Categories: Article, Economic Forecasting, Real Estate|Tags: , |0 Comments

AI: The New Architect of Real Estate Transformation

The real estate industry, traditionally steeped in manual processes and human intuition, is undergoing a seismic shift, thanks to artificial intelligence (AI).

Understanding the Future of the U.S. Housing Market

The U.S. housing market is poised for a significant transformation over the next five years, influenced by a combination of economic factors, technological advancements, and evolving consumer preferences.

By |October 13, 2024|Categories: Article, Economic Trends, Real Estate|Tags: , |0 Comments