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!

Mortgage Applications Slip as Mixed Market Signals Create Uncertainty

The latest MBA survey shows overall mortgage applications dipping 1.4% during the holiday week, even as purchase activity rose on a seasonally adjusted basis. Refinances cooled despite lower rates, which averaged 6.32% for a 30‑year fixed. Rising ARMs and shifting buyer behavior highlight a market still trying to stabilize amid softening economic indicators.

Commercial Real Estate Deal Growth Stalls Heading Into 2026

October delivered the first year‑over‑year slowdown in commercial real estate deals in nearly two years, signaling a growing disconnect between buyers and sellers as elevated rates and policy uncertainty reshape pricing expectations. While multifamily cooled and office assets traded at steep discounts, hotels and adaptive‑reuse projects stood out as rare bright spots. For professionals across real estate, mortgage, and finance, the shifting landscape underscores the need for sharper analysis and continued education heading into 2026.

US Workers’ Comp Market Faces Higher Costs and New Regulations Heading Into 2026

The US workers’ compensation market is bracing for a pivotal year in 2026 as medical inflation, rising claim complexity, and tightening state regulations push costs higher for insurers and employers. With cumulative trauma injuries increasing and states expanding presumption laws—especially for first responders and healthcare workers—underwriting strategies are being forced to evolve. At the same time, technology like predictive analytics and workplace wearables is reshaping loss prevention, while more organizations turn to captives and hybrid programs to manage volatility.

How Florida Realtors Quietly Built a Tech Empire That Now Powers North American Real Estate

Over the past 25 years, Florida Realtors has transformed from a simple support desk into one of the most influential tech ecosystems in real estate. Through member‑driven tools like Tech Helpline, Form Simplicity and the new Sabal Sign platform, the association has built a stable, fully integrated system used by agents across the U.S. and Canada. Free from outside investors and focused entirely on member needs, Florida Realtors has quietly become a tech powerhouse—proving that long-term vision, not venture capital, is what truly drives innovation in the industry.

Flood Disclosures Could Reshape Massachusetts Real Estate as Climate Risks Rise

Massachusetts is poised for a major shift in home‑sale transparency as Gov. Maura Healey pushes for mandatory flood disclosures — a change that could impact buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals statewide. With worsening climate conditions and growing flood damage in communities like Winthrop and Salem, the proposal aims to ensure buyers understand a property’s true risk before they commit. The move has wide support from insurers and municipalities, while the real estate industry remains split over its potential impact on the state’s long‑standing “buyer beware” culture.

Florida’s Insurance Market Begins to Stabilize as New Reforms Take Effect

Florida’s long‑troubled property insurance market is finally showing early signs of recovery. Thanks to recent legislative reforms that reduced litigation and attracted new insurers, some homeowners are even seeing their premiums drop. These improvements are boosting consumer confidence and creating new opportunities for real estate, mortgage, and insurance professionals across the state.