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Florida issues a sales associate license through DBPR. REALTOR® is a membership term for licensed real estate professionals who belong to the National Association of REALTORS®. The school course and state exam lead toward a license; association membership is a separate step.
What the state license does
A Florida sales associate applies to DBPR, completes the approved prelicense education, passes the state licensing exam, and has the license activated under an employing broker before practicing. See the full sales associate path. The state credential is also distinct from a broker license, which has additional experience and education requirements.
What REALTOR® means
The National Association of REALTORS® says a REALTOR® is a licensed real estate professional who is also an NAR member. Members join through a local association and agree to the association’s Code of Ethics. The word is a membership mark, rather than another name for the Florida sales associate license.
You can earn a state license without joining NAR. If you later choose association membership, follow the local association’s membership process. Read NAR’s explanation.
Where this belongs in your plan
- 1Work toward your state license.Apply to DBPR; complete Course 1 and certification; pass the Pearson exam.
- 2Activate with a broker.Practice under your broker after the license is issued and activated.
- 3Explore association membership.If it suits your work, ask your broker or local REALTOR® association about membership.
Official references
Daniel Larson Training · Instructor: Daniel Larson (#ZH1003217) · Official sources checked September 24, 2026
Working toward the Florida license?
Start with the state’s requirements, then see how Course 1 and FastPass fit into your preparation.