Florida Brokers vs Real Estate Sales Associates: What’s The Difference?
In a previous article we talked about some of the real estate titles that often get confused. Real Estate Agent. Realtor®. Referral Agent. So many titles! Even real estate licensees struggle with keeping up with all of the titles used to describe themselves.
Today we are going to throw a couple more at you. Let’s talk about the differences between a Florida Real Estate Broker and a Florida Real Estate Sales Associate.
These are two terms that are often used interchangeably, and sometimes rightfully so.
So what’s the difference?
The only way to know someone’s real estate title is to know where they are licensed. Titles are determined by the licensee’s state licensing board, not individual agents, brokerages, or associations.
State law does not allow someone to use a title for which they are unqualified. Knowing where someone is licensed is crucial in determining their qualifications, experience level, and how the licensee can utilize their license.
How it works in Florida
In Florida, real estate licensees are governed by FREC (Florida Real Estate Commission). After meeting basic requirements, including passing an approved real estate pre-licensing course and state exam, real estate license applicants are issued an initial license, the Real Estate Sales Associate license. This is what people usually envision when they think of a real estate agent.
Florida Real Estate Sales Associates
Florida Real Estate Sales Associates (Realtors® or otherwise) are able to complete almost all types or real estate transactions, always under the supervision of a broker. Sales Associates are listing agents, buyer’s agent, referral agents, and property managers, and help buy and sell commercial property (with specialized training and supervision).
After at least 2 years of active experience, Florida Real Estate Sales Associates are eligible for licensure as a Real Estate Broker.
Real Estate Brokers
Florida Real Estate Brokers have additional education and experience that qualifies them to not only engage in real estate transactions, but also supervise others. As previously mentioned, all Florida Real Estate Sales Associate must work under the supervision of a broker.
This broker, often referred to as a Broker-In-Charge or Managing Broker, is responsible for ensuring all licensees under their supervision follow laws, policies, and procedures when working with clients and completing transactions.
Because of their levels of experience, Florida brokers are able work on their own without associating with a brokerage. in this instance, they are required to provide their own “supervision” without someone else to rely on.
But not all brokers want to go it alone.
In Florida, there is a third category of real estate license that most are unaware of; midway between the Sales Associate and Brokers licenses is the Broker Associate license.
Broker Associate
Broker Associates are qualified brokers that work under the supervision of a broker in a capacity similar to a Sales Associate. This license offers the Broker Associate more flexibility than Sales Associates without the immediate responsibility of a Broker.
License Comparison
Now let’s take a more in-depth look at the 3 Florida Real Estate license types to differentiate between the titles licensees use.
Real Estate Sales Associate
Entry level
Completed a 63-hour pre-licensing course.
Completed 45-hour post-licensing education
Passed the Florida Real Estate Sales Associate exam.
Works under the supervision of a broker.
Can complete most real estate transactions.
Can not own a brokerage, but can serve as a director, officer, or general partner.
Can not supervise others.
Can refer to themselves as a Real Estate Agent, Real Estate Sales Associate or Realtor® (only if a member of NAR).
Can not refer to themselves as a Real Estate Broker or Broker Associate.
Real Estate Broker
Has at least 2 years of active experience.
Completed a 63-hour sales associate & 72-hour broker pre-licensing course.
Completed 45-hour sales associate & 60 hour broker post-licensing education.
Passed the Florida Real Estate Broker exam.
Can work independently as a sole proprietor.
Can own and operate a brokerage.
Can supervise other licensees.
Can refer to themselves as a Real Estate Agent, Real Estate Broker or Realtor® (only if a member of NAR).
Real Estate Broker Associate
Has at least 2 years of active experience.
Completed a 63-hour sales associate & 72-hour broker pre-licensing course.
Completed 45-hour sales associate & 60 hour broker post-licensing education.
Passed the Florida Real Estate Broker exam.
Is supervised by a broker.
Can convert their license to a Broker license at any time.
Can refer to themselves as a Real Estate Agent, Real Estate Broker Associate or Realtor® (only if a member of NAR).
Is my agent a Sales Associate, Broker, or Broker Associate?
Most Florida consumers don’t know they can easily check the license status of the real estate agent they are interviewing or currently working with. Because they don’t know that there are differences in real estate license types, they don’t think to check.
Luckily, the state makes it pretty easy to not only verify a license, but to get a bit more detailed information about your real estate licensee’s status.
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) has a website specifically designed to help consumers check the license status of all professional licensees, including Real Estate Sales Associates, Brokers, and Broker Associates.
Just go to MyFloridaLicense.com and click ‘Verify A License’ or click here to check the status of any Florida licensee.
If you are looking to buy or sell a property, and are in need of a Realtor® referral, contact Mint Refer by sending us a message, or emailing us as info@mintbrokerage.co. If you would like to join Mint Refer as a Referral Agent, please visit mintrefer.com/join or email us at join@mintbrokerage.co.