Zoning and Planning
This area is worth exactly one item out of 100. It covers zoning, the subdividing and development of land, and wetlands and ecological issues. One well-chosen question is the correct amount of study weight to give it.
Relief from a zoning ordinance
A variance grants relief from a dimensional requirement such as a setback, lot width, or height limit where strict application would impose an unnecessary hardship arising from the physical characteristics of the parcel. A special exception, or conditional use, authorizes a use the ordinance already contemplates in that district subject to stated conditions, so it concerns use rather than dimensions. Rezoning changes the district classification itself and is a legislative act of the local governing body. A nonconforming use is a lawful use that predates the ordinance and is permitted to continue rather than a form of relief an owner applies for. Chapter 163, F.S., on intergovernmental programs, is the booklet's cited reference for comprehensive planning and land development regulation.
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State-specific details
State exam facts
- State regulator
- Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC), DBPR
- Exam vendor
- Pearson VUE
- Prelicensing education
- 72-hour FREC-approved broker pre-license course
- Passing score
- 75%
- Scored questions
- 100
- Time limit
- 210 minutes
Who regulates real estate brokers in Florida?
The Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC), housed within the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), licenses brokers and sales associates. DBPR uses Pearson VUE as the official testing provider.
What experience do I need before the Florida broker exam?
Section 475.17(2)(b), F.S., requires 24 months of licensure during the preceding five years, and it accepts any of three paths: an active sales associate license held in Florida or in another state, territory, or foreign jurisdiction; a sales associate license held while salaried by a governmental agency; or a broker license held in another jurisdiction. An out-of-state broker therefore qualifies without ever having held a Florida sales associate license. Applicants must also complete the 72-hour FREC-prescribed broker course (Course II).
How is the Florida broker exam structured?
Florida gives one integrated 100-question multiple-choice examination — there is no separate national portion and no state portion. Candidates get 3.5 hours (210 minutes), and the exam is graded on 100 points with 75 points or higher required to pass. The DBPR booklet publishes twelve content areas whose percentages sum to 100, led by Real Estate Brokerage Business at 43% and Closing Transactions at 12%. Pearson VUE schedules, administers, scores, and reports the exam for DBPR.
Sources: https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/servop/testing/documents/RE_broker_cib.pdf, https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/Chapter475/PART_I, https://www.flrules.org/gateway/Division.asp?DivID=241, https://www.pearsonvue.com/us/en/fl/dbpr.html
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