Real Estate License from Rhode Island to Florida: Does It Transfer? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) / DBPR ↗
Yes — Florida has a reciprocity arrangement covering Rhode Island license holders. Apply to the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) / DBPR under its reciprocity/endorsement track; typically you skip the national exam and complete state-specific requirements only.
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Same data, interactive — with share link and board links.
Verdict
Reciprocity agreement
Rhode Island is on Florida's recognition list, which puts this move on the streamlined track: your education and national exam are credited, and the requirements below are what Florida still insists on — typically its own law exam and a background check. One caution: agreements are directional and revocable. This page's verification date tells you when we last confirmed Rhode Island on the list; the commission link is the live truth.
What changes, Rhode Island → Florida
| Rhode Island (current) | Florida (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| Training hours | 45 | 63 |
| Application fee | $165 ($140 to the 'RI General Treasurer' + $25 to the 'Real Estate Recovery Account' (two separate checks/money orders); excludes BCI background-check and E&O insurance costs.) | $62.75 (DBPR RE-1 state application fee; the PSI/testing-vendor exam fee and the electronic fingerprint fee are paid separately) |
| Processing time | 1–2 weeks (Application states to allow 7-10 business days for processing.) | No board-stated timeframe; the license is issued after DBPR reviews the application and the applicant passes the 40-question Florida law exam |
| Licensing authority | Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation (DBR), Division of Commercial Licensing - Real Estate Section | Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) / DBPR |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — Florida sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Confirm Florida's current requirements on the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) / DBPR website (linked below) — rules change.
- Submit the reciprocity application to the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) / DBPR (application linked below).
- Arrange license verification from your current state.
- Be at least 18 and hold a high school diploma or its equivalent.
- Not be a Florida resident at the time of application.
- Have obtained the out-of-state license by meeting that state's own education and examination requirements (not by reciprocity).
- Hold a valid, current, active license in good standing in the mutual-recognition state.
- Submit a certification of license history and complete an electronic fingerprint background check.
- Pay the fees ($62.75 (DBPR RE-1 state application fee; the PSI/testing-vendor exam fee and the electronic fingerprint fee are paid separately)) and allow No board-stated timeframe; the license is issued after DBPR reviews the application and the applicant passes the 40-question Florida law exam.
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does Florida accept a Rhode Island real estate license?
Yes — Florida has a reciprocity arrangement covering Rhode Island license holders. Apply to the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) / DBPR under its reciprocity/endorsement track; typically you skip the national exam and complete state-specific requirements only.
Which exams will I take moving from Rhode Island to Florida?
Mutual-recognition applicants skip the national exam and the 63-hour pre-license course; a 40-question Florida real estate law exam (30 of 40 correct to pass) is required.
What does the move cost?
$62.75 (DBPR RE-1 state application fee; the PSI/testing-vendor exam fee and the electronic fingerprint fee are paid separately) (DBPR RE-1 state application fee; the PSI/testing-vendor exam fee and the electronic fingerprint fee are paid separately).
Can I keep selling in Rhode Island after I'm licensed in Florida?
Yes — real estate licenses stack. Keep the Rhode Island license active (renewals and CE continue separately) and you hold both; many border-market agents do exactly this.
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-07-21.
- Florida FREC — Mutual Recognition States (10-state list; 40-question law exam) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Florida DBPR — RE-1 Sales Associate Application (application fee $62.75; mutual recognition section) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- RI DBR - Reciprocal Real Estate Salesperson Application (Rev. 11/2023; CT/MA reciprocity, FL mutual recognition, fees) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- RI DBR - Real Estate Salesperson Application (45-hour pre-license education, fees) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- RI DBR - Real Estate section (applications and regulation 230-RICR-30-20-2) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor · verified against primary sources 2026-07-21
How we verify · All sources · spot an error? [email protected]