To become a business broker in the state of Florida, you must be at least 18 and have a high school diploma or GED, and then you simply need a general real estate broker license. The process to obtain a Florida broker license can take anywhere from two to five years, depending on the process you choose. You must first obtain a sales associate license and maintain that for two years before proceeding to a broker license. The only exception to the rule is completing a four-year degree in real estate.

Pass the state-approved sales associate pre-license course. The program is 63 credit hours. See Resources for course providers.

Apply for the sales associate license through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (see Resources section). You must submit the appropriate fee (about $105, as of April 2010).

Pass the state exam for a sales associate’s license. You must hold an active sales associate license for 24 months out of the previous five years prior to pursuing a broker’s license. To remain active, you must complete 45 hours of post-license course credits prior to the expiration of your license. You must also submit a renewal fee.

Complete and pass the 72-hour, state-approved broker pre-license course (see Resources section for additional course providers).

Submit the Application for Broker License, with the necessary fee, to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (see Resources section).

Proceed through the state broker’s exam with a passing grade. Obtain exam dates and locations from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation following the approval of your license application.

Maintain an active license by taking the necessary 60-credit-hour post-license education course prior to the expiration date on your license and submitting a renewal application and fee.