A criminal history does not automatically prevent you from applying for a Florida real estate license. DBPR says applicants are considered individually. That is an opportunity to apply—not a promise of approval. TSRE cannot predict or decide the outcome. See DBPR's criminal-history FAQ.
This guide helps prospective sales associates prepare questions and documents. For advice about your particular record, consult a Florida attorney familiar with professional licensing.
Who decides whether I qualify?
The licensing decision belongs to DBPR and the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC), not your school, fingerprint provider or prospective broker. Florida's qualifications statute addresses honesty, trustworthiness and good character, and allows the commission to consider time and subsequent conduct in relevant cases. There is no approval guarantee based only on how old an event is. See section 475.17, Florida Statutes.
A friend's approval, an instructor's opinion or a successful background check for another job does not establish your eligibility. Completing prelicensing education and receiving application approval are separate steps.
Can I address this before completing my course?
Yes. The Sales Associate Initial Application checklist allows you to submit your application before taking the prelicensing course. Required education must still be completed before sitting for the state exam.
If eligibility uncertainty affects whether you want to spend money on education, contact DBPR about the application process first. This is not a separate school-issued preapproval or a guarantee of a decision by a particular date. Review course purchase and refund terms before enrolling.
What should I disclose?
Read the exact background questions on your current application. Do not assume that “adjudication withheld,” a misdemeanor, an old case or an event in another state means you can answer “No.” The linked RE 1 application asks about convictions, specified pleas regardless of adjudication, and current criminal investigation; its instructions also address traffic offenses and sealed or expunged records.
If you believe a record was sealed or expunged, verify its legal status and how the current question applies before answering. Do not rely on a blanket statement that all old or dismissed matters can be omitted. Ask DBPR about the form and an attorney about the legal meaning of your circumstances.
Prepare the documents—not just an explanation
For applicable “Yes” responses, RE 1 instructions call for an explanation and supporting records, including arrest reports, court dispositions and evidence of completing sanctions. They also explain what to provide when records are unavailable or probation is ongoing. Use the current instructions to assemble the records for each applicable occurrence.
Keep your own checklist of the question, relevant case information, requested documents and submission status. Send sensitive records through the agency's appropriate process; you do not need to describe your history in a public comment or send it to school staff for an approval prediction.
Apply first, then submit fingerprints
The current RE 1 checklist says to submit fingerprints through an FDLE-registered Livescan provider immediately after submitting the license application. Follow the profession-specific checklist and confirm the correct routing information with your provider. Older articles or videos may describe a different sequence.
Who can help with the next step?
- DBPR: application questions, document requests and status. Its checklist lists the Customer Contact Center at 850-487-1395.
- A Florida attorney: interpreting your record, disclosure obligations or an individual licensing issue. The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service is one starting point.
- TSRE: course formats, education requirements and enrollment terms. See our licensing application guide or contact Support.
Already licensed? Application disclosure and later reporting obligations are different questions. Review DBPR's criminal self-reporting guidance.
Sources checked October 24, 2026. General educational guidance, not legal advice or an eligibility determination. Always use the current application instructions.