Updated October 2026
The titles get used interchangeably, but in Florida they mean different things — and one of them changes who is actually responsible for your transaction.
Why it matters: Every Florida transaction runs under a licensed broker. Knowing who holds that license tells you who supervises your deal, who holds escrow deposits, and who is ultimately accountable.
By Ray Nadeau · Licensed Florida Broker BK3344407 · with Kelly Nadeau · Licensed Florida Broker BK3344334 · Updated October 28, 2026
| Sales Associate (“Agent”) | Broker | Realtor® | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Florida’s entry-level real estate license | Florida’s higher real estate license | A membership, not a license |
| Who grants it | Florida DBPR / Florida Real Estate Commission | Florida DBPR / Florida Real Estate Commission | National Association of Realtors (through local boards) |
| Pre-license education | 63-hour course + state exam | 72-hour course + state exam | Must already hold a license |
| Experience required | None | 24 months active licensure within the past 5 years | — |
| Post-license education | 45 hours before first renewal | 60 hours before first renewal | Code of Ethics training |
| Can work independently? | No — must work under a broker | Yes — can own and run a brokerage | Depends on license held |
A broker associate holds a full Florida broker license but chooses to work under another broker instead of running their own brokerage. They carry the broker’s training and experience, but the employing broker supervises the transaction. Some states call this an “associate broker.”
The listing agent works with the seller: pricing, marketing, and negotiating the sale. The buyer’s agent — sometimes called the “selling agent” because they bring the buyer who completes the sale — works with the purchaser. The terms describe roles in a transaction, not license types; either role can be filled by a sales associate or a broker. On MLS records and contracts you may also see “listing broker” and “selling broker” — the same two roles, named for the brokerage rather than the individual agent.
Florida law (Section 475.278, Florida Statutes) presumes that licensees work as transaction brokers — providing limited representation to a buyer, seller, or both — unless a single-agent relationship or no-brokerage relationship is established. A single agent owes full fiduciary duties, including loyalty and confidentiality, to one party. Ask any agent which relationship they are offering before you share your bottom line.
Two years of active experience, a 72-hour course, a state exam, and 60 hours of post-license education. A broker can supervise agents, hold escrow funds, and run a brokerage.
The license most “agents” hold. Fully qualified to list and sell homes, but always operates under a supervising broker who is responsible for the transaction. Other states and older documents may call this license a “real estate salesperson.”
A trademarked membership. Realtors agree to follow the NAR Code of Ethics, but membership is separate from Florida’s licensing system.
A license level tells you about training and experience, not results. Ask any agent or broker you interview:
Ray & Kelly Nadeau · Licensed Florida Brokers · 25+ years in real estate · Lake Mary and Seminole County. Thinking about a license of your own? See how agents join Certainly Sold.
Certainly Sold provides real estate brokerage services in the State of Florida. Florida Broker Lic. #BK3344407. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Mortgage financing services are offered through Equity Smart Home Loans, CA NMLS #856170, DRE #01906808, 1499 Huntington Dr Suite 500, South Pasadena, CA 91030 (Florida license MBR-2341). Ray Nadeau, Mortgage Loan Originator, NMLS #1027617. All loan programs, terms, eligibility and approvals are subject to borrower qualification, property qualification, underwriting guidelines, condominium project requirements, lender requirements, and program availability. Not all borrowers, properties, or condominium projects will qualify. Nothing on this website constitutes a commitment to lend or a guarantee of financing.
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