How Long Does It Take to Switch Brokerages in Florida?
If you’re thinking about switching real estate brokerages in Florida, how long does the process actually take?
Here’s the honest answer: about 60 seconds.
Once the paperwork is signed, the actual act of moving your license from one brokerage to another is incredibly fast.
What Actually Happens When You Switch Brokerages in Florida
In Florida, switching brokerages is done electronically through the state’s licensing system.
Once you’ve signed your independent contractor agreement with your new brokerage, one of two things happens:
The broker you’re leaving can log in and release your license
Or the broker you’re joining can log in and activate your license under their brokerage
It’s literally:
Log in
Enter your name and license number
Confirm a few details
Click submit
And you’re done.
From a technical standpoint, the license transfer itself takes less than a minute.
Paperwork Comes First — But That’s the Only Delay
The only thing that can slow this down is paperwork.
Before your license can be moved, you must:
Sign an independent contractor agreement
Complete any onboarding documents required by the new brokerage
Once that’s done, the license activation is immediate.
There’s no waiting period.
There’s no approval queue.
There’s no “processing time” once the broker submits it.
Professional Courtesy Still Matters
Just because the process is fast doesn’t mean it should be handled casually.
In Florida, brokers receive an automatic notification around 10:00 p.m. when an agent leaves their brokerage. That means if you switch without saying anything, your broker will find out that night.
As a professional courtesy, it’s always best to:
Have a conversation first
Give notice when possible
Communicate clearly and respectfully
Especially if:
You’re paying monthly fees
You have active transactions
You have pending commissions
You’re working through loose ends
Those conversations matter far more than the technical process.
What If You Have Deals Under Contract?
If you have transactions in progress, timing and communication become even more important.
Before you make the switch, you should:
Review your independent contractor agreement
Understand how commissions are handled mid-transaction
Have clear expectations in writing
The license transfer is quick—but the business side deserves thoughtful planning.
What If You’re Brand New and Choosing Your First Brokerage?
If you’re newly licensed and not switching from another broker, the process is just as easy.
You:
Choose a brokerage
Sign the required agreements
The broker logs in and activates your license
Same process. Same speed.
Once everything is submitted, you’re officially active and able to do business.
The Biggest Misconception About Switching Brokerages
Many agents assume switching brokerages is:
Complicated
Time-consuming
Risky
In reality, the decision often takes longer than the process.
The technical side is simple.
The planning side is where agents should spend their time.
Final Takeaway
So, how long does it take to switch brokerages in Florida?
👉 About 60 seconds, once the paperwork is signed.
The key isn’t how long it takes—it’s how well you prepare for it.
Let’s Talk
If you’re thinking about switching brokerages or just want to understand the process before you ever need it, we’re always happy to answer questions.
CrossView Realty
📞 904-503-0672
📧 info@crossviewrealty.com
No pressure. Just honest information and clarity.
