Real estate offers flexibility, an unconventional work-life balance, and income potential that most traditional full-time jobs simply cannot match. The industry draws people from multiple backgrounds—but not everyone is in a position to walk away from their current income on day one. For that reason, starting as a part-time real estate agent is a common and practical approach for many new agents.
In reality, beginning as a part-time agent is often the smarter move. It allows you to build your client pipeline and establish your business while your existing income covers your living expenses. This allows you to focus on learning the business and growing your network without financial pressures.
If you’ve been considering a real estate career but are not yet ready to commit fully, this guide is worth reading. We cover how to become a part-time real estate agent and the step-by-step licensing process. Additionally, we will discuss a cost breakdown to get started, income potential, and whether the approach is worth pursuing. By the end, you will have a clear picture of whether part-time real estate is the right next move for you.
How to Become a Part-Time Real Estate Agent in Florida
Whether you plan to practice real estate part-time or full-time, the process to get your real estate license is the same. It involves completing a state-approved education course, passing the licensing exam, and affiliating with a licensed broker. Every real estate salesperson must complete these steps before legally representing buyers or sellers. There are no shortcuts, regardless of how many hours a week you intend to work.
In many ways, this structured pathway is what makes real estate so accessible. Rather than needing prior industry knowledge to begin, the pre-licensing curriculum provides the foundational education necessary to enter the profession. Moreover, by the time most candidates sit for the exam, they have the knowledge to start facilitating transactions.
Can You Really Be a Part-Time Real Estate Agent?
Working part-time as a real estate agent is possible—and for many new agents, it’s how they start. Some transition to full-time once their business gains momentum, while others remain part-time indefinitely, working 10 to 20 hours per week. This flexible schedule allows them to serve other professional and personal commitments. Moreover, no state imposes a minimum hourly requirement on licensed agents, which means the schedule is largely yours to determine.
Since real estate income is commission-based, your earnings are tied directly to the transactions you facilitate rather than the hours you work. In practice, that structure works in favor of part-time agents—a single well-executed transaction can generate meaningful income regardless of how many hours went into it. More specifically, it creates a flexible supplemental income stream for agents who want to balance real estate with other commitments without sacrificing earning potential.
Steps to Become a Part-Time Real Estate Agent
Check your state’s licensing requirements.
Before starting the licensing process, you should confirm that you meet your state’s eligibility requirements. Each state establishes its own criteria. Therefore, verifying your eligibility before investing time and money into the process is a practical first step.
In Florida, the requirements are as follows:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Hold a valid U.S. Social Security number
- Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent
- Pass a background check
You will notice that applicants do not need a degree. To learn more about the educational requirements, review our guide “Do You Need College to Be a Real Estate Agent?”
Complete your pre-licensing education.
Every real estate license candidate must complete a state-approved pre-licensing education course before sitting for the licensing exam. Requirements vary by state, so it is worth confirming the specifics for the state where you plan to practice.
In Florida, the requirement is a 63-hour course, available in both online and in-person formats. For those planning to start part-time, the online courses are often the more practical choice. Their self-paced coursework fits more naturally around existing work schedules, and it tends to be less expensive than a classroom-based option.
The curriculum covers real estate fundamentals, law, contracts, and transaction mechanics. In other words, it provides a clear understanding on how real estate works from both a legal and practice perspective. The information builds the foundational knowledge needed to pass the state licensing exam and enter the profession with confidence.
Additionally, in Florida, the education requirement does not end at licensure. Newly licensed agents must also complete a 45-hour post-licensing course. This course covers the practical, real-world aspects of facilitating transactions and growing a business. Regardless of how many hours per week you intend to work, every license holder in Florida must complete the same educational pathway.
Pass the real estate licensing exam.
After completing the required education course, you must submit your real estate license application to the DBPR. Upon approval, you can schedule your exam. Pearson VUE administers the test at designated centers throughout Florida on a daily basis.
The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, which you will complete electronically. To pass, you will need a score of at least 75%, and results are available immediately upon completion. If you do not pass on the first attempt, you can reschedule and retake the exam as many times as needed.
Find a brokerage that supports part-time agents.
Once you pass the licensing exam, affiliating with a licensed broker is the next step before you can legally work with clients. This decision is one of the most important you will make, even if you’re working part-time in real estate. In fact, finding a brokerage that genuinely supports a flexible, part-time schedule is worth prioritizing.
During your brokerage interviews, be upfront about your intention to work part-time and ask directly how they accommodate agents. The answer tells you a great deal about whether the brokerage is the right fit.
At Charles Rutenberg Realty, we provide part-time agents with the same resources we offer full-time agents. That includes administrative support, transaction facilitation tools, and professional training. And with our 100% commission model, every transaction you close means more income stays with you. No commission splits, ever. For part-time agents working a limited number of transactions, that commission structure makes a meaningful difference.
Learn more about the broker selection process in our guide “How to Choose a Real Estate Brokerage to Work for as a New Agent.”
Join the MLS and your local NAR board.
After affiliating with a broker, real estate agents have the option to join the National Association of Realtors and use the Realtor designation. Membership also provides access to practical tools, including the MLS, networking events, and ongoing training resources. All of these are particularly useful for agents when marketing listings and finding suitable properties for buyers.
However, NAR membership does come with fees and annual dues that you should factor into your budget. Whether the membership makes sense for your situation depends on how you plan to operate and what tools you need at your current stage.
For a closer look at what the Realtor designation means, review our guide “Difference Between Realtor and Real Estate Agent”
Start building your real estate business.
The most successful part-time real estate agents approach the career with an entrepreneurial mindset. Real estate offers the structure of an established industry. However, how you build your individual business within it is entirely up to you. That autonomy is precisely what creates the income potential and schedule flexibility that draws people to the career in the first place.
The first step toward building a successful part-time real estate business is learning how to manage your time effectively. How many hours each week will you dedicate to lead generation? How consistently will you show up on social media to build your professional brand? And lastly, what networking opportunities will you create to meet potential clients and industry professionals?
Thinking about these questions before you begin—rather than figuring them out as you go—is what helps part-time agents build momentum. From this, you can launch a sustainable business that could potentially become a full-time role.
Dive deeper into launching your real estate business and review our guide: “How to Be a Successful Realtor in Any Market.”
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Part-Time Real Estate Agent?
The average cost to become a real estate agent in Florida—whether part-time or full-time—runs around $1,000. That figure covers pre-licensing courses, exam registration, licensing fees, and association and MLS dues.
It is worth noting that the cost is the same regardless of how many hours you plan to work. There is no reduced fee structure for part-time agents, so budgeting for the full investment from the beginning is important.
For a complete cost breakdown, review our guide: “How Much Does It Cost to Become a Realtor?”
How Much Do Part-Time Real Estate Agents Make?
The average part-time real estate agent working 20 hours or fewer per week earns approximately $25,000 annually. However, that figure only tells part of the story. Around 29% of part-time agents earn up to $49,000 per year, and 14% earn $200,000 or more.
In reality, income depends on market conditions, the volume of facilitated transactions, and home sale prices. But the most critical factor is how much the agent actually keeps after brokerage splits.
That last factor is where Charles Rutenberg Realty makes a difference. Our 100% commission model means you keep everything you earn on every transaction. For part-time agents working a limited number of deals each year, that structure has a significant impact on take-home income.
For a closer look at how real estate agents earn their income, review our guide: “How Much Is Realtor Commission?”
Pros and Cons of Being a Part-Time Real Estate Agent
Pros
Working part-time in real estate offers several practical advantages worth considering:
- Lower financial risk while maintaining your current income
- A flexible schedule that works around existing commitments
- Supplemental income with no ceiling on earning potential
- A lower-risk way to test the career before committing to it full time
- Time to build experience and grow a referral network at a sustainable pace
Cons
Before committing to a part-time real estate career, it is equally important to understand the challenges that come with it.
- Commission-based income that can be irregular and unpredictable
- Client demands that do not always align with a part-time schedule
- Slower business growth compared to full-time agents
- The same licensing, board, and brokerage costs that full-time agents pay
- Reduced availability can make it harder to compete for clients
- The discipline required to balance real estate alongside other commitments
Going in with a clear picture of the drawbacks helps you prepare better. Additionally, you can make a more informed decision about whether the timing is right.
Is Becoming a Part-Time Real Estate Agent Worth It?
Becoming a part-time real estate agent is worth it for the right person. It suits those who want flexibility in their schedules, a gradual entry into the industry, and supplemental income without sacrificing financial stability.
However, success in the role comes down to time management and consistency—two qualities that are entirely self-imposed in real estate. Nobody assigns your tasks, sets your schedule, or holds you accountable. That autonomy is one of the career’s greatest advantages. But it can also be its greatest challenge, depending on your work style and expectations for the role.
For a deeper, honest look at what the career involves, review our guide: “Is Real Estate a Good Career?” It will help you determine whether the fit is right before you commit to the process.
Become a part-time real estate agent with Charles Rutenberg Realty and keep 100% of your commission.
Real estate offers one of the most flexible career pathways available, particularly for those who want to build a business alongside other commitments. There are no mandated hours, no minimum transaction requirements, and no external pressure dictating how much you work. However, the licensing process is the same for everyone—part-time intentions do not change the initial requirements.
At Charles Rutenberg Realty, we support agents at every stage of that journey. More specifically, we are committed to helping new agents find their footing in the first year. And our 100% commission model is a meaningful part of how we do that. Every agent keeps their full commission minus flat transaction fees—no splits, ever. Whether you close one transaction per quarter or per month, you keep your full commission.
Want to learn more about what it looks like to build a part-time real estate business with Charles Rutenberg Realty? Schedule a call with our broker today.