Topic 1.7: Mutual Recognition Agreements with Other States

After successfully completing this topic, you will be able to
• describe the differences between mutual recognition and reciprocity,
• list the requirements for becoming a Florida licensee through mutual recognition,
• describe the definition of Florida residency for purposes of mutual recognition, and
• describe why a licensee in a mutual recognition state may not be eligible to receive a Florida license through mutual recognition.

With a mutual recognition agreement, a resident of one of those states who holds a real estate license can become a Florida licensee by passing a 40-question exam on Florida law. A Florida licensee can also use that route to become a licensee in the other state.

Definition of “Florida Resident”

Mutual recognition is NOT available to residents of Florida. Florida residents must take the prelicense course and the state exam. For purposes of the mutual recognition statutes, a Florida resident is a person who has resided in Florida continuously for four calendar months or more during the previous year, or lives in Florida with the intention to reside in Florida for four months or more, beginning on the date the person began residency.

Because Florida recognizes the education of the nonresident from that state, a licensee from a mutual recognition state cannot use mutual recognition benefits unless that licensee took the prelicense course there.

Mutual recognition is not reciprocity, because reciprocity allows a licensee in one state to become a licensee in another without qualifying. Florida does not have reciprocity with any other state, but has agreements with certain states to recognize their education courses.