How to Become a Mortgage Broker in Florida

How to Become a Mortgage Loan Originator in Florida

How to Become a Mortgage Broker in Florida

To get a Florida Mortgage Broker (MLO) license, you need to follow a series of steps outlined by the Florida Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) and the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS). Here’s a straightforward, step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

  1. Create an NMLS Account 

Start by setting up an individual account on the NMLS website (mortgage.nationwidelicensingsystem.org). This straightforward process will give you a unique NMLS ID number, which you’ll use throughout the licensing process. It’s a quick process—simply provide your personal information and confirm your account.

  1. Complete Pre-License Education (PE)
    You must complete 20-hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensing education. This includes: a minimum of 18 hours of general mortgage-related coursework (covering federal laws, ethics, and loan origination basics).
  2. 2 hours of Florida-specific content (focused on state laws and regulations).
    These courses can be taken online. Click here to view the Florida Mortgage Broker Online Course bundle with incredible flexibility. Our course and custom schedule options allow you to choose what works best. Keep your completion certificate handy, though the provider typically reports it to NMLS for you.
  3. Pass the SAFE MLO Exam
    Schedule and pass the National SAFE Mortgage Broker Test with Uniform State Content through your NMLS account. Here is guidance on scheduling your NMLS exam.
    1. The exam has 115 scored questions, costs $110, and takes about 3 hours.
    2. You need a score of 75% or higher to pass.
    3. Study materials and practice tests are recommended since the first-time pass rate is around 58%. Our FL MLO Course bundle includes a powerful test preparation program; you get the results if you do the work. If you have already taken a 20-hour course and need additional test prep resources, we have you covered here with our stand-alone NMLS test prep program. Schedule via the NMLS website and take it at a Prometric testing center (or online if you qualify for accommodations).
  4. Submit Your License Application (MU4 Form)
      Log into your NMLS account and file the Individual Form (MU4) for a Florida MLO license. You’ll need to provide:
    1. Personal details (residency, employment history, etc.).
    2. Proof of a high school diploma or equivalent.
    3. Fees: $195 (application fee), $30 (NMLS processing fee), $15 (credit report), and about $60 for background checks (FBI and state).
        Authorize a credit report and submit fingerprints for a criminal background check. You'll need to complete a fingerprint-based background check with an NMLS-authorized live scan service provider approved by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
  5. Get Sponsored by an Employer
      You can’t originate loans independently—a licensed mortgage broker, lender, or company must sponsor your license. This means that once you’re hired, your employer will verify sponsorship through NMLS by linking their credentials to your account. Your license remains “pending” until this step is complete.
  6. Wait for Approval
      After submitting everything, the Florida OFR reviews your application. Your license will be issued if all requirements are met (education, exam, fees, background checks, and sponsorship). Check your NMLS account for status updates.

Key Tips:

  • Timing: Start early—education and exam prep can take weeks, and approval depends on how fast you complete each step.
  • Costs: Total fees are roughly $400–$500, plus the cost of your education course (varies by provider, often $400–$600, AAA Mortgage Training’s package costs $316.99 plus the $33 NMLS recording fees for a total of $349.99 with instructor access by email, chat, phone or text message throughout the course and test prep period.).
  • Renewal: Once licensed, you’ll need 8 hours of continuing education (including 1 hour Florida-specific) annually to renew by December 31.

That’s it! Once approved, you can work as an MLO in Florida, helping clients secure mortgage loans. Let me know if you need details on any step!

Summary

  • Create an NMLS Account Set up an individual account on the NMLS website to receive a unique NMLS ID number. 
  • Complete Pre-License Education (PE) Finish 20 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensing education, including 18 hours of general mortgage-related coursework and 2 hours of Florida-specific content. 
  • Pass the SAFE MLO Exam Schedule and pass the National SAFE Mortgage Broker Test with Uniform State Content through your NMLS account. The exam consists of 115 scored questions, costs $110, and requires a score of 75% or higher to pass. 
  • Submit Your License Application (MU4 Form) File the Individual Form (MU4) on the NMLS website, provide personal details, proof of a high school diploma or equivalent, and pay the required fees. Authorize a credit report and submit fingerprints for a criminal background check. 

Once these steps are completed, secure sponsorship from a licensed mortgage broker, lender, or company, and wait for approval from the Florida OFR.