
- FREC Requirements for Education Provider Refund Policies
- Standard Industry Refund Timelines and Conditions
- How to Cancel Your Enrollment Before Starting
- Partial Completion Refund Eligibility
- Transfer Policies Between Course Formats
- What to Do If a Provider Goes Out of Business
- Filing Complaints About Refund Disputes with FREC
- Premier Courses Refund and Satisfaction Guarantee
- Frequently Asked Questions
Florida Real Estate License: Education Course Refund and Cancellation Policies (2026)
Before investing in your Florida real estate pre-licensing education, understanding the refund and cancellation policies can save you from unexpected financial surprises. Whether you're comparing schools or need to change plans mid-course, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the Florida real estate course refund policy landscape for 2026.
FREC Requirements for Education Provider Refund Policies
The Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) establishes baseline requirements that all approved pre-licensing education providers must follow. These regulations exist to protect students while allowing schools reasonable flexibility in their business operations.
All FREC-approved education providers must maintain a written refund policy and disclose it to students before enrollment. This policy must be clearly stated in enrollment agreements and course materials.
Under Florida Administrative Code, education providers are required to process approved refunds within 30 days of receiving a cancellation request. Schools must also maintain accurate records of all refund transactions for FREC inspection purposes. While FREC sets minimum standards, many reputable schoolsâincluding Premier Coursesâoffer more generous refund terms than legally required.
Key FREC requirements include:
- âWritten refund policy disclosed before enrollment
- âRefunds processed within 30 days of approved requests
- âClear explanation of non-refundable fees
- âDocumentation requirements for cancellation requests
Standard Industry Refund Timelines and Conditions
Understanding typical refund structures across the industry helps you evaluate whether a school's policy is fair and competitive. Most Florida real estate schools follow similar patterns, though specifics vary considerably.
| Cancellation Timing | Typical Refund Amount | Common Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Before course access | 100% (minus admin fee) | Written request required |
| Within 7 days / under 10% complete | 75-100% | Materials must be returned |
| 10-25% course completion | 50-75% | Pro-rated calculation |
| 25-50% course completion | 25-50% | School discretion applies |
| Over 50% complete | Usually none | Course credit may be offered |
How to Cancel Your Enrollment Before Starting
Canceling before you begin coursework typically yields the best refund outcome. Here's the process most Florida real estate schools follow:
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1Review Your Enrollment Agreement
Locate the refund policy section in your enrollment documents. Note any specific deadlines, required forms, or conditions that apply to your situation.
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2Submit a Written Cancellation Request
Most schools require cancellation requests in writingâemail is usually acceptable. Include your full name, enrollment date, course name, and reason for cancellation.
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3Return Any Physical Materials
If you received textbooks, study guides, or other physical materials, return them in original condition to qualify for a full refund.
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4Obtain Written Confirmation
Always request written confirmation of your cancellation and expected refund amount. Keep this documentation for your records.
Time is critical with refund requests. Even a one-day delay past a deadline could significantly reduce your refund amount or eliminate eligibility entirely.
Partial Completion Refund Eligibility
Life happensâjob changes, family emergencies, or schedule conflicts can interrupt your real estate education. If you've already started your course, refund eligibility becomes more complex.
Most Florida schools calculate partial refunds based on the percentage of course content you've accessed or completed. For online courses, this is typically tracked automatically through the learning management system. For classroom courses, attendance records determine completion percentage.
"The key to maximizing your refund is understanding exactly how your school measures 'completion'âis it time spent, lessons accessed, or quizzes taken? Ask before you enroll."
Some schools offer alternatives to refunds for students who can't continue, including course extensions, enrollment deferrals, or credit toward future courses. Always ask about these options, as they may provide better value than a partial refund.
Transfer Policies Between Course Formats
What if you enrolled in an online course but realize you'd prefer classroom instructionâor vice versa? Transfer policies vary significantly between providers.
| Transfer Type | Common Terms | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Online to Classroom | Pay price difference plus transfer fee | $25-$75 |
| Classroom to Online | Partial credit applied, may lose some value | $0-$50 |
| Different Schedule/Location | Usually free with adequate notice | $0-$25 |
| To Another Student | Rarely allowed; check policy | Varies |
Before requesting a transfer, consider whether you've passed any completion thresholds that might affect your progress credit. Some schools require you to restart certain modules when switching formats due to different curriculum structures.
What to Do If a Provider Goes Out of Business
While rare, education providers occasionally close their doors unexpectedly. FREC maintains oversight to protect students in these situations.
If you suspect your school may be in financial troubleâunanswered calls, missing instructors, website issuesâdocument your enrollment and progress immediately. Download any certificates or completion records you have access to.
If your education provider closes:
- âContact FREC immediately to report the closure
- âGather all enrollment documents and payment records
- âFile a dispute with your credit card company if applicable
- âAsk FREC about transferring partial credits to another school
- âCheck if the Florida Attorney General has opened an investigation
Filing Complaints About Refund Disputes with FREC
When you've followed proper procedures but a school refuses to honor its stated refund policy, FREC provides a formal complaint process.
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1Document Everything
Compile your enrollment agreement, payment receipts, cancellation request, all correspondence with the school, and notes from phone conversations with dates and names.
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2File a Complaint with DBPR
Submit your complaint through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation's online portal or by mail. Include all supporting documentation.
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3Await Investigation
FREC will review your complaint and may contact the school for their response. This process can take several weeks to months depending on complexity.
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4Consider Additional Remedies
Depending on the outcome, you may also pursue small claims court or credit card chargebacks for additional recourse.
Premier Courses Refund and Satisfaction Guarantee
At Premier Courses, we believe our refund policy should reflect our confidence in our pre-licensing program. We've designed our policy to minimize your risk while you pursue your Florida real estate license.
We offer a straightforward satisfaction guarantee because we're confident you'll love our course. If you're not satisfied within the first 7 days, we'll provide a full refundâno questions asked.
Here's what sets our refund policy apart:
- â7-day money-back guarantee from enrollment date
- âNo hidden administrative fees deducted from refunds
- âRefunds processed within 5-7 business days
- âFree course format transfers with no penalty
- âEnrollment deferrals available for life emergencies
We process refund requests quickly because we understand that circumstances change. Our student support team is available to help you navigate any enrollment changes you need to make.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if I fail the course final exam?
Most schools, including Premier Courses, allow you to retake final exams without additional charge. Failing an exam typically doesn't qualify for a refund, but you should receive the opportunity to study more and try again. Check your school's specific retake policy before enrolling.
Are exam prep materials included in course refunds?
If exam prep materials were bundled with your course, they're typically included in the refund calculation. However, standalone exam prep purchases may have separate refund policies. Digital materials that have been accessed usually cannot be refunded.
What if I purchased during a sale or used a discount code?
Refunds are typically based on the amount you actually paid, not the original course price. If you used a promotional discount, your refund will reflect that discounted amount. Some limited-time offers may have modified refund termsâalways check before purchasing.
Can I transfer my enrollment to another person?
Most Florida real estate schools do not allow enrollment transfers to other individuals due to FREC tracking requirements. Each student must be individually enrolled for proper course completion documentation. If you can't continue, requesting a refund is usually the better option.
How long do I have to use my course access before it expires?
Course access periods vary by providerâtypically 6 to 12 months from enrollment. Premier Courses offers generous access windows to accommodate busy schedules. Expired access doesn't usually qualify for refunds, but some schools offer paid extensions.
Does FREC require schools to offer refunds?
FREC requires schools to have a clearly disclosed refund policy, but doesn't mandate specific refund amounts or timelines beyond processing within 30 days. The actual refund terms are set by each individual school within FREC guidelines.
What documentation do I need to request a refund?
At minimum, you'll need your enrollment confirmation and a written refund request. Having your payment receipt, enrollment agreement, and any course completion records will help expedite the process. Keep copies of all correspondence for your records.

Jessie Pooler is a licensed real estate educator and Certified Distance Education Instructor (CDEI) with Premier Courses. She specializes in helping aspiring agents navigate Florida's licensing requirements and build successful real estate careers in the Sunshine State.