I failed the real estate exam eight times.
Eight times I sat down, stared at that computer screen, and walked out without a license. And in Illinois, after every third failed attempt, I had to retake the entire course. So I didn’t just fail eight times — I sat through the full licensing course three times before I finally passed on my ninth attempt.
Eight times I had to go home and figure out what went wrong. Eight times I could have quit.
I passed on the ninth try.
And today I own 360 Florida Real Estate School in Clermont, Florida, where I teach the very exam that once defeated me repeatedly. I’ve been selling real estate successfully for 19 years. I’m licensed in both Florida and Illinois, holding a Managing Broker’s license in Illinois and a Broker’s license in Florida. Last year alone I closed 27 transactions between both states — while teaching, while running a school, while training agents, while building something bigger than myself.
Was it hard? Some days I didn’t know which direction to turn first.
But I kept going anyway. And that’s exactly the point.
The exam doesn’t measure how good of a real estate professional you’re going to be. It measures whether you’ve learned to speak the language of the test. Those are two completely different things.
I knew real estate. I lived it, breathed it, understood it instinctively. But the exam has its own language — specific terminology, specific formats, specific ways of asking questions designed to trip you up. Learning that language took me eight failed attempts and three full rounds of coursework.

Once I learned it I never looked back.
Nineteen years later I’m still selling. Still teaching. Still learning. And now I’m adding a Mortgage Loan Originator license to my credentials because the industry is changing faster than it ever has and I refuse to get left behind.
When you walk into my classroom you’re going to be nervous. Maybe you’ve already failed once. Maybe you’re terrified of failing. Maybe someone in your life is watching and waiting to say I told you so.
I get it. I’ve been exactly where you are.
But here’s what I know after 19 years in this industry and hundreds of students through my classroom — the people who struggle the most to get licensed are often the ones who become the best agents. Because they fought for it. Because it meant something to them. Because they didn’t take the easy path.
Passing on your first try is great. But it doesn’t make you a better agent than someone who passed on their ninth try.
What makes a better agent is what happens after you pass.
At 360 Florida Real Estate School I don’t just teach you to pass the exam. I teach you to survive and thrive in the real world of real estate — a world that is changing faster right now than it has in decades.
Portal wars. MLS changes. New commission structures. Artificial intelligence disrupting everything. The agents who will win in this market are the ones who understand the industry deeply — not just the ones who memorized enough to pass a test.
Most real estate schools teach you to pass a test. At 360 Florida we teach you to build a career.
I built 360 Florida because I saw the gap between what real estate schools teach and what agents actually need to know in the field. Small class sizes. Personalized attention. Real world examples from someone who is still out there closing deals in two states every single day.
We’ve won Best Education Services in South Lake County two years running — 2024 and 2025. Not because we’re the biggest. Because we actually care whether our students succeed.
If you failed once, twice, five times, or eight times — I want you in my classroom.
Not despite your failures. Because of them.
Because I know exactly what it feels like to stare at that screen and walk out defeated. I know what it feels like to have to tell people you didn’t pass again. I know what it feels like to wonder if you’re cut out for this.
You are. You just haven’t found the right teacher yet.
Come find me at 360 Florida Real Estate School in Clermont, Florida. Let’s get you licensed — and then let’s make you the kind of agent this industry actually needs right now.
Because the market needs better agents. And building better agents is exactly what I do.
While completing your 63-hour Florida real estate pre-licensing course, it’s important to start the next steps in the licensing process — not after you finish.
One of the biggest mistakes students make is waiting until the course is over to handle fingerprinting and their application. The longer you wait, the more time you lose — and the more information you forget before taking the Florida real estate exam.

As you’re working through your course, you should schedule your LiveScan fingerprinting with an approved provider.
When you go to your appointment, you will need to provide the correct ORI number so your fingerprints are sent to the right agency.
???? ORI Number: FL920010Z
This step is extremely important. If the wrong ORI number is used, your fingerprints may not be sent to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), which can delay your application.
The process itself is quick and done electronically, usually taking just a few minutes.
Once your fingerprints are submitted, they are sent to the FBI for a background check, and the results are forwarded to the DBPR.
This step can take several days, so completing it while you are still in the course helps keep everything moving.
While you are finishing your course, you should also submit your application to the DBPR.
This allows your application and background check to be processed at the same time you are completing your education.
Waiting until after the course to do this only slows you down.
If you complete your fingerprinting and application during your course, you will be in a position to schedule your Florida real estate exam with Pearson VUE as soon as you finish.
This is key.
The sooner you take the exam after finishing the course, the better your chances of passing — because the material is still fresh.
Real estate is not just about passing the test — it’s about retaining the information.
Students who wait weeks to complete fingerprinting and applications often lose momentum and forget key concepts.
The goal is to move directly from:
Course → Approval → Exam
Without unnecessary delays.
At 360 Florida Real Estate School, students are guided through the entire process, not just the classroom portion.
Instructor Patti Omalley helps students understand when to complete fingerprinting, submit their DBPR application, and prepare for the Florida real estate exam so they stay on track and ready.
If you’re currently taking your Florida real estate course, now is the time to complete your fingerprinting and submit your application.
Staying ahead of these steps will help you move faster, retain the material, and be ready to take your exam as soon as possible.
If you’re searching for a Florida online real estate school, you’re likely ready to start working toward your Florida real estate license. With so many options available, it’s important to understand what to look for before choosing a school.
Not all online real estate schools in Florida provide the same level of support, structure, or preparation.
A Florida online real estate school offers the required 63-hour real estate pre-licensing course approved by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
The Florida online real estate course must be completed before you can take the Florida real estate state exam and begin your real estate career.

A Florida online real estate school allows students to complete the 63-hour real estate course from anywhere in Florida. Courses are typically self-paced and available 24/7, making it easy to work around your schedule.
Most online real estate schools give students up to one year to complete the course, although many finish much sooner to stay prepared for the Florida real estate exam.
Choosing the right Florida online real estate school is one of the most important decisions in the licensing process.
While price and flexibility matter, the most important factor is support. Many online programs are completely self-guided, which can make it difficult to stay on track or fully understand the material.
Having access to an instructor can make a significant difference in how confident you feel going into the Florida real estate exam.
At 360 Florida Real Estate School, students can complete the Florida online real estate course while still having direct access to instructor Patti Omalley.
With over 19 years of real estate experience, Patti provides guidance, answers questions, and helps students better understand the material throughout the course.
This level of support helps students stay on track and feel more prepared for the Florida real estate exam.
360 Florida Real Estate School offers both online real estate courses in Florida and in-person classes in Clermont, Florida, serving students throughout Central Florida, including Lake County, Orange County, and surrounding areas.
Students have the flexibility of online learning with the added benefit of instructor support.
Choosing the right Florida online real estate school is the first step toward earning your Florida real estate license. Completing the 63-hour real estate pre-licensing course will prepare you to take the Florida real estate exam and begin your career.
If you’re searching for a Florida online real estate course, you’re likely ready to start working toward your Florida real estate license. Online real estate courses are a popular option because they offer flexibility, but it’s important to understand how they work before enrolling.
To become a licensed real estate agent, you must complete the Florida 63-hour real estate pre-licensing course approved by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
A Florida online real estate course allows you to complete this requirement from anywhere while meeting all Florida real estate licensing requirements.

A Florida online real estate course is self-paced and available 24/7. You can study from your computer, tablet, or phone and complete the required 63 hours on your own schedule.
Most online real estate courses in Florida allow up to one year to complete the course, giving you flexibility. While that option is available, it is usually best to complete the course sooner so the material stays fresh when preparing for the Florida real estate exam.
The Florida 63-hour real estate course covers everything needed to pass the Florida real estate exam, including Florida real estate law, contracts, brokerage relationships, property ownership, and real estate math.
Completing a Florida real estate pre-licensing course is required before scheduling your state exam. Many students choose real estate classes that fit their schedule and learning style, helping them stay consistent and better prepared for the Florida real estate exam.
Choosing between an online real estate course in Florida and in-person real estate classes depends on your learning style.
Online courses offer flexibility, while in-person real estate classes provide structure, accountability, and live instruction. Many students find that having guidance improves their understanding and confidence when preparing for the Florida real estate state exam.
One of the biggest differences between real estate schools is the level of support provided.
At 360 Florida Real Estate School, students can complete a Florida online real estate course while still having direct access to instructor Patti Omalley. Students can call, ask questions, and receive guidance throughout the course.
This support helps students stay on track, better understand the material, and feel more confident going into the Florida real estate exam.
360 Florida Real Estate School offers both online real estate courses in Florida and in-person real estate classes in Clermont, Florida, serving students throughout Central Florida, including Lake County, Orange County, and surrounding areas.
Students have the flexibility of online learning while still receiving instructor support.
Enrolling in a Florida online real estate course is the first step toward earning your Florida real estate license. Completing the 63-hour real estate pre-licensing course will prepare you to take the Florida real estate exam and begin your career.
720 West Montrose Street, Clermont, FL 34711(630) 715-1403
