Real Estate Licensing in Hawthorne city, Florida
Who Needs a License
Florida law requires licensure for anyone engaged in real estate sales, brokerage, or appraisal activities. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, a "real estate broker" is defined as any person who, for compensation, sells, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases real property or a business opportunity, or who offers or attempts to do so, or who holds themselves out as engaged in such business.
A "real estate sales associate" must work under a broker's license and represents clients in real estate transactions. Any individual representing clients in real estate transactions in Hawthorne must obtain state licensure before conducting business.
How to Get Licensed
Real estate licensing in Florida is administered by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Division of Real Estate.
Steps:
1. Complete pre-licensing education: Take a 63-hour classroom course approved by the Division of Real Estate. Courses are offered through private real estate schools statewide.
2. Pass the state exam: After completing coursework, apply to take the Florida Real Estate Salesman's Exam administered by Pearson VUE.
3. Affiliate with a broker: Sales associates must immediately affiliate with a licensed Florida broker before engaging in real estate activities.
4. Apply for your license: Submit your application to DBPR with proof of exam passage and broker affiliation.
Reference Fla. Stat. § 489.105 for statutory definitions and licensing requirements.
Local Requirements
Hawthorne is located in Alachua County, Florida. The city operates under the Hawthorne Municipal Code.
Contact the Hawthorne Building Department or Alachua County Building Department for any local permitting or zoning requirements affecting real estate offices or branch locations within city limits. Review the Hawthorne Municipal Code for any local amendments or additional ordinances governing real estate business operations.
Exemptions
Per Fla. Stat. § 489.105), the following are exempt from licensing requirements:
- Attorneys licensed to practice law in Florida (when acting in their professional capacity)
- Property owners selling or leasing their own property (without representing others for compensation)
- Employees of property management companies performing duties as directed by licensed brokers
- Financial institutions and licensed mortgage lenders handling their own loan transactions
State Licensing Board Contact
Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC), Department of Business and Professional Regulation
- Phone: 850-487-1395
- Website: https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/real-estate-commission/
References
The law belongs to the people. Georgia v. Public.Resource.Org, 590 U.S. (2020)