Real Estate Licensing in High Springs city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, a real estate license is required for any person who, for compensation, sells, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases real property, or offers or attempts to do so. [Fla. Stat. § 489.105] This includes activities such as negotiating the sale or lease of real estate, listing properties, or acting as an intermediary in real estate transactions.

A broker license is required if you operate a real estate brokerage or employ licensed sales associates. A sales associate license is required if you work under a broker and engage in real estate transactions.

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 to obtain a license:

1. Complete pre-licensing education. Take an approved real estate sales associate or broker course (hours vary by license type). Courses must be completed through an approved school.

2. Pass the state exam. After completing education requirements, apply to sit for the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) state licensing examination. The exam tests knowledge of Florida real estate law and practice.

3. Sponsorship requirement. Before you can be issued a sales associate license, you must have a broker sponsor. A broker must agree to employ you.

4. Apply for your license. Submit your application to DBPR with proof of education, passing exam scores, and broker sponsorship. Pay the applicable licensing fees.

5. Maintain your license. Renew every two years and complete continuing education hours (12 hours per renewal cycle for sales associates).

Detailed procedures and current fees are available through the DBPR Division of Real Estate website.

Local Requirements

High Springs is located in Alachua County and is subject to both county and municipal regulations. Review the High Springs Municipal Code for any local ordinances that may apply to real estate activities, property sales, or broker operations within city limits.

Contact the High Springs Building Department to determine whether any local permits, business tax receipts, or local licensing is required in addition to state licensure. Local requirements may include registration with the city or compliance with local real estate transaction procedures.

Exemptions

The following are generally exempt from licensing requirements:

• Owners selling or leasing their own property
• Property managers acting within the scope of employment (limited exemption)
• Attorneys licensed to practice law in Florida, when acting in their professional capacity
• Employees of financial institutions involved in real estate transactions in the course of business

Exemptions are detailed in [Fla. Stat. § 489.105]. Verify your specific situation with the DBPR Division of Real Estate.

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

• Fla. Stat. § 489.105 — Definitions
• High Springs Municipal Code

The law belongs to the people. Georgia v. Public.Resource.Org, 590 U.S. (2020)