Real Estate Licensing in Lawtey city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, a real estate broker or sales associate must be licensed to engage in the business of buying, selling, exchanging, leasing, or offering these services on behalf of others for compensation. [Fla. Stat. § 489.105] defines a "real estate broker" as any person who, for compensation or the promise of compensation, sells or offers to sell, buys or offers to buy, or negotiates the purchase, sale, or exchange of real estate or a business opportunity, or who leases or rents, or offers to lease or rent, any real estate or who is engaged in the business of charging an advance fee or collecting an advance fee for services to be performed in connection with the bulk transfer of a business opportunity.

A "sales associate" performs these same functions but under the supervision and responsibility of a broker.

How to Get Licensed

  1. Apply to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Division of Real Estate. This is the state agency that issues all real estate licenses in Florida.

  2. Meet eligibility requirements: You must be at least 18 years old, a resident of Florida or have a registered agent in the state, and comply with any background check requirements.

  3. Pass the state exam: You must pass the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) licensing examination. Most applicants take a pre-licensing course before the exam.

  4. Submit your application to DBPR with proof of exam passage, payment of fees, and completion of any required background checks.

  5. Affiliate with a broker: Sales associates must work under a licensed broker. Brokers must obtain and maintain a broker's license separately.

For specific procedures, contact the Florida DBPR Division of Real Estate directly, as it administers all state-level licensing.

Local Requirements

Lawtey city is located in Bradford County. While real estate licensing is regulated entirely by the state under Florida Statutes, you should verify any local business tax requirements or municipal restrictions through the Lawtey Municipal Code. Contact the Lawtey Building Department or city clerk's office to confirm whether local business licensing or registration is required in addition to your state real estate license.

Exemptions

Persons employed by the owner of real property who perform real estate services only for that owner are exempt from licensing requirements. Additionally, attorneys licensed in Florida are exempt while performing services within the scope of their law practice. [Fla. Stat. § 489.105]

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)