Real Estate Licensing in Melbourne city, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, a real estate license is required to act as a broker, sales associate, or property manager in transactions involving the sale, purchase, exchange, lease, or option of real property. Per Fla. Stat. § 489.105, a "broker" is defined as any person who, for compensation, sells, purchases, exchanges, rents, or leases real property or a business opportunity, or offers to perform these services. A "sales associate" is a person employed by a broker to perform licensed activities under the broker's direction.

If you engage in real estate brokerage activities—including listing properties, showing properties to buyers, negotiating contracts, or managing rental properties for others—you must hold an active Florida real estate license issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

How to Get Licensed

Step 1: Complete Pre-Licensing Education
You must complete a 63-hour approved real estate sales associate pre-licensing course from a state-approved provider.

Step 2: Pass the Florida Real Estate Exam
After completing education, register with DBPR and pass the Florida real estate sales associate examination administered by Pearson VUE.

Step 3: Apply for Your License
Submit your application to the DBPR Division of Real Estate. You must work under a sponsoring broker—you cannot hold a license independently as a sales associate.

Step 4: Maintain Your License
Complete continuing education requirements every two years as mandated by state law.

Detailed application procedures and exam information are available through the Florida DBPR website. Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks after DBPR receives a complete application.

Local Requirements

Melbourne city and Brevard County do not issue separate local real estate licenses. All licensing is controlled by the State of Florida through DBPR.

However, if your real estate activities involve property management or rental operations in Melbourne, you must comply with local zoning and rental ordinances. Review the Melbourne Municipal Code for any local amendments regarding rental properties, property manager responsibilities, or disclosure requirements specific to the city.

Contact the Melbourne Building Department for guidance on how local code provisions may affect your licensed activities.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.105 exempts certain individuals and activities from licensure, including:
- Property owners selling or leasing their own property (not acting as a broker)
- Attorneys licensed in Florida when performing real estate services as part of legal representation
- Employees of property management companies performing administrative tasks (if not engaging in brokerage activities)

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)