Real Estate Licensing in Fort Lauderdale city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law defines a "real estate broker" as any person who, for compensation, sells, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases real property, or who negotiates or offers to negotiate the sale, exchange, purchase, rental, or lease of real property.[^1] A "real estate salesman" is any person employed by a broker who performs these activities under the broker's supervision.[^1]

If you engage in any of these activities for compensation in Fort Lauderdale, you must obtain a state license. This applies whether you work independently or for an established brokerage.

How to Get Licensed

For a Broker License:
1. Complete 72 hours of approved pre-licensing education
2. Pass the Florida Real Estate Commission broker exam
3. Maintain errors and omissions insurance
4. Apply through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)

For a Salesman License:
1. Complete 63 hours of approved pre-licensing education
2. Pass the Florida Real Estate Commission salesman exam
3. Work under a licensed broker (required)
4. Apply through DBPR

The Florida Statutes § 489.105 defines these professional categories and the associated requirements.[^1] DBPR issues all state licenses; there is no separate local licensing authority in Fort Lauderdale.

Local Requirements

Fort Lauderdale is governed by the Fort Lauderdale Municipal Code. While real estate licensing is a state-level matter, local ordinances may impose additional restrictions on real estate operations, advertising, or office locations within the city.

Contact the Fort Lauderdale Building Department to confirm whether any local amendments or ordinances affect your specific real estate business activities. The city may have local codes addressing commercial brokerage office standards, signage, or zoning restrictions.

Exemptions

The following are exempt from licensing under Florida law:[^1]

• Owners of property who sell, exchange, or lease their own property without representation by a broker
• Attorneys licensed in Florida when performing real estate services as part of their law practice
• Persons employed by financial institutions or insurance companies performing specific duties related to their employment
• Public officials acting in their official capacity
• Persons acting as trustees, executors, or administrators in a fiduciary capacity

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

[^1]: Fla. Stat. § 489.105 — Definitions. Florida Legislature Online Statutes. http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/

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