Real Estate Licensing in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, a real estate license is required to engage in real estate brokerage or sales activities. Fla. Stat. § 489.105 defines a "broker" as any person who, for compensation, sells, purchases, exchanges, rents, or leases real property, or who offers, attempts, or agrees to engage in these activities on behalf of others. A "sales associate" is a person associated with a broker who performs similar functions under the broker's direction.

Any individual performing brokerage services for compensation in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea must hold an active Florida real estate license. This applies to residential sales, commercial transactions, property rentals, and leasing activities.

How to Get Licensed

Real estate licensing in Florida is administered by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) through the Division of Real Estate.

Steps:
1. Complete a 24-hour pre-licensing course from a state-approved provider
2. Pass the Florida Real Estate Sales Associate or Broker examination administered by a testing service approved by DBPR
3. Apply for licensure with DBPR, providing proof of exam passage and sponsorship by an active broker (for sales associates)
4. Pay the required application and licensing fees

Brokers must meet additional requirements, including experience as a sales associate and completion of a broker management course. Consult the current DBPR Real Estate Rules (Chapter 61J2, F.A.C.) for current examination and experience requirements.

Local Requirements

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea operates under the Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Municipal Code. While the town does not issue real estate licenses—licensing is a state function—local ordinances may impose additional requirements for property transactions, rental operations, or commercial real estate within town limits.

Consult the municipal code link above for any local amendments regarding real estate activities, including rental restrictions, commercial zoning requirements, or local registration obligations that may apply to licensed brokers and sales associates operating in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea.

For permit requirements related to property development or renovation, contact the Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Building Department.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.105 exempts certain parties from licensure, including:

• Property owners selling or leasing their own property without compensation beyond rental income or sale proceeds
• Employees of property management companies performing duties solely for their employer
• Attorneys licensed in Florida who engage in real estate transactions as part of legal practice
• Persons holding power of attorney acting on behalf of a principal

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
• Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Municipal Code

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