Real Estate Licensing in Pembroke Pines city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, a real estate broker or sales associate must hold a valid license to engage in the business of selling, buying, exchanging, leasing, or renting real property for others in exchange for compensation.[^1]

The definition of a "broker" includes any person who, for compensation or promise of compensation, sells, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases real property, or who negotiates or attempts to negotiate such transactions on behalf of others.[^1] A "sales associate" is a natural person licensed under a broker to perform licensed activities on the broker's behalf.[^1]

If you are performing any of these activities for compensation in Pembroke Pines, you need a license. This applies regardless of whether you work independently, for a firm, or as part of a team.

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:
1. Complete pre-licensing education through an DBPR-approved school (typically 63 hours for sales associates)
2. Pass the state licensing exam administered by a testing vendor
3. Find a sponsoring broker willing to employ you
4. Submit your application to DBPR along with:
- Proof of exam passage
- Sponsoring broker affiliation
- Background check clearance
- Application fees

Details on exam requirements, education hours, and application procedures are found in [Fla. Stat. § 489.105][1]—consult this statute for the current procedures.

Local Requirements

Pembroke Pines is governed by the Pembroke Pines Municipal Code. Once licensed by the state, check the [Pembroke Pines Municipal Code][2] for any local business tax requirements, office registration, or conduct standards that apply to real estate professionals operating within city limits.

The Pembroke Pines Building Department enforces local land development and business regulations. Contact them for clarification on any municipal licensing or registration requirements specific to the city.

Exemptions

Under Florida law, certain individuals are exempt from real estate licensing:[^1]

• Owners of property selling or leasing their own property (not acting as dealers)
• Attorneys at law when performing services in their professional capacity
• Employees of financial institutions performing their duties
• Persons acting under power of attorney for property owners
• Officers or employees of government agencies acting in official capacity

Exemptions are narrowly construed. If your activity could be construed as "in the business" of real estate, licensing is required regardless of partial exemptions.

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, available at http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/

[2]: Pembroke Pines Municipal Code, available at https://library.municode.com/fl/pembroke-pines-city-florida

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