Real Estate Licensing in Sea Ranch Lakes village, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law requires licensing for persons who engage in the business of selling, buying, exchanging, leasing, or renting real property on behalf of others for compensation. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, a "real estate broker" is defined as a person who, for compensation or promise of compensation, sells, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases real property or business opportunities, or negotiates or offers to negotiate any of these transactions. A "sales associate" is a person licensed under a broker to perform similar functions under the broker's supervision.

If you perform these activities in Sea Ranch Lakes—whether as a broker or sales associate—you must be licensed by the state.

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.

For a Sales Associate License:
- Complete a 63-hour pre-licensing course from an approved provider
- Pass the Florida Real Estate Sales Associate Exam
- Apply through the DBPR with proof of course completion and exam passage
- Be sponsored by a Florida-licensed broker

For a Broker License:
- Complete a 72-hour broker pre-licensing course
- Pass the Florida Real Estate Broker Exam
- Meet experience requirements (typically 12 months as an active sales associate within the prior 5 years, or equivalent)
- Apply through the DBPR

Refer to Fla. Stat. § 489.105 for complete statutory definitions and requirements.

Local Requirements

Sea Ranch Lakes is located in Broward County, Florida. The village operates under the Sea Ranch Lakes Municipal Code.

All real estate transactions in Sea Ranch Lakes must comply with local municipal code provisions. Contact the Sea Ranch Lakes Building Department for any local permit requirements related to property transactions or to verify whether additional local amendments apply to real estate activities within village limits.

State licensure is the primary regulatory requirement; however, you should review the municipal code link above for any village-specific rules that may affect your operations.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, certain parties are exempt from licensing, including:
- Owners selling or leasing their own property
- Attorneys licensed in Florida acting in their professional capacity
- Employees of financial institutions handling property as incidental to their duties
- Persons licensed under other state laws in specific limited contexts

Exemptions do not apply simply because you work part-time or infrequently. If you are compensated for real estate services, licensing is required unless you clearly fall within a statutory exemption.

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)