Real Estate Licensing in Citrus Hills CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, a real estate license is required to engage in the business of selling, buying, exchanging, leasing, or renting real property, or offering to perform these services for compensation. [Fla. Stat. § 489.105 defines "real estate" and establishes that persons acting as brokers, sales associates, or managing brokers must hold an active license issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Division of Real Estate.

Unlicensed activity in real estate transactions is prohibited and subject to legal penalties.

How to Get Licensed

Application Process:

  1. Complete Pre-Licensing Education: Enroll in a DBPR-approved real estate prelicense course (63 hours for sales associate or broker associate; additional hours for broker designation).

  2. Pass the Florida Real Estate Exam: After coursework completion, apply to sit for the state licensing examination administered by Pearson VUE. You must pass both the state portion and the Florida-specific portion.

  3. Submit License Application: Apply directly with the DBPR Division of Real Estate. Include proof of exam passage, education completion, and a clean background check (fingerprinting required).

  4. Sponsorship Requirement: Before activation, you must be sponsored by an active Florida broker.

  5. License Issuance: Upon approval, the DBPR issues your license.

For current exam schedules, application fees, and detailed requirements, contact the Florida DBPR Division of Real Estate directly—contact information is available on the DBPR website.

Local Requirements

Citrus Hills is an unincorporated census-designated place in Citrus County. Real estate transactions in Citrus Hills are subject to Citrus County regulations. Review the Citrus Hills Municipal Code for any local amendments or additional provisions beyond state law.

For permit and transaction requirements specific to real estate activity in Citrus Hills, contact the Citrus County Building Department or the county property appraiser's office.

Exemptions

Per Florida law, the following are exempt from licensing requirements:
- Property owners selling or leasing their own property (though not if they hold themselves out as engaged in the real estate business)
- Attorneys licensed in Florida when performing services in their professional capacity
- Public officials performing official duties
- Persons acting under court order or as executor/administrator of an estate

[Fla. Stat. § 489.105 contains the complete list of 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

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