Real Estate Licensing in Hernando CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, a real estate broker or sales associate must be licensed to engage in the business of selling, buying, exchanging, leasing, or renting real property, or to offer or attempt to offer these services for compensation. [Fla. Stat. § 489.105 defines a "broker" as any person who, for compensation, sells, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases real property or a business opportunity, or who negotiates or offers to negotiate any of these transactions.] A "sales associate" is any person employed by a broker or associated with a broker to perform these activities.

If you advertise real estate services, negotiate transactions on behalf of others, or collect compensation for facilitating property deals in Hernando CDP, you need a state real estate license.

How to Get Licensed

  1. Meet eligibility requirements: You must be at least 18 years old and a Florida resident (or be licensed in another state).

  2. Complete pre-licensing education: Take an approved real estate pre-licensing course from a Florida-licensed provider.

  3. Pass the state exam: Register with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and pass the Florida real estate salesman or broker examination.

  4. Apply through DBPR: Submit your application to the state licensing authority. DBPR issues all real estate licenses in Florida under the regulatory framework in [Fla. Stat. § 489.105].

  5. Affiliate with a broker: If applying as a sales associate, you must be sponsored by and work under a licensed broker.

For current exam dates, application procedures, and fees, contact DBPR directly—contact information is available through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation website.

Local Requirements

Real estate offices operating in Hernando CDP must comply with Citrus County and any local Hernando building and zoning codes. Consult the Hernando Municipal Code for local amendments or additional requirements regarding office location, signage, and operational permits. Contact the Hernando Building Department to determine whether your specific office location requires local permits or certificate of occupancy.

Exemptions

[Fla. Stat. § 489.105] exempts certain activities from licensing: property owners selling or leasing their own property, employees of property owners managing property for their employer, attorneys licensed in Florida when performing real estate work as part of legal representation, and persons licensed under other Florida statutes (such as mortgage brokers) when acting within their specific scope.

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)