Real Estate Licensing in Inverness Highlands South CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, a real estate license is required to act as a broker or sales associate in residential or commercial real estate transactions. Fla. Stat. § 489.105 defines a "broker" as any person who, for compensation, sells, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases real property or negotiates the sale, exchange, purchase, rental, or lease of real property. A "sales associate" is any person who performs these activities under the direction of a broker.

If you represent clients in real estate transactions within Inverness Highlands South or Citrus County, you need state licensure regardless of your location.

How to Get Licensed

1. Meet eligibility requirements: You must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and have a valid Social Security number or ITIN.

2. Complete pre-licensing education: Pass an approved 63-hour Florida real estate pre-licensing course through an accredited provider.

3. Pass the state exam: Take the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) licensing examination administered by a testing vendor approved by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

4. Apply for a license: Submit your application to the DBPR Division of Real Estate. You must be sponsored by a licensed broker to become a sales associate.

5. Maintain your license: Renew every two years and complete 14 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle.

Reference Fla. Stat. § 489.105 for statutory definitions and the Florida DBPR website for current application procedures and exam details.

Local Requirements

Inverness Highlands South CDP operates under Inverness Highlands South Municipal Code. Review this ordinance for any local amendments regarding real estate activities or brokerage operations within the municipality.

Contact the Citrus County Building Department or the Inverness Highlands South Building Department for information on local permits, certificates of occupancy, or property-related inspections that may accompany real estate transactions.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.105 exempts certain activities from licensing requirements, including:

• Individuals selling their own property
• Attorneys licensed in Florida acting in their professional capacity
• Persons employed as property managers who do not negotiate transactions
• Public officials acting in their official capacity

Verify your specific role against the statute to confirm exemption eligibility.

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
• Inverness Highlands South Municipal Code

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