Real Estate Licensing in Lecanto CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, a license is required to act as a real estate broker, sales associate, or principal broker. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, these terms are defined as follows:

• Broker: Any person who, for compensation, sells, purchases, exchanges, rents, or leases real property or a business opportunity; advertises real estate or business opportunities; or negotiates these transactions on behalf of others.
• Sales Associate: Any person employed by or associated with a broker who performs any act requiring a broker's license, acting under the broker's direction.
• Principal Broker: The broker responsible for the brokerage firm's operation and compliance with state law.

Any individual or entity engaging in these activities in Lecanto CDP must hold an active Florida real estate license.

How to Get Licensed

Real estate licensing in Florida is regulated by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Division of Real Estate—not a local body.

Steps to licensure:

1. Meet eligibility requirements: Be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and provide proof of legal residency in Florida or intent to establish residency.

2. Complete education: Pass a state-approved pre-licensing course (63 hours for sales associate; additional hours for broker).

3. Pass the state exam: Score at least 75% on the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) licensing examination.

4. Apply through DBPR: Submit your application directly to the Division of Real Estate (not to Lecanto or Citrus County).

5. Sponsorship: Sales associates must be sponsored by an active broker before licensure is issued.

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

Local Requirements

Lecanto CDP is governed by Lecanto Municipal Code. Review this code for any local business licensing or registration requirements that may apply in addition to state real estate licensure. Local office or permit requirements should be confirmed by contacting the Lecanto Building Department or Citrus County administrative offices, as Lecanto is a Census-Designated Place without independent municipal incorporation in some regulatory contexts.

Exemptions

The following are exempt from licensure under Florida law:

• Owners of property acting in their own behalf (not for compensation).
• Employees of property owners managing rental properties owned by their employer.
• Attorneys-at-law engaged in real estate practice as incidental to their law practice.
• Property managers employed directly by property owners (under certain conditions).

Refer to Fla. Stat. § 489.105 for 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

• Fla. Stat. § 489.105 — Definitions
• Lecanto Municipal Code

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