Real Estate Licensing in Ave Maria CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, a real estate license is required to engage in real estate brokerage activities, including buying, selling, exchanging, leasing, or offering property for others in exchange for compensation. [Fla. Stat. § 489.105] defines a "real estate broker" as any person who, for compensation or the promise of compensation, sells, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases real property; advertises real property; or negotiates the sale, exchange, purchase, rental, or lease of real property.

A salesperson or associate must work under a licensed broker and cannot operate independently.

How to Get Licensed

Broker License:
1. Meet education requirements: complete a 72-hour broker pre-license course from a Florida-approved provider
2. Pass the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) broker examination
3. Submit an application to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)
4. Maintain errors and omissions insurance and a trust account

Salesperson/Associate License:
1. Complete a 40-hour salesperson pre-license course from a Florida-approved provider
2. Pass the FREC salesperson examination
3. Affiliate with an active Florida broker before submitting your application
4. Submit your application to DBPR

Applications are filed with the State of Florida DBPR, not locally. Exam preparation courses and testing are available through state-approved providers statewide.

Local Requirements

Ave Maria CDP is located in Collier County, Florida. Real estate transactions and property transfers in Ave Maria are subject to Collier County requirements and Ave Maria's local ordinances.

Consult the Ave Maria Municipal Code for any local land development codes, zoning restrictions, or property transfer requirements that may affect your real estate business operations within the community.

For permits related to real estate office operations or signage in Ave Maria, contact the Collier County Building Department or the Ave Maria community development office.

Exemptions

[Fla. Stat. § 489.105] exempts the following from licensing requirements:
- Property owners who lease or sell their own property
- Attorneys licensed in Florida when performing acts within the scope of legal practice
- Employees or agents of property owners managing their employer's property
- Salaried employees of corporations or partnerships performing services for the employing entity

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)