Real Estate Licensing in Lely CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, a real estate broker or salesperson must hold a valid license to engage in the business of selling, buying, exchanging, leasing, or offering to sell, buy, exchange, or lease any real property for another and for a consideration or promise of consideration.[^1]

A "real estate broker" is defined as any person, partnership, or corporation that employs one or more salespeople or associates to perform activities requiring a license, or engages directly in those activities themselves.[^1]

A "real estate salesperson" is defined as any natural person who is employed by or associated with a broker and engages in real estate transactions on behalf of that broker.[^1]

If you are performing these activities in Lely CDP, you must obtain licensing from the State of Florida—not from Lely CDP directly.

How to Get Licensed

Real estate licensing in Florida is administered by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC), not by local municipal authorities.

To become a licensed real estate salesperson:
1. Complete a DBPR-approved pre-licensing course (broker-specific or 63-hour salesperson course)
2. Pass the Florida Real Estate Salesperson Exam administered by an approved testing provider
3. Apply to FREC with proof of course completion and exam passage
4. Complete a background check

To become a licensed broker, you must:
1. Hold or have held an active Florida real estate salesperson license for at least 24 months during the preceding 5-year period
2. Complete a DBPR-approved broker pre-licensing course
3. Pass the Florida Real Estate Broker Exam
4. Apply to FREC

Refer to Florida Statute § 489.105 for complete definitions and requirements.[^1]

Local Requirements

Lely CDP is located in Collier County. While real estate licensing itself is a state matter, local business tax receipts and permits may be required by Collier County or Lely CDP.

Contact the Lely CDP Building Department or Collier County Building and Planning Department to determine local business licensing, zoning compliance, and any office location requirements specific to operating a real estate business in Lely.

Consult the Lely Municipal Code for any local regulations governing real estate office operations or business establishments in this jurisdiction.

Exemptions

Florida law provides exemptions for attorneys licensed to practice law in Florida; individuals engaging in occasional real estate transactions (not regularly in the business); property managers or employees performing acts in the scope of their employment under a licensed broker; and transactions involving owner-occupied property under certain conditions.[^1]

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

[^1]: Fla. Stat. § 489.105 — Definitions

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