Real Estate Licensing in Atlantic Beach city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida requires a license for any person who, for compensation, sells, purchases, exchanges, leases, or rents real property, or offers to perform these services.[^1] This includes brokers, sales associates, and rental agents.

"Real estate" under Florida law means any leasehold or other interest or estate in land, including improvements, and minerals, oils, and gases below the surface.[^1]

If you negotiate, solicit, or induce any transaction involving real property for compensation—even a single transaction—you must be licensed.

How to Get Licensed

1. Meet eligibility requirements: Be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, establish a Florida residency (or maintain a principal place of business in Florida), and pass a criminal background check.

2. Complete pre-licensing education: Take a state-approved real estate sales associate course (63 hours minimum) or broker course (72 hours minimum).

3. Apply through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR): Submit your application, education proof, and fees to DBPR's Division of Real Estate.

4. Pass the state licensing exam: Score 75% or higher on the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) examination covering state statutes and rules.

5. Register with a broker: Sales associates must affiliate with a licensed broker before conducting business.

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation administers all licensing. More details are available at the DBPR Division of Real Estate.

Local Requirements

Real estate licensing is regulated entirely by state law; Atlantic Beach city does not issue separate local real estate licenses. However, real estate transactions and property transfers within Atlantic Beach must comply with local zoning, building codes, and disclosure requirements found in the Atlantic Beach Municipal Code.

Review the Atlantic Beach Municipal Code for local land-use restrictions, homeowners' association requirements, and any property-specific regulations that may affect transactions within city limits.

For questions about local property regulations, contact the Atlantic Beach Building Department.

Exemptions

The following are exempt from licensure:[^1]

• Officers, employees, or attorneys of a property owner or their successors selling or leasing their own property
• Attorneys licensed to practice law in Florida when performing real estate services as part of legal representation
• Persons acting under court orders or government authority
• Employees of financial institutions conducting mortgage transactions in the course of their employment

[^1]: Fla. Stat. § 489.105

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/

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