Real Estate Licensing in Baldwin town, Florida
Who Needs a License
Under Florida law, a real estate broker or sales associate must hold a license to engage in the business of selling, buying, exchanging, leasing, or offering these services for others in exchange for compensation. Fla. Stat. § 489.105 defines a broker as any person who, for compensation or promise of compensation, sells, buys, exchanges, or leases real property or offers or attempts to offer these services. A sales associate is any person employed by a licensed broker to perform these activities.
Activities requiring licensure include listing properties, showing properties to buyers, negotiating contracts, and coordinating transactions. Merely owning and managing your own property does not require a license.
How to Get Licensed
Step 1: Meet Prerequisites
You must be at least 18 years old, a Florida resident, and have a valid Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
Step 2: Complete Required Education
Complete the 63-hour Florida Real Estate Sales Associate course from an approved education provider before applying.
Step 3: Pass the State Exam
Pass the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) examination administered by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
Step 4: Apply with DBPR
Submit your application to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Real Estate. Include proof of completed coursework and passing exam scores.
Step 5: Affiliate with a Broker
You cannot hold an active license without being employed by or affiliated with a licensed broker. Your broker must sponsor your application.
Reference Fla. Stat. § 489.105 for complete licensing definitions and requirements.
Local Requirements
Real estate licensing is regulated exclusively at the state level by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Baldwin town and Duval County do not issue separate local real estate licenses or maintain local licensing boards.
However, real estate transactions and the offices where agents operate may be subject to local zoning and building codes. Contact the Baldwin Building Department for any questions about local land use regulations or whether a proposed office location complies with municipal zoning.
Reference the Baldwin Municipal Code for local zoning and building requirements that may affect real estate offices operating in town.
Exemptions
Fla. Stat. § 489.105 exempts property owners and their salaried employees who manage only the owner's property, and certain attorneys licensed to practice law in Florida who engage in real estate activities only incidentally in connection with their practice.
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)