Real Estate Licensing in Century, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, a real estate broker or sales associate must hold an active license to engage in real estate transactions. Fla. Stat. § 489.105 defines a "broker" as any person who, for compensation or promise of compensation, sells, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases real property or a business opportunity, or who offers or attempts to do so, or who holds themselves out as engaged in such activity. A "sales associate" is any person employed by a broker to perform those same activities on the broker's behalf.

If you receive compensation—money, commissions, or anything of value—for real estate activities, you need licensing. Unlicensed activity violates state law.

How to Get Licensed

1. Meet prerequisites: You must be at least 18 years old and a resident of Florida (or have a principal place of business in Florida).

2. Apply with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). DBPR administers real estate licensing in Florida, not a local board.

3. Pass the state exam: You must pass the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) exam appropriate to your license type (broker or sales associate).

4. Get a sponsoring broker (if applying as sales associate): Sales associates must be employed by and sponsored by an active broker.

5. Submit your application to DBPR with proof of exam passage, background documentation, and required fees.

Detailed requirements and current exam schedules are available through DBPR's official licensing portal.

Local Requirements

Real estate licensing is regulated entirely by Florida state law. Century Municipal Code does not impose independent real estate licensing requirements beyond state law.

However, if your real estate business operates from a physical office location in Century, you must comply with:

• Local zoning and use permits: Contact the Century Building Department to determine if your office location is in a permitted zone for real estate business operations.
• Any local business tax or occupancy requirements: Check with the Town of Century for applicable local fees or registrations.

Review Century Municipal Code for any amendments or local ordinances affecting business operations in town.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.105 exempts certain activities from licensing requirements, including:

• Property owners selling or leasing their own property
• Attorneys licensed in Florida performing real estate services as part of legal representation
• Employees of owners managing rental property solely for that owner

If you fall into one of these categories, verify your exemption status before proceeding without a license.

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
• Century Municipal Code

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