Real Estate Licensing in Carrabelle city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, a real estate license is required for any person who, for compensation, sells, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases real property, or who negotiates or offers to negotiate any transaction involving real property on behalf of others.[^1] This includes real estate brokers and sales associates.

Florida Statute § 489.105 defines a "broker" as a person who, for compensation, sells or offers to sell, buys or offers to buy, or negotiates the purchase, sale, or exchange of real property, or who leases or rents, or offers to lease or rent, any real property.[^1] A "sales associate" is a person employed by a broker to perform real estate services.[^1]

Work performed directly by a property owner for their own property, or by an attorney in the course of legal practice, is exempt from licensure requirements.

How to Get Licensed

1. Establish broker sponsorship — If seeking a sales associate license, you must first secure employment with a licensed Florida broker.

2. Obtain a state license — Contact the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) to complete the application process. You must pass the state real estate sales associate or broker examination.

3. Complete pre-licensing education — Florida requires completion of an approved real estate pre-licensing course before sitting for the state exam.

4. Submit fingerprints and background check — DBPR will request a background check as part of the application.

5. Pay applicable fees — State licensing fees apply; check current rates with DBPR.

Reference: Fla. Stat. § 489.105 governs these definitions and requirements.[^1]

Local Requirements

For Carrabelle city operations, review the Carrabelle Municipal Code for any local licensing, registration, or operational amendments that may apply to real estate professionals conducting business within the city limits.

Contact the Carrabelle Building Department to determine whether additional city permits or registrations are required before conducting real estate business in the city.

Exemptions

The following are exempt from real estate licensing requirements under Florida law:[^1]

• An owner conducting transactions involving their own property
• An attorney licensed to practice law in Florida, when negotiating real property transactions as part of legal services
• Employees of a licensed broker acting within the scope of their employment, provided they hold a valid sales associate or broker 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

[^1]: Fla. Stat. § 489.105 — Definitions. Florida Legislature. http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/

Carrabelle Municipal Code. City of Carrabelle, Florida. https://library.municode.com/fl/carrabelle

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