Real Estate Licensing in Havana town, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, a broker or sales associate engaged in real estate transactions must hold a valid license. Fla. Stat. § 489.105 defines a broker as "any person who, for another and for a compensation or valuable consideration, sells, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases real property or a business opportunity, or negotiates or offers to negotiate the sale, exchange, purchase, rental, or leasing of real property or a business opportunity."

A sales associate is defined as "any natural person who is employed by a broker to perform licensed activities on behalf of the broker."

If you perform any of these functions—whether for commission, salary, or other compensation—you need a license. The license requirement applies in Havana town, Gadsden County, Florida.

How to Get Licensed

  1. Broker License: Complete a broker pre-licensing course approved by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Pass the Florida broker exam. You must also have been active as a sales associate for at least 24 months in the prior 5-year period, or hold equivalent experience.

  2. Sales Associate License: Complete a sales associate pre-licensing course approved by DBPR. Pass the Florida sales associate exam. Submit an application through DBPR's online licensing system, designating a sponsoring broker.

  3. Application: Apply directly to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (not to Havana town or Gadsden County). DBPR processes all state real estate licenses.

Reference: Fla. Stat. § 489.105 for statutory definitions and licensing requirements.

Local Requirements

Havana town operates under the Havana Municipal Code, available at https://library.municode.com/fl/havana-town-florida.

Real estate brokers and agents conducting business in Havana should review the municipal code for any local business tax requirements, zoning restrictions on brokerage office locations, or local amendments to state licensing rules. Contact the Havana Building Department to confirm whether a local business license or occupancy permit is required for a real estate office operating within town limits.

Gadsden County may impose additional county-level requirements; verify with Gadsden County Building and Development Services.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.105 exempts certain persons from broker licensing, including:
- Property owners selling their own property
- Attorneys licensed in Florida conducting real estate transactions as part of legal practice
- Certain government officials acting in official capacity

Sales associates have no equivalent exemption; they must always be licensed and sponsored by a broker.

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)