Real Estate Licensing in Midway city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, a real estate broker or sales associate must be licensed to engage in real estate transactions. Fla. Stat. § 489.105 defines a "broker" as any person who, for compensation, sells, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases real property, or who negotiates or offers to negotiate any of these transactions on behalf of others. A "sales associate" is a person employed by a broker to perform similar activities under the broker's supervision.

You need a license if you are paid to represent parties in the sale, purchase, lease, or exchange of real property in Midway or Gadsden County.

How to Get Licensed

Florida real estate licensing is administered by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), not by local authorities.

Steps:

1. Complete pre-licensing education. Enroll in a DBPR-approved real estate pre-licensing course (63 hours for sales associates; 72 hours for brokers).

2. Pass the state exam. After completing coursework, pass the Florida Real Estate Commission state licensing exam.

3. Apply to DBPR. Submit your application, exam results, and required fees directly to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

4. Employment requirement. Sales associates must be employed by an active Florida broker before activation.

Reference Fla. Stat. § 489.105 for specific definitions and statutory requirements governing licensure.

Local Requirements

Midway is located in Gadsden County. While the state of Florida regulates real estate licensing, local jurisdictions may have additional requirements for operating a real estate business office.

Contact the Midway Building Department or the Gadsden County Building Department to determine:

• Whether you need a local occupancy permit or business license to operate a real estate office in Midway
• Any zoning or land use restrictions on commercial real estate offices

Review the Midway Municipal Code for any local business licensing, zoning, or operational requirements specific to real estate brokerages operating within city limits.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.105 provides exemptions for certain activities, including:

• Owners of property acting on their own behalf (not as agents for others)
• Attorneys licensed in Florida performing real estate services as part of legal practice
• On-site property managers employed by property owners managing their own property

Refer to the statute for a complete list of exemptions.

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
• Midway Municipal Code

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