Real Estate Licensing in Limestone CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, a real estate broker or real estate sales associate must hold a valid license to engage in real estate activities. Fla. Stat. § 489.105 defines a real estate broker as a person who, for compensation or promise of compensation, sells, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases real property or a business opportunity, or negotiates or offers to negotiate any of these transactions, or advertises or holds themselves out as engaging in these activities. A real estate sales associate is a person who performs these functions under the direction of a licensed broker.

If you are selling, buying, leasing, or managing property for others in exchange for compensation in Limestone CDP, you likely need a state real estate license.

How to Get Licensed

Real estate licensing in Florida is administered by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Division of Real Estate—not a local agency.

Steps:

1. Meet prelicense requirements: Complete a DBPR-approved prelicense education course (63 hours for sales associates; varies for brokers).
2. Apply to DBPR: Submit your application through DBPR's online licensing system with proof of education completion.
3. Pass the state exam: Take the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) licensing exam.
4. Maintain sponsorship: Sales associates must be sponsored by a licensed broker before activation.
5. Receive your license: Upon approval, DBPR issues your license.

Reference Fla. Stat. § 489.105 for statutory definitions and requirements. Contact the DBPR Division of Real Estate directly for current fees, exam schedules, and application procedures—these fall under state, not local, jurisdiction.

Local Requirements

Limestone CDP falls within Hardee County. Real estate licensing itself is state-regulated; however, if you are establishing a brokerage office or conducting business within Limestone CDP, consult the Limestone Municipal Code for any local zoning, business registration, or operational requirements specific to the town.

Contact the Limestone CDP or Hardee County Building Department to confirm whether local business licensing or zoning permits are required for your real estate office or operations.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, certain parties are exempt from real estate licensing, including:

• Owners of property acting on their own behalf
• Attorneys licensed in Florida when performing real estate services as part of legal representation
• Employees of a licensed real estate broker performing only clerical, administrative, or bookkeeping functions
• Licensed property managers acting solely in property management capacity under specific conditions

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
• Limestone Municipal Code

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