Real Estate Licensing in Clewiston city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law defines a "sales associate" and "broker" under the real estate trade. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, a real estate broker is a person who, for compensation or promise of compensation, sells, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases real property on behalf of others, or who offers or attempts to do so. A sales associate performs these same activities under the supervision of a broker.

Any person engaging in real estate brokerage activities in Clewiston must hold an active Florida real estate license issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Division of Real Estate.

How to Get Licensed

  1. Pre-Licensing Education: Complete a state-approved pre-licensing course (63 hours for sales associates; additional hours for brokers).

  2. Exam: Pass the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) exam administered by DBPR. The exam tests knowledge of Florida real estate law, including Fla. Stat. § 489.105 and related statutes.

  3. Application: Submit your application directly to DBPR's Division of Real Estate. You do not apply through Clewiston city.

  4. Fingerprinting & Background Check: Complete criminal history background screening as required by DBPR.

  5. License Issuance: Upon approval, DBPR issues your license. Sales associates must work under an active broker; brokers may operate independently.

For current exam schedules, application fees, and approved course providers, contact DBPR directly or visit their website.

Local Requirements

Clewiston city and Hendry County do not issue separate local real estate licenses. However, real estate professionals operating in Clewiston must comply with Clewiston Municipal Code.

Consult the Clewiston Municipal Code for any local zoning, property disclosure, or business operating requirements that may apply to real estate transactions within city limits. Verify that your brokerage complies with local business registration and tax requirements through the Clewiston city clerk's office.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, the following are exempt from licensing:
- Owners of property selling or leasing their own property (without compensation as an agent for others)
- Attorneys licensed to practice law in Florida, when performing real estate services incidental to their legal practice
- Receivers, trustees, administrators, and guardians acting under court direction
- Employees of financial institutions engaged in loan-related activities

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)