Real Estate Licensing in Lake Placid town, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, a real estate license is required to act as a real estate broker, sales associate, or property manager on behalf of others for compensation. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, a "real estate broker" is defined as any person who, for another and for a consideration, sells, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases real property, or who collects rent from or negotiates the sale, exchange, or lease of real property. This includes acting as an intermediary between buyer and seller, managing properties for owners, or handling rental transactions.

If you engage in any of these activities for compensation in Lake Placid or Highlands County, you must hold an active Florida real estate license.

How to Get Licensed

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

Steps to obtain a license:

  1. Complete education: Pass a Florida real estate pre-licensing course (63 hours for brokers, 24 hours for sales associates) from a DBPR-approved provider.
  2. Pass the state exam: Register with the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) and take the state licensing examination.
  3. Apply with DBPR: Submit your application, exam results, and fees to the Division of Real Estate.
  4. Sponsorship requirement: Sales associates must be sponsored by an active broker before the license is issued.

For detailed exam schedules, approved course providers, and application procedures, contact the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Division of Real Estate directly.

Local Requirements

Lake Placid is located in Highlands County, Florida. While the state regulates licensing, local requirements may apply to real estate operations within town limits.

Consult the Lake Placid Municipal Code for any local ordinances governing real estate offices, broker operations, or property management activities within the town. Contact the Lake Placid Building Department or Town Clerk to confirm whether additional local registrations or permits are required before conducting real estate business in the municipality.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.105 exempts certain individuals and activities from licensing, including:
- Owners selling, leasing, or managing their own property
- Attorneys licensed in Florida when performing services incidental to legal practice
- Salaried employees of government agencies
- Licensed mortgage brokers performing only mortgage-related activities

However, exemptions are narrowly applied. Verify your specific activities with DBPR before assuming you qualify.

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)