Real Estate Licensing in Brandon CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law defines a "broker" as any person who, for compensation, sells, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases real property, or who offers, attempts, or agrees to perform these acts on behalf of others. A "sales associate" is any person employed by or associated with a broker who performs substantially the same activities as a broker but on behalf of that broker rather than the public.

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, anyone engaging in real estate brokerage activities for compensation must hold an active license issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). This includes selling, buying, exchanging, renting, leasing, or managing real property.

How to Get Licensed

State Licensing Process:

  1. Sales Associate License: Complete a 63-hour pre-licensing course from an approved provider, then pass the Florida real estate sales associate exam administered by DBPR. Apply through DBPR's website (myfloridalicense.com).

  2. Broker License: Earn a sales associate license and maintain it for at least 12 months during the preceding 5-year period, complete a 72-hour broker pre-licensing course, and pass the Florida broker exam. Submit your broker application to DBPR.

All applicants must submit fingerprints for background checks and pay applicable fees to DBPR.

Reference Fla. Stat. § 489.105 for complete definition and licensing authority.

Local Requirements

Brandon CDP is located in Hillsborough County, Florida. While real estate licensing is controlled entirely by Florida state law through DBPR, local transactions may involve property transfers recorded through the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court.

Review the Brandon Municipal Code for any local land use restrictions, zoning amendments, or disclosure requirements that may affect real estate transactions in the town. Check this code for any local amendments beyond state law.

Property sales and transfers are subject to Hillsborough County recording requirements and deed filing procedures through the County Clerk.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.105 exempts:
- Attorneys licensed to practice law in Florida (when performing real estate services as part of legal practice)
- Property owners selling or leasing their own property (not acting as agents)
- Employees of property management companies, under certain conditions
- Persons acting under court order or as trustees/executors of estates

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)