Real Estate Licensing in Pebble Creek CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, a real estate broker or sales associate must hold a valid license 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 or associated with a broker to perform these same activities.

If you engage in any real estate transaction—including residential or commercial property sales, leasing, property management involving negotiation of terms, or exchange of real property—you must hold the appropriate license.

How to Get Licensed

Licensing is issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Division of Real Estate. You do not obtain a license through the town or county.

Broker License Requirements:
- Pass the Florida broker examination
- Complete required pre-licensing education (specific hours mandated by state rule)
- Establish a trust account and maintain required records
- Submit application to DBPR with fingerprints for background check

Sales Associate License Requirements:
- Pass the Florida sales associate examination
- Complete required pre-licensing education
- Be employed by or sponsored by a licensed broker
- Submit application to DBPR with broker sponsorship

Full statutory definitions and licensing standards are in Fla. Stat. § 489.105.

Local Requirements

Pebble Creek CDP operates under Pebble Creek Municipal Code. Review this code for any local amendments or additional requirements specific to real estate activities, property transactions, or business licensing within the town.

For general business licensing and local compliance matters, contact the Pebble Creek Building Department or town administrative offices.

Real property transactions in Pebble Creek are also subject to Hillsborough County requirements.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, exemptions exist for:
- Owners selling, exchanging, or leasing their own property (without employing others to do so)
- Attorneys licensed in Florida when performing real estate services as part of their legal practice
- Persons performing ministerial acts under direction of a licensed broker

Any person performing real estate activities for compensation on behalf of others must hold a license unless a specific statutory exemption applies.

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)