Real Estate Licensing in Town 'n' Country CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, a real estate license is required for 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.[^1] This includes brokers, sales associates, and rental agents.

A person engaged in these activities on behalf of a licensed broker must hold either a broker license or a sales associate license. The definition of "real estate" under Florida statute includes improved and unimproved land and interests in land.[^1]

How to Get Licensed

Broker License:
Apply to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). You must pass the Florida broker examination and meet experience requirements. Florida Statute § 489.105 defines a broker as a person who employs one or more licensed sales associates or who operates as a solo practitioner.[^1]

Sales Associate License:
Apply to DBPR. You must pass the Florida sales associate examination. No prior experience is required for this level.

Both applications require submission of fingerprints for a background check, proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency, and payment of application and licensing fees to DBPR. Examination candidates must use an approved Florida real estate school. Contact DBPR's Division of Real Estate for current exam schedules, approved schools, and application procedures.

Local Requirements

Town 'n' Country CDP is located in Hillsborough County, Florida. Real estate transactions are primarily regulated at the state level by DBPR. However, local code may govern land use, zoning, and property development activities.

Permit and Code Authority:
Building permits and property-related code enforcement in unincorporated Hillsborough County (where Town 'n' Country CDP is located) are handled by Hillsborough County's building and zoning departments, not a municipal building department.

Consult the Town 'n' Country Municipal Code for any local amendments, covenant restrictions, or additional requirements affecting real estate transactions or property operations in this CDP. Code provisions may address property standards, licensing of rental properties, or transaction-specific requirements.

Exemptions

The following are exempt from real estate licensing requirements:[^1]

• Owners selling, exchanging, or leasing their own property
• Attorneys licensed to practice law in Florida, when performing real estate services as part of legal representation
• Persons acting under power of attorney on behalf of a property owner
• Property managers acting solely in an employment capacity for a licensed broker or property owner
• Public officers performing duties in their official capacity

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

[^1]: Fla. Stat. § 489.105 — Definitions

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