Real Estate Licensing in University CDP (Hillsborough County), Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, a real estate license is required for any person who, for compensation, sells, purchases, exchanges, leases, or rents real property, or who offers or attempts to perform these acts on behalf of others. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, a "real estate broker" is defined as a person who deals in real property and employs or directs sales associates. A "sales associate" is a licensed individual who performs real estate activities under a broker's authority.

Work requiring licensure includes listing properties for sale or lease, representing buyers or sellers in transactions, negotiating terms, and advertising real estate services for compensation. Any person holding themselves out as capable of performing these services must be licensed.

How to Get Licensed

Florida real estate licensing is administered by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Division of Real Estate—not locally by University CDP or Hillsborough County.

Step-by-step process:

  1. Complete a 24-hour pre-licensing course from an approved Florida real estate school
  2. Pass the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) exam for sales associates or brokers
  3. Apply to DBPR with exam passage documentation
  4. Be sponsored by an active Florida broker (for sales associates)
  5. Submit fingerprints for a background check

For specific exam requirements, application procedures, and current licensing fees, contact the Florida DBPR Division of Real Estate directly. The state, not the municipality, issues real estate licenses.

Local Requirements

University CDP and Hillsborough County do not issue real estate licenses. However, real estate brokers and sales associates operating in University CDP must comply with local municipal code regulations.

Consult the University CDP (Hillsborough County) Municipal Code for any local business licensing requirements, zoning restrictions on real estate offices, and advertising regulations that may apply to real estate activities within the jurisdiction.

Contact the University CDP Building Department or Hillsborough County for information on local business tax receipt requirements and any municipal amendments to state real estate law.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, certain individuals are exempt from real estate licensing, including owners selling or leasing their own property (when no compensation is paid to them), attorneys licensed in Florida, and salaried employees of real estate companies performing administrative duties only—not transactional 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)