Real Estate Licensing in Westchase CDP, Florida
Who Needs a License
Under Florida law, a real estate broker or sales associate must hold a license to sell, buy, exchange, rent, or lease real property on behalf of others for compensation. [Fla. Stat. § 489.105 defines a "broker" as any person who, for compensation, sells, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases real property or a business opportunity, or offers to perform these acts.] A "sales associate" is a person employed by a broker to perform similar acts under the broker's supervision.
Work requiring licensure includes negotiating sales or leases, listing properties, showing properties to potential buyers or tenants, and facilitating transactions. Property management, appraisal coordination, and transaction documentation all fall within the scope of regulated real estate activity.
How to Get Licensed
Real estate licensure in Florida is issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), which oversees the Division of Real Estate.
Steps to obtain a broker license:
1. Complete a 72-hour broker pre-license course from an approved provider
2. Pass the Florida Real Estate Broker's Examination
3. Maintain a place of business in Florida
4. Submit an application to DBPR with proof of course completion and exam passage
5. Pay application fees
Steps to obtain a sales associate license:
1. Complete a 63-hour sales associate pre-license course
2. Pass the Florida Real Estate Sales Associate Examination
3. Be employed by or sponsored by a licensed broker
4. Submit an application to DBPR
Reference [Fla. Stat. § 489.105] for specific statutory requirements and examination standards.
Local Requirements
Westchase CDP is located in Hillsborough County. Real estate broker offices operating in Westchase must comply with applicable provisions in the Westchase Municipal Code. Check the municipal code for any local zoning restrictions on real estate office locations or operational requirements specific to the community.
For permit or operational questions, contact the Westchase Building Department or Hillsborough County Planning and Development Services.
Exemptions
Certain individuals are exempt from real estate licensing requirements under [Fla. Stat. § 489.105], including:
- Owners of property selling or leasing their own property
- Attorneys licensed to practice law in Florida, when performing real estate services as part of legal representation
- On-site property managers employed by a property owner or developer (in limited circumstances)
- Persons acting without compensation
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)