Real Estate Licensing in Indian River Shores, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, a real estate broker or sales associate must hold an active license to sell, buy, exchange, rent, or lease real property on behalf of another person for compensation. [Fla. Stat. § 489.105 defines a "broker" as any person who, for another and for a fee, commission, or other valuable consideration, sells or offers to sell, buys or offers to buy, or exchanges or offers to exchange real property, or who leases or offers to lease any real property.] [Fla. Stat. § 489.105 also defines a "sales associate" as a person employed by or associated with a broker who performs services that require a broker's license.]

If you represent clients in real estate transactions in Indian River Shores, you must be licensed by the state.

How to Get Licensed

  1. Apply to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), which issues real estate licenses statewide—not through local town authorities.

  2. Pass the Florida Real Estate Broker or Sales Associate exam administered by the DBPR. You must meet educational prerequisites set by state law before sitting for the exam.

  3. For a broker license: Meet experience requirements (typically 12 months as an active sales associate within the 5-year period preceding application) and complete broker education courses approved by DBPR.

  4. For a sales associate license: Complete the required pre-licensing education course and pass the state exam.

Submit your application to DBPR with proof of exam passage, education completion, and applicable fees. [Fla. Stat. § 489.105 governs these requirements.]

Local Requirements

Indian River Shores is governed by the Indian River Shores Municipal Code. Check this code for any local real estate transaction requirements, permit procedures related to property sales, or town-specific amendments.

Contact the Indian River Shores Building Department for information on whether any local permits or approvals are required in connection with real estate transactions within town limits, or if local zoning/development requirements affect your licensing or business operations.

Exemptions

[Fla. Stat. § 489.105 exempts certain individuals from needing a broker's license], including:
- Owners selling or leasing their own property
- Attorneys licensed in Florida acting in their professional capacity
- Persons acting under court order or as trustees

Sales associates working under a broker's supervision do not need an independent broker license.

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)