Real Estate Licensing in Groveland city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, a real estate broker or salesperson must hold an active license to engage in real estate activity. 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. A "sales associate" is a person who works under a broker and performs similar activities under the broker's supervision.

If you represent buyers, sellers, landlords, or tenants in property transactions—or if you advertise real property for sale, lease, or exchange—you need a license. This applies in Groveland regardless of whether you work full-time or part-time.

How to Get Licensed

Florida licenses real estate professionals through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Division of Real Estate.

Steps:
1. Complete a 63-hour pre-license course from a DBPR-approved school
2. Pass the Florida Real Estate Sales Associate exam or Broker exam (depending on your role)
3. Apply to DBPR with your exam passing score and required documentation
4. Meet fingerprinting and background check requirements
5. Designate or join a brokerage firm (sales associates must work under a broker; brokers operate independently or under a brokerage)
6. Pay applicable state fees

For detailed exam content, prerequisites, and application procedures, contact the Florida DBPR Division of Real Estate or visit their website.

Local Requirements

Groveland is located in Lake County, Florida. The Groveland Municipal Code governs local land use and development matters.

While real estate licensure is a state-level function, agents operating in Groveland must comply with local zoning and property disclosure rules outlined in the municipal code. Brokers and agents should review the Groveland Municipal Code for requirements related to property sales, leasing, and advertising within city limits. Check the municipal code for any local registration, bonding, or compliance amendments beyond state law.

Contact the Groveland Building Department for information on local permitting and property transaction requirements specific to the city.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.105 exempts certain individuals from licensing requirements, including:
- Owners selling their own property (without acting as a broker or agent)
- Attorneys licensed in Florida when providing real estate services as part of legal practice
- Employees of property management companies performing purely administrative duties (not negotiating transactions)
- Court-appointed trustees or receivers

Exemptions are narrow. If you receive compensation or hold yourself out as a real estate professional, licensing is required.

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

• Fla. Stat. § 489.105 — Definitions
• Groveland Municipal Code

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