Real Estate Licensing in Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, a real estate broker or sales associate must be licensed to act as an agent in the purchase, sale, exchange, or lease of real property. Per Fla. Stat. § 489.105, a "real estate broker" is defined as a person who, for compensation or the promise of compensation, sells, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases real property or a business opportunity, or offers or attempts to do so on behalf of others.

A "real estate sales associate" is defined as a natural person employed by or affiliated with a broker to perform licensed activities under the broker's supervision.

If you are engaging in any of these activities for compensation in Howey-in-the-Hills, you must obtain a state license before conducting business.

How to Get Licensed

1. Apply through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), which administers real estate licensing statewide.
2. Complete prelicensing education: Complete an approved 63-hour real estate sales associate course or 72-hour broker course from an accredited provider.
3. Pass the state exam: Take and pass the Florida real estate licensing exam administered by a testing vendor approved by DBPR.
4. Submit your application to DBPR with proof of education, exam passage, and a valid government-issued ID.
5. Broker requirement: If applying as a broker, you must have held an active sales associate license for at least 24 months within the 5-year period before application.

For current fee schedules, exam details, and application procedures, contact the DBPR Division of Real Estate directly.

Local Requirements

Howey-in-the-Hills is governed by the Howey-in-the-Hills Municipal Code. Review the municipal code for any local amendments, zoning restrictions, or town-specific regulations affecting real estate transactions or property sales within town limits.

For property-specific permits or zoning inquiries, contact the Howey-in-the-Hills Building Department.

Exemptions

Per Fla. Stat. § 489.105, exemptions include:

• Owners of real property selling or leasing their own property (without employing a broker or agent)
• Licensed attorneys acting in a professional capacity
• Employees of property management companies performing ministerial tasks (non-licensed activities)
• Persons acting under court order or as trustees, executors, or administrators

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
• Howey-in-the-Hills Municipal Code

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