Real Estate Licensing in Leesburg city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, a real estate broker or sales associate must hold a current, active license to engage in real estate transactions. Fla. Stat. § 489.105 defines a "broker" as any person who, for compensation or promise of compensation, sells, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases real property, or offers, attempts, or agrees to perform these acts on behalf of others. A "sales associate" is any natural person who works under a broker's supervision to perform these same functions.

If you plan to list property, represent buyers or sellers, negotiate commissions, manage property for others, or facilitate any real estate transaction in Leesburg for compensation, you must be licensed.

How to Get Licensed

Florida's Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) issues real estate licenses through the Division of Real Estate. You must:

  1. Meet eligibility requirements: Be at least 18 years old, a Florida resident or maintain a principal place of business in Florida, and hold a high school diploma or equivalent.

  2. Complete education: Take a pre-licensing course approved by DBPR (80 hours for sales associates; 60 hours for brokers with prior broker experience).

  3. Pass the state exam: Take and pass the Florida real estate licensing examination administered by Pearson VUE or another DBPR-approved testing vendor.

  4. Apply with DBPR: Submit your application, examination results, proof of education, and applicable fees to the Division of Real Estate.

  5. Maintain your license: Renew every two years and complete 14 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle.

Reference Fla. Stat. § 489.105 for complete statutory requirements.

Local Requirements

Leesburg is in Lake County, Florida. Once licensed by the state, you may operate in Leesburg under that state license. However, review the Leesburg Municipal Code for any local ordinances affecting real estate business operations, signage, office locations, or advertising within the city limits.

Contact the Leesburg Building Department to confirm whether local amendments or additional municipal requirements apply to your specific real estate operations in the city.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.105 exempts certain persons and transactions. These include:
- Owners selling or leasing their own property
- Attorneys licensed in Florida when acting in their professional capacity
- Licensed property managers under certain conditions
- Court-appointed officers or fiduciaries in specific transactions

Consult the full statute to determine whether your specific activity qualifies for an exemption.

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)