Real Estate Licensing in Tavares city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, a real estate broker or sales associate must hold a license to engage in the business of selling, buying, exchanging, leasing, or renting real property on behalf of others for compensation. [Fla. Stat. § 489.105] defines a "broker" as any person who, for compensation or valuable consideration, sells, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases real property or a business opportunity, or who offers to perform these acts. A "sales associate" is a person employed by a broker to perform licensed activities under the broker's supervision.

If you are acting as an agent in any residential or commercial real estate transaction in Tavares—whether listing, selling, leasing property, or assisting buyers—you need a Florida real estate license.

How to Get Licensed

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

2. Complete pre-licensing education: Enroll in a state-approved real estate pre-licensing course (typically 63 hours for sales associates; 72 hours for brokers).

3. Pass the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) exam: After coursework completion, register for and pass the state licensing exam administered by Pearson Vue.

4. Apply through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR): Submit your application, exam passing scores, and required fees to DBPR's Division of Real Estate.

5. Maintain your license: Complete continuing education requirements every two years to renew.

[Fla. Stat. § 489.105]

Local Requirements

Real estate licensees operating in Tavares must comply with Tavares Municipal Code. Review the current municipal code at https://library.municode.com/fl/tavares to identify any local ordinances governing real estate transactions, advertising, or business operations within city limits.

Contact the Tavares Building Department for clarification on any local amendments or additional municipal requirements that may apply to real estate activities.

Exemptions

The following are exempt from licensing requirements under Florida law:

• Owners selling their own property (not acting as brokers)
• Attorneys licensed to practice law in Florida, when performing real estate services as part of their legal practice
• Employees of property management companies performing routine administrative duties (not negotiating transactions)
• Receivers, trustees, or court-appointed officials handling property sales in official capacity

[Fla. Stat. § 489.105]

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
• Tavares Municipal Code

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