Real Estate Licensing in Williston city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, a real estate license is required for any person who, for compensation, sells, purchases, exchanges, rents, or leases real property, or who negotiates, offers, attempts, or agrees to perform these acts on behalf of others.[^1] This includes real estate brokers and sales associates.

Florida Statute § 489.105 defines a "real estate broker" as any person who, for another and for compensation, sells or offers to sell real estate, or who buys or offers to buy real estate, or who negotiates the purchase, sale, or exchange of real estate, or who leases or offers to lease any real estate, or who negotiates the rental of real estate, or who represents himself or herself as being engaged in the business of selling, buying, exchanging, or leasing real estate.[^1]

How to Get Licensed

Real estate licensing in Florida is administered by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), not by local municipal authorities.

To obtain a real estate license:

  1. Complete prelicensing education: Satisfy Florida's required real estate prelicensing course from an approved provider.
  2. Pass the state exam: Take and pass the Florida real estate licensing examination administered by the DBPR.
  3. Apply for licensure: Submit your application to the DBPR with proof of exam passage, education completion, and any required fingerprinting/background check.
  4. Maintain sponsorship: Real estate sales associates must be sponsored by an active broker; brokers must maintain their own active license.

Refer to Florida Statute § 489.105 for complete definitions and licensing requirements.[^1]

Local Requirements

Williston city is located in Levy County, Florida. While state licensing is handled by the DBPR, local real estate operations are subject to Williston Municipal Code requirements.

Consult the Williston Municipal Code for any local provisions governing real estate office operations, signage, or conduct within city limits. The city may have specific zoning or permitting requirements for real estate offices or brokerage locations.

Contact the Williston Building Department for information on local permits or approvals required before establishing a real estate office in the city.

Exemptions

Florida Statute § 489.105 provides exemptions from licensing requirements for certain activities, including transactions by property owners selling their own property without compensation for such service, and activities of attorneys licensed to practice law in Florida when performing acts within the scope of their legal practice.[^1]

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

[^1]: Florida Statute § 489.105 — Definitions. Retrieved from http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/

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