Real Estate Licensing in Williston Highlands CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida requires a license for any person who, for compensation, sells, purchases, exchanges, leases, or rents real property, or offers or attempts to do so on behalf of others.[^1] This includes residential and commercial real estate transactions. A licensed broker or sales associate must represent parties in these transactions under Florida law.

How to Get Licensed

Real estate licensing in Florida is administered by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). The process requires:

1. Complete pre-license education: Pass a state-approved 63-hour real estate sales associate course or a 72-hour broker course (if seeking broker status).

2. Pass the state exam: After completing education, apply to take the Florida Real Estate Commission exam through DBPR.

3. Apply for licensure: Submit your application to DBPR with proof of exam passage and education completion.

4. Sponsorship requirement: Sales associates must be sponsored by a licensed broker before activation.

The Florida Statutes § 489.105 defines these professionals and their regulatory framework.[^1]

Local Requirements

Williston Highlands CDP is located in Levy County, Florida. Real estate transactions and brokerage operations in this area are subject to the Williston Highlands Municipal Code.

Applicants should review the municipal code for any local licensing amendments, zoning restrictions affecting real estate operations, or local office registration requirements specific to Williston Highlands. Contact the Levy County Building Department or Williston Highlands code enforcement office to confirm whether local permits or registrations are required to operate a real estate office within the town limits, as local requirements may supplement state licensing.

Exemptions

The following are exempt from Florida real estate licensing requirements:

• Owners: Property owners selling or leasing their own property without employing a sales associate.[^1]
• Attorneys: Licensed Florida attorneys representing clients in real estate transactions as part of legal services.
• Employees: Employees of property management companies or businesses handling real property as part of their employer's primary business, when acting only for that employer.
• Lenders and financial institutions: Certain lending activities conducted by banks and credit unions.

Other narrow exemptions exist under § 489.105; consult DBPR or an attorney for specific situations.

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]: Fla. Stat. § 489.105 — Definitions

Williston Highlands Municipal Code, https://library.municode.com/fl/williston-highlands-cdp-florida

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