Real Estate Licensing in Longboat Key, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, a real estate license is required to engage in any act defined as a "real estate transaction" on behalf of another person for compensation. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, regulated activities include listing, selling, purchasing, exchanging, leasing, or renting real property; negotiating such transactions; or advertising real estate services.

Any person acting as a broker, sales associate, or principal broker in Longboat Key must hold a current Florida real estate license issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Division of Real Estate.

How to Get Licensed

State-Level Application:

1. Meet basic requirements: Be at least 18 years old, a high school graduate or equivalent, and a Florida resident or have a valid Florida business address.
2. Complete prelicense education: Take an approved real estate prelicense course (63 hours for sales associates; additional hours for brokers).
3. Pass the state exam: Apply through the DBPR's online system and pass the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) licensing examination.
4. Submit fingerprints: Provide background screening through the DBPR.
5. Receive your license: Upon approval, your license is issued by the state.

Fla. Stat. § 489.105 outlines these statutory requirements. Contact the Florida DBPR Division of Real Estate for exam schedules, approved course providers, and application fees.

Local Requirements

Longboat Key, located in Manatee County, has adopted local standards through its municipal code. Licensed real estate professionals operating in Longboat Key must comply with Longboat Key Municipal Code, which may include local registration, operational restrictions, or office location requirements specific to the town.

Review the complete Longboat Key Municipal Code to identify any local amendments, local licensing fees, or additional operational standards that exceed state requirements.

For local permitting or municipal compliance questions, contact the Longboat Key Building Department.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, certain persons and activities are exempt from licensure, including:

• Property owners selling or leasing their own property without an agent
• Attorneys licensed in Florida conducting real estate transactions as part of legal services
• Employees of property management companies performing solely administrative duties (not negotiating transactions)

However, exemptions are narrowly construed. Verify your specific activity qualifies before proceeding without a license.

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
• Longboat Key Municipal Code

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