Real Estate Licensing in Dunnellon city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, a real estate broker or sales associate must hold a state license to engage in the business of selling, buying, exchanging, leasing, or renting real property, or offering or attempting to do so for compensation. [Fla. Stat. § 489.105]

Anyone in Dunnellon representing clients in residential or commercial real estate transactions—whether for sale, lease, or exchange—must be licensed. This applies even if you work part-time or represent only family members for a fee.

How to Get Licensed

Step 1: Meet Prerequisites
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a Florida resident or maintain a business location in Florida
- Obtain a Sales Associate license first, or apply directly for a Broker license if you meet broker-specific experience requirements [Fla. Stat. § 489.105]

Step 2: Complete Education
Pass the Florida real estate sales associate or broker examination administered by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

Step 3: Apply to the State
Submit your application to the DBPR. The state—not the city or county—issues real estate licenses.

Step 4: Work Under a Broker
Sales associates must work under a licensed broker. Brokers operate independently or affiliate with a brokerage firm.

Consult the DBPR website or call their licensing division for current exam schedules, study materials, and application deadlines.

Local Requirements

Dunnellon does not issue separate local real estate licenses. However, real estate offices operating in Dunnellon must comply with city zoning and occupancy regulations under the Dunnellon Municipal Code.

If your brokerage office operates from a commercial location in Dunnellon, contact the Dunnellon Building Department to verify zoning compliance and obtain any required local business tax receipt or occupancy permit.

Review the Dunnellon Municipal Code for any local amendments affecting commercial real estate operations within city limits.

Exemptions

[Fla. Stat. § 489.105] exempts certain individuals and transactions from licensing requirements:

• Property owners selling or leasing their own property
• Employees of property management companies handling only management duties (not sales transactions)
• Attorneys licensed in Florida, when performing services within their professional capacity
• Employees of financial institutions facilitating loans

These exemptions are narrow. If you receive compensation for real estate transaction facilitation, you likely need 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
• Dunnellon Municipal Code

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