Real Estate Licensing in McIntosh, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, a real estate license is required to act as a real estate broker, sales associate, or operate in any capacity that involves buying, selling, leasing, or managing real property for compensation. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "real estate" means any leasehold or other interest or estate in land, including improvements, mines, minerals, tenements, and hereditaments, but excluding mobile homes, which are regulated separately.

Any person negotiating, selling, listing, renting, managing, or offering to perform these services on behalf of another for compensation must hold a current, valid Florida real estate license.

How to Get Licensed

Florida real estate licensing is administered by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), not a local board.

Steps:

1. Complete Pre-Licensing Education: Enroll in and pass a DBPR-approved 63-hour classroom course for sales associates or 72 hours for brokers. Online and in-person options are available statewide.

2. Pass the State Exam: After course completion, register with DBPR and pass the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) licensing exam. The exam tests knowledge of Fla. Stat. § 489.105 and related statutes.

3. Apply for Your License: Submit your application to DBPR with proof of course completion, exam passage, and a clean background check.

4. Sponsorship Requirement: You must be sponsored by a licensed Florida real estate broker to activate your sales associate license.

License renewal occurs biennially and requires completion of continuing education hours.

Local Requirements

McIntosh is located in Marion County, Florida. Real estate licensing itself is a state-regulated function — there is no local McIntosh license for real estate professionals.

However, if your real estate business involves property management or rental operations in McIntosh, consult the McIntosh Municipal Code for any local ordinances governing property rental, landlord obligations, or business licensing within the town limits. Local amendments may apply to business operations even though the professional license is state-issued.

Contact the McIntosh Town Clerk or Marion County Building Department for clarification on local business tax registration or rental property requirements specific to McIntosh operations.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105), the following are exempt from licensing requirements:

• Owners selling or leasing their own property
• Attorneys licensed to practice law in Florida, when acting in their professional capacity
• Persons employed solely as salaried employees performing clerical, bookkeeping, or administrative tasks

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
• McIntosh Municipal Code

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