Real Estate Licensing in On Top of the World CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, a real estate license is required for anyone who acts as a broker, sales associate, or property manager in exchange for compensation. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "real estate" includes interests in land, mobile homes, and businesses. If you buy, sell, lease, or manage residential or commercial property on behalf of others for payment, you need a license. This applies whether you work for a brokerage or are self-employed.

How to Get Licensed

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

For Sales Associates:
1. Complete a 63-hour pre-licensing course from an approved Florida school
2. Pass the Florida real estate sales associate exam
3. Apply to DBPR with exam completion documentation
4. Affiliate with an active Florida broker before your license activates

For Brokers:
1. Hold an active sales associate license for at least 12 months (or equivalent out-of-state experience)
2. Complete a 72-hour broker pre-licensing course
3. Pass the Florida broker exam
4. Apply to DBPR with all required documentation
5. Submit proof of errors and omissions insurance

Refer to Fla. Stat. § 489.105 for complete definitions and requirements governing real estate professionals in Florida.

Local Requirements

On Top of the World CDP is located in Marion County, Florida. While real estate licensing is a state function through DBPR, local property transactions and any associated work may fall under Marion County or municipal code requirements.

Consult the On Top of the World Municipal Code for any local amendments, local licensing requirements, or restrictions specific to real estate activities within the CDP. Contact the On Top of the World Building Department or Marion County Clerk's office to confirm whether additional local registration or permits are required for real estate operations in this jurisdiction.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, the following are exempt from Florida real estate licensing:
- Owners selling their own property or leasing their own property
- Employees of a property owner managing property owned by their employer
- Attorneys licensed in Florida when engaged in the practice of law
- Persons acting under court order or appointment
- Financial institutions and their employees in certain transactions

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

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