Real Estate Licensing in The Villages CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law defines a "broker" as any person who, for another and for compensation or valuable consideration, sells, purchases, exchanges, rents, or leases any real property or a business opportunity, or who offers, attempts, or agrees to perform these acts.[^1] A "salesperson" is any natural person employed by a broker to perform licensed acts on the broker's behalf for compensation.[^1]

If you engage in real estate brokerage work—including residential sales, property management, rental transactions, or business opportunity sales—in The Villages CDP, you must hold an active Florida real estate license. Activities requiring licensure include listing property, negotiating sales, collecting earnest money, and representing buyers or sellers for compensation.

How to Get Licensed

Real estate licensing in Florida is regulated by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Division of Real Estate.

For Brokers:
- Complete a 72-hour broker pre-license course approved by DBPR
- Pass the Florida Real Estate Broker Exam
- Obtain errors and omissions insurance
- Apply to DBPR with proof of education, exam passage, and insurance

For Salespersons:
- Complete a 63-hour salesperson pre-license course approved by DBPR
- Pass the Florida Real Estate Salesperson Exam
- Apply to DBPR with proof of education and exam passage
- Work only under an active broker's sponsorship

Apply through the DBPR website (flrules.org). Exam fees and license fees apply; check current rates on the division's website. The state does not issue licenses by county—licensing is statewide, though enforcement applies within The Villages CDP jurisdiction.

Local Requirements

The Villages is a Census Designated Place (CDP) in Marion County, Florida. The Villages Municipal Code governs CDP-specific regulations.[^2]

Consult The Villages Municipal Code for any local amendments or additional requirements regarding real estate transactions, property transfers, or business licensing within the CDP. Marion County Building Department handles local permitting; contact them regarding any local real estate-related permit or compliance questions.

Real estate licensees must comply with both state law (Fla. Stat. § 489.105) and local ordinances when conducting business in The Villages CDP.

Exemptions

The following are exempt from real estate licensing:[^1]
- Owners selling or leasing their own property (unless acting as a dealer or regularly engaged in the business)
- Attorneys licensed in Florida when performing acts within their legal practice
- Employees of financial institutions in limited circumstances
- Persons acting as principals (not agents) for themselves

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. Florida Statutes.

[^2]: The Villages Municipal Code. Municode Library.

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