Real Estate Licensing in Stuart, Florida

Who Needs a License

Real estate licensure is required in Florida for any person who, for compensation, sells, purchases, exchanges, rents, or leases real property on behalf of another. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, a "broker" is defined as any person who, for compensation, negotiates the sale, purchase, exchange, or rental of real property or a business opportunity. A "sales associate" is a person employed by a broker to perform licensed activities on the broker's behalf.

If you engage in real estate transactions for compensation in Stuart—whether residential, commercial, or rental property—you must hold an active Florida real estate license.

How to Get Licensed

1. Meet Eligibility Requirements: You must be at least 18 years old, a Florida resident (or have established a registered agent in Florida), and pass a background check.

2. Complete Pre-Licensing Education: Complete a Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC)–approved pre-licensing course specific to your license type (broker or sales associate).

3. Pass the State Exam: Apply through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and pass the state licensing examination administered by PEARSON VUE.

4. Apply for Your License: Submit your completed application to the DBPR, along with proof of education completion and exam passage.

Detailed procedures and current exam schedules are available through the DBPR Division of Regulation at www.myfloridalicense.com.

Local Requirements

Stuart and Martin County follow Florida state real estate regulations. Consult Stuart Municipal Code for any local amendments or additional provisions governing real estate activity within city limits.

For property-specific permits or local compliance questions, contact the Stuart Building Department. Local code may impose additional requirements on rental properties or commercial transactions conducted within the city.

Exemptions

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

• Owners selling or leasing their own property
• Attorneys licensed in Florida when performing acts in connection with their practice
• Employees of property managers or owners performing administrative duties (not negotiating transactions)
• Government employees acting in an official capacity

Exemptions are narrowly construed; if you receive compensation tied to negotiating or closing a transaction, you likely require 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
• Stuart Municipal Code

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