Real Estate Licensing in Bal Harbour village, Florida

Who Needs a License

Real estate licensing in Florida applies to any person who, for compensation, sells, purchases, exchanges, rents, or leases real property, or who negotiates or offers to negotiate any of these transactions on behalf of others. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, a "real estate broker" is defined as a person who receives compensation for performing services as an intermediary in real estate transactions. A "real estate sales associate" is a person employed by a broker who performs similar services under the broker's supervision.

You need a license if you engage in these activities for compensation, whether as an independent broker or as a sales associate working for a brokerage firm.

How to Get Licensed

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

For Sales Associates:
- Complete a 63-hour prelicensing course from a DBPR-approved provider
- Pass the state licensing exam (separate portions for general real estate law and practices)
- Submit your application to DBPR with proof of course completion, exam passage, and a sponsorship letter from a licensed broker
- Pay the licensing fee

For Brokers:
- Complete a 72-hour broker prelicensing course
- Obtain experience as an active sales associate for at least 12 months during the preceding 5 years
- Pass the state broker exam
- Submit application with all required documentation and fees

Apply directly through the DBPR online licensing portal. The FREC processes all applications statewide; there is no local application process.

Local Requirements

Bal Harbour village does not issue separate real estate licenses. However, real estate businesses operating in Bal Harbour must comply with Bal Harbour Municipal Code regulations regarding business operations within the village. Consult the Bal Harbour Municipal Code for any local business registration, zoning, or operational requirements that may apply to real estate offices or brokerage operations in the village.

Contact the Bal Harbour Building Department to confirm whether your office location complies with local zoning and building code requirements.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, certain activities are exempt from licensing requirements, including property owners who lease or sell their own property without compensation beyond the sale price or rent, and certain corporate officers managing company property.

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)