Real Estate Licensing in Florida City, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, a real estate license is required for any person who, for compensation, sells, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases real property, or who negotiates or attempts to negotiate the sale, exchange, purchase, rental, or lease of real property on behalf of another. [Fla. Stat. § 489.105]

This includes:
- Real estate brokers
- Real estate sales associates
- Property managers (in certain circumstances)

The license requirement applies whether the work is performed full-time or part-time.

How to Get Licensed

Real Estate Sales Associate:
1. Complete a 63-hour pre-licensing course from a state-approved provider
2. Pass the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) state licensing exam
3. Apply with a sponsoring broker (you cannot work independently)
4. The broker submits your application to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)

Real Estate Broker:
1. Hold an active sales associate license for at least 24 months within the prior 5 years
2. Complete a 72-hour broker pre-licensing course
3. Pass the broker licensing exam
4. Apply directly to DBPR

Applications and exams are managed by the Florida Real Estate Commission under DBPR. [Fla. Stat. § 489.105]

Local Requirements

Real estate licensing is regulated exclusively at the state level under Florida Statute § 489.105. Florida City does not issue separate local real estate licenses.

However, if you operate a real estate office or maintain a physical location in Florida City, you must comply with local zoning and building codes. Contact the Florida City Building Department for requirements regarding:
- Commercial zoning compliance
- Certificate of Occupancy for your office location
- Any local amendments to state regulations

Refer to the Florida City Municipal Code for local ordinances that may affect your business operations, signage, or office location.

Exemptions

The following are exempt from licensing requirements:
- Property owners selling or leasing their own property
- Attorneys licensed in Florida when performing acts incidental to their practice
- On-site property managers employed by a property owner (limited exemption under specific conditions)
- Persons acting without compensation

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)