Real Estate Licensing in Fountainebleau CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, a real estate license is required for any person who sells, purchases, exchanges, rents, or leases real property on behalf of another for compensation. This includes brokers and sales associates. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, a "broker" is defined as a person who sells, purchases, exchanges, leases, or rents real property and receives or expects to receive compensation. A "sales associate" is a natural person employed by a broker to perform licensed activities.

If you engage in real estate transactions for compensation in Fountainebleau CDP without a license, you are operating unlawfully under state statute.

How to Get Licensed

Real estate licensing in Florida is administered by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Division of Real Estate—not by local municipal authorities.

Steps to licensure:

  1. Meet basic requirements: Be at least 18 years old, be a resident of Florida or have a registered agent in Florida, and maintain a registered office in the state.

  2. Complete pre-licensing education: Enroll in a DBPR-approved 63-hour real estate sales associate course or 72-hour broker course, depending on your desired license type.

  3. Pass the state exam: After coursework, register with the DBPR and pass the state licensing examination.

  4. Apply for your license: Submit your application to the DBPR with proof of education, exam passage, and any required background clearances.

  5. Join a brokerage (sales associates only): Sales associates must be sponsored by a licensed broker before their license becomes active.

Refer to Fla. Stat. § 489.105 for complete statutory definitions and requirements.

Local Requirements

Fountainebleau CDP is located in Miami-Dade County. Real estate licensing itself is governed entirely by state law; however, if you operate a real estate brokerage office in Fountainebleau, you must comply with Fountainebleau Municipal Code provisions regarding business registration, zoning, and occupancy permits.

Contact the Fountainebleau Building Department or Miami-Dade County Building & Zoning Department to determine whether your brokerage location requires a local business license or certificate of occupancy. Check the municipal code link above for any local amendments specific to commercial real estate operations.

Exemptions

Exemptions from real estate licensing include:
- Owners selling their own property (not acting as brokers)
- Attorneys licensed in Florida conducting real estate transactions as part of their legal practice
- Persons employed solely for administrative or clerical support (who do not engage in licensed activities)

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)