Real Estate Licensing in Hialeah Gardens city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, a real estate broker or sales associate must hold a valid license to sell, buy, exchange, rent, or lease real property on behalf of others for compensation. Fla. Stat. § 489.105 defines a "broker" as any person who, for another and for a fee, commission, or other valuable consideration, sells or offers to sell, buys or offers to buy, or negotiates the purchase, sale, or exchange of real property or a business opportunity. A "sales associate" is any person employed by a broker to do substantially the same work.

Any individual or entity engaging in these activities in Hialeah Gardens must be licensed by the State of Florida.

How to Get Licensed

  1. Apply to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), which administers real estate licensing statewide.
  2. Pass the Florida Real Estate Sales Associate exam (or broker exam for broker licensure). The exam tests knowledge of Florida real estate law, federal fair housing law, and general real estate principles.
  3. Meet experience requirements: Sales associates typically need no prior experience, but brokers must meet specific experience thresholds as set by DBPR rules.
  4. Submit fingerprints for a background check as required by the state.
  5. Pay applicable state fees for license application and examination.

Contact the Florida DBPR Division of Real Estate for specific application procedures, exam dates, and current fee schedules. The state issues all real estate licenses; there is no separate local licensure in Hialeah Gardens.

Local Requirements

Real estate brokers and sales associates operating in Hialeah Gardens must comply with Hialeah Gardens Municipal Code. Review the municipal code for any local amendments, operational regulations, or additional requirements specific to real estate activities within the city limits.

Contact the Hialeah Gardens Building Department or City Clerk to confirm whether local business tax receipts, zoning compliance, or office registration requirements apply to real estate businesses operating in the city.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.105 provides specific exemptions. Individuals employed by certain financial institutions (banks, credit unions, savings associations) may be exempt when performing certain limited real estate activities in their official capacity. Additionally, attorneys licensed to practice law in Florida are exempt when performing real estate services as part of their law practice.

Property owners selling or renting their own property without a broker and without employing a sales associate do not 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

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