Real Estate Licensing in Key Biscayne village, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, a real estate broker or sales associate must be licensed to sell, buy, exchange, rent, or lease real property on behalf of another person for compensation.[^1] This includes residential and commercial properties within Key Biscayne.

A broker is defined as a person who, for compensation, sells, buys, exchanges, rents, or leases real property or a business opportunity, or offers to perform these services.[^1] A sales associate is a person employed by or associated with a broker who performs the same activities under the broker's direction.[^1]

If you engage in real estate transactions for compensation in Key Biscayne, you must hold an active license issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

How to Get Licensed

For Brokers:
1. Meet education requirements (Florida requires 24 hours of approved broker education)
2. Pass the Florida broker exam administered by the DBPR
3. Submit an application to the DBPR with proof of education and exam passage
4. The DBPR Real Estate Commission issues broker licenses

For Sales Associates:
1. Complete 63 hours of approved pre-licensing education
2. Pass the Florida sales associate exam
3. Work under an active, sponsoring broker
4. Submit an application to the DBPR with broker sponsorship

Contact the Florida DBPR Division of Real Estate or visit their website for current exam schedules, approved education providers, and detailed application procedures.

Local Requirements

Key Biscayne is governed by the Key Biscayne Municipal Code, which applies local zoning, permitting, and real estate transaction requirements. Check the Key Biscayne Municipal Code for ordinances affecting property sales, rentals, and leases within the village.

Property transactions in Key Biscayne may require compliance with local land development code provisions and deed recording requirements through Miami-Dade County. The Key Biscayne Building Department handles local permitting and inspections related to property transfers or development.

Contact the Key Biscayne Building Department for specific local requirements before closing any real estate transaction.

Exemptions

Under Florida law, the following are exempt from licensing requirements:[^1]
- An owner of real property selling or leasing their own property
- An attorney licensed to practice in Florida when performing services as an attorney
- A person employed by a government agency acting in an official capacity
- Certain other limited activities specified in state statute

However, exemptions do not apply if the person receives compensation beyond actual costs or acts as a broker.

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

[^1]: Fla. Stat. § 489.105 — Definitions

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