Real Estate Licensing in Miami city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, a real estate license is required to engage in real estate brokerage or sales activities. Fla. Stat. § 489.105 defines a "real estate broker" as any person who, for another and for compensation or valuable consideration, sells, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases real property, or offers or attempts to do so. A "real estate sales associate" is a person employed by a broker to perform these same activities under the broker's supervision.

If you represent clients in real estate transactions—whether residential, commercial, or investment property—you must hold an active license issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

How to Get Licensed

Step 1: Complete Pre-Licensing Education
You must complete a 63-hour classroom course for a sales associate license or 72-hour course for a broker license from a DBPR-approved school.

Step 2: Pass the State Exam
After completing coursework, apply to sit for the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) licensing exam through Pearson VUE. The exam tests knowledge of Florida real estate law, contract practices, and ethical standards.

Step 3: Apply to DBPR
Submit your application to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation with proof of course completion and exam passage. For a sales associate, you must also present a written offer of employment from a licensed broker. For a broker license, you must show experience as a sales associate or equivalent.

Step 4: Receive License
Upon approval, DBPR issues your license. Licenses are valid for two years and require renewal with continuing education.

For specific exam dates, approved course providers, and application procedures, contact the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation directly.

Local Requirements

Miami city is located in Miami-Dade County, Florida. While real estate licensing is regulated at the state level, local property transactions and disclosure requirements fall under Miami Municipal Code. Review the municipal code for any local transaction amendments, disclosure requirements, or local board rules specific to Miami.

Contact the Miami Building Department or Miami-Dade County Property Records for local property-specific regulations applicable to transactions within the city.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.105 exempts certain persons: owners selling or leasing their own property, attorneys licensed in Florida performing real estate services incidental to legal representation, and employees of property management companies performing duties solely for their employer without representing clients for 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)