Real Estate Licensing in Miami Gardens city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law requires licensing for anyone who, for compensation, sells, purchases, exchanges, leases, or rents real property, or who negotiates, offers, attempts, or agrees to perform these acts on behalf of another person. [Fla. Stat. § 489.105] This includes real estate brokers and sales associates.

A "real estate broker" is defined as a person who employs, recruits, or contracts with sales associates or other brokers to perform real estate services. A "real estate sales associate" is a person employed by or working under a broker to perform real estate brokerage services.

Any unlicensed person performing these acts faces legal penalties, including fines and potential civil liability.

How to Get Licensed

1. Prelicense Education: Complete the required hours of prelicense coursework through a Florida-approved provider. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) sets education requirements.

2. Examination: Pass the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) licensing examination. The exam tests knowledge of Florida real estate law, including Fla. Stat. § 489.105 and related statutes.

3. Broker Sponsorship: All sales associates must be employed by and sponsored through a licensed broker. If applying as a broker, you may operate independently.

4. Application: Submit your application to the DBPR with proof of prelicense education, passing exam score, background information, and applicable fees.

5. License Issuance: Upon approval, DBPR issues your license. Sales associates' licenses expire and require renewal every two years.

For specific exam dates, approved education providers, and application procedures, contact the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation or visit their official website.

Local Requirements

Real estate transactions in Miami Gardens are governed by Florida state law. Miami Gardens does not issue separate local real estate licenses. However, real estate brokers and their offices operating in Miami Gardens must comply with any local zoning and business registration requirements under the Miami Gardens Municipal Code.

Refer to the Miami Gardens Municipal Code for local amendments regarding commercial office locations, signage, and business licensing requirements for real estate brokerage offices.

Exemptions

Exemptions from real estate licensing include:

• Property owners who sell, lease, or exchange their own property without employing a broker
• Employees of property owners acting solely on behalf of that owner
• Attorneys licensed in Florida when performing real estate services incidental to their legal practice
• Court-appointed officers (such as receivers or trustees) acting in an official capacity

[Fla. Stat. § 489.105]

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

• Fla. Stat. § 489.105 — Definitions
• Miami Gardens Municipal Code

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