Real Estate Licensing in Miami Shores village, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, a real estate broker or sales associate must hold an active license to engage in real estate transactions. Fla. Stat. § 489.105 defines a "broker" as any person who, for compensation, sells, purchases, exchanges, rents, or leases real property, or offers to perform these acts. A "sales associate" is an individual employed by or associated with a broker who performs these same functions under the broker's supervision.

You need a license if you accept compensation (including commissions, bonuses, or other consideration) for real estate activities. This applies whether you work independently, for a brokerage firm, or as part of a team.

How to Get Licensed

  1. Meet eligibility requirements:
  2. Be at least 18 years old
  3. Be a Florida resident or have a principal place of business in Florida

  4. Not have been convicted of a felony involving moral turpitude within the past 5 years

  5. Complete prelicensing education:

  6. Take a state-approved real estate prelicensing course (available online or in-person)

  7. Pass the course exam

  8. Pass the state exam:

  9. Apply through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)

  10. Take the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) licensing exam

  11. Affiliate with a licensed broker:

  12. You cannot hold a license independently; you must work under a broker

  13. Submit your application to DBPR with proof of education, exam passage, and broker affiliation.

Consult Fla. Stat. § 489.105 for complete statutory requirements.

Local Requirements

Miami Shores village is located in Miami-Dade County. While Florida law establishes state licensing standards, local requirements may apply.

Review the Miami Shores Municipal Code for any local ordinances governing real estate agents or brokers operating within the village, including registration, local permitting, or conduct standards specific to Miami Shores.

Contact the Miami Shores Building Department for guidance on local requirements or whether your brokerage office location requires a local occupancy permit or business license.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, the following are exempt from licensing requirements:
- Owners selling their own property (without compensation beyond the sale itself)
- Attorneys licensed in Florida when performing services incidental to legal practice
- Employees of licensed brokers who perform only clerical or administrative duties
- Property managers employed by owners (limited exemption—specific conditions apply)

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)