Real Estate Licensing in Opa-locka city, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, a real estate license is required for any person who, for compensation or promise of compensation, sells, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases real property, or who negotiates or attempts to negotiate the sale, exchange, purchase, rental, or lease of real property on behalf of others. [Fla. Stat. § 489.105]

This includes:
- Real estate salespersons
- Real estate brokers
- Broker associates

The license requirement applies regardless of whether you work full-time or part-time, or whether the property is residential or commercial.

How to Get Licensed

Real estate licensing in Florida is administered by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Division of Real Estate.

Steps to obtain a license:

  1. Meet prerequisites: You must be at least 18 years old and a Florida resident (or have a principal place of business in Florida).

  2. Complete pre-licensing education: Pass a state-approved real estate pre-licensing course. This is required before applying.

  3. Pass the state exam: Register with and take the Florida Real Estate Commission exam through Pearson VUE.

  4. Apply for your license: Submit your application to DBPR Division of Real Estate along with proof of exam passage and education completion.

  5. Affiliate with a broker: Before your license becomes active, you must be affiliated with a licensed Florida real estate broker.

For current exam schedules, course providers, and application procedures, contact DBPR's Division of Real Estate directly or visit their website.

Local Requirements

Opa-locka is located in Miami-Dade County. While state licensing is administered by DBPR, local regulations may apply to real estate business operations within the city.

Review the Opa-locka Municipal Code for any local amendments, business tax requirements, or operational restrictions specific to real estate professionals conducting business in Opa-locka.

Contact the Opa-locka Building Department to determine if any local permits, registrations, or business licenses are required in addition to your state real estate license.

Exemptions

Per [Fla. Stat. § 489.105], the following are exempt from licensing requirements:
- Owners of property who sell or lease their own property (though they cannot represent themselves as a licensed agent)
- Attorneys licensed in Florida when performing services incidental to their legal practice
- Public officers acting in their official capacity
- Persons employed by licensed brokers to perform clerical or administrative duties only (not involving negotiation)
- Certain transactions involving timeshare interests handled by specific entities

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)