Real Estate Licensing in South Miami, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law requires licensing for individuals who, for compensation, sell, buy, exchange, lease, or rent real property on behalf of others. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, a "broker" is defined as any person who, for another and for compensation or promise of compensation, sells or offers to sell, buys or offers to buy, or negotiates the purchase, sale, or exchange of real property, or who leases or rents, or offers to lease or rent, any real property.

Similarly, a "sales associate" performs these same activities under a broker's authority. If you represent clients in real estate transactions in South Miami for any form of compensation—including commission, salary, or other consideration—you need state licensure.

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—not a local board.

Steps:

1. Pre-licensing education: Complete a state-approved 63-hour broker or sales associate course from an approved provider.
2. Exam: Pass the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) exam.
3. Application: Submit your application to DBPR with proof of education, exam passage, and any required fees.
4. Sponsorship: Sales associates must be sponsored by a broker before licensure becomes active.
5. Background check: DBPR will conduct a background review.

Reference Fla. Stat. § 489.105 for statutory definitions and licensing requirements.

Local Requirements

South Miami is located in Miami-Dade County, Florida. While real estate licensing itself is a state function, local permit and compliance requirements apply to brokers operating offices or conducting business in the city.

Consult the South Miami Municipal Code for any local business licensing requirements, zoning restrictions on broker offices, or signage regulations specific to South Miami.

Contact the South Miami Building Department for local permit requirements and zoning compliance before opening a broker office or operating as a licensed real estate professional within city limits.

Exemptions

Exemptions under state law include:

• Property owners selling or leasing their own property
• Attorneys licensed to practice law in Florida, when performing real estate services as part of their legal practice
• On-site property managers employed by the property owner
• Employees of mortgage lenders or financial institutions in certain limited capacities

See Fla. Stat. § 489.105 for complete exemption language and conditions.

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
• South Miami Municipal Code

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