Real Estate Licensing in Sunset CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, a real estate license is required to act as a real estate broker, sales associate, or broker associate. Fla. Stat. § 489.105 defines a "broker" as any person who, for another and for a fee, commission, or other valuable consideration, sells, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases real property or a business opportunity, or offers to perform these acts.

A "sales associate" is a person employed by a broker to perform these same activities on behalf of the broker. Anyone performing real estate brokerage activities in Sunset CDP without proper licensure is operating illegally.

How to Get Licensed

Florida real estate licensing is administered by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), not by local town authorities.

Steps:
1. Complete a pre-licensing course from an DBPR-approved school
2. Pass the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) licensing exam
3. Apply through DBPR with your exam results and required documentation
4. Affiliate with an active Florida real estate broker
5. Broker submits your application to DBPR

See Fla. Stat. § 489.105 for specific education and experience requirements, which vary by license type (broker vs. sales associate).

Contact DBPR directly for current exam schedules and application procedures—they handle all licensing, not the town.

Local Requirements

Sunset CDP falls within Miami-Dade County. While real estate licensing itself is a state function, the Sunset Municipal Code may contain local regulations on real estate offices, signage, or business operations within the town limits.

Check the Sunset Municipal Code before opening a real estate office in town to confirm compliance with any local zoning, signage, or operational requirements.

Contact the Sunset Building Department for any local permits or approvals needed for a physical office location.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.105 provides exemptions for certain activities, including:
- Property owners selling their own property
- Attorneys licensed in Florida acting in their professional capacity
- Employees of property management companies in limited circumstances

These exemptions are narrow. When in doubt, obtain licensure.

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)