Real Estate Licensing in Surfside, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, a person engaged in the business of selling, buying, exchanging, leasing, or renting real property on behalf of another for compensation must hold a real estate license. [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 defined as any person employed by or associated with a broker who performs licensed real estate activities under the broker's supervision.

If you are acting as the owner of property (selling your own property without representing others), you typically do not need a license. However, if you are representing another person for compensation, licensure is required.

How to Get Licensed

Step 1: Complete a Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC)-approved prelicense education course of 63 hours for sales associates or 72 hours for brokers. Courses are offered by accredited education providers throughout Florida.

Step 2: Register with the Division of Real Estate within the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

Step 3: Pass the Florida Real Estate Salesman or Broker examination. The exam is administered through a testing service contracted by DBPR.

Step 4: Submit your application to DBPR with proof of education completion, exam passage, and any other required documentation.

Step 5: Pay the applicable license fees and any initial registration charges.

The Division of Real Estate processes all state-level applications. For specific guidance, contact the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation directly.

Local Requirements

Surfside follows state real estate licensing requirements under [Fla. Stat. § 489.105]. The Surfside Municipal Code governs local land use, zoning, and property regulations. Review the Surfside Municipal Code for any local amendments or additional restrictions that may apply to real estate transactions or brokerage operations conducted within town limits.

For local property-related permits or land use matters, contact the Surfside Building Department.

Exemptions

Exemptions under Florida law include:

• Owners selling, exchanging, leasing, or renting their own property without representing others for compensation
• Attorneys licensed to practice law in Florida, when performing real estate services incidental to their legal practice
• Persons acting under court order or as administrators of estates

[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
• Surfside Municipal Code

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