Real Estate Licensing in Westwood Lakes CDP, 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, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases real property, or offers or attempts to do so. A "sales associate" is any person employed by or associated with a broker who performs these functions on the broker's behalf.

If you are acting as an agent to negotiate, sell, lease, or manage real property for others—and receiving compensation—you need a license. This applies regardless of whether you work full-time or part-time.

How to Get Licensed

1. Meet eligibility requirements: You must be at least 18 years old and a Florida resident (or have a business address in Florida).

2. Pre-licensing education: Complete a state-approved real estate pre-licensing course covering Florida real estate law, principles, and practice.

3. Pass the state exam: Take the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) licensing exam, administered through the Division of Real Estate within the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

4. Apply with a broker: You cannot hold a license independently—you must be sponsored by an active Florida broker. Your broker applies for your license on your behalf through the DBPR.

5. Maintain your license: Renew every 24 months and complete continuing education requirements as mandated by state law.

For detailed procedures and current exam schedules, contact the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Real Estate.

Local Requirements

Westwood Lakes CDP is located in Miami-Dade County. While real estate licensing is governed entirely by state law, the Westwood Lakes Municipal Code may contain local provisions regarding property transactions, real estate signs, or business operations within the town.

Check the Westwood Lakes Municipal Code to confirm any local ordinances that may affect how you conduct real estate business in the CDP, including restrictions on advertising, signage, or office location requirements.

Miami-Dade County may also impose county-level regulations. Verify current requirements with the county before beginning operations.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.105 exempts certain individuals and activities from licensing:

• Owners or employees of the owner acting on behalf of the owner's own property
• Attorneys licensed to practice law in Florida, when performing acts incidental to their legal practice
• Property managers performing solely management duties (subject to specific conditions)

Exemptions are narrow. When in doubt, obtain a license.

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
• Westwood Lakes Municipal Code

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