Real Estate Licensing in Islamorada, Village of Islands village, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, a real estate license is required to engage in real estate brokerage or sales activities. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, a "broker" is defined as a person who, for compensation, sells, purchases, exchanges, rents, or leases real property or a business opportunity, or who offers or attempts to offer such services. A "sales associate" is a person employed by or representing a broker to perform these same activities.

If you are compensated in any way—including commission, salary, or other consideration—for facilitating real estate transactions in Islamorada, you need a Florida real estate license.

How to Get Licensed

Florida real estate licensing is administered by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Division of Real Estate, not by local municipal boards.

Step-by-step process:

1. Meet prelicensing requirements: Complete a 63-hour prelicensing course from a DBPR-approved provider.
2. Apply with DBPR: Submit your application, fingerprints (for background check), and fees to the Division of Real Estate.
3. Pass the state exam: You must pass the Florida Real Estate Sales Associate or Broker exam, depending on which license type you seek.
4. Affiliation requirement: You cannot hold an active sales associate license without affiliation with a broker.

Refer to Fla. Stat. § 489.105 for complete definitions and licensing classifications.

Local Requirements

Real estate licensing in Florida is entirely state-regulated. However, Islamorada may impose local requirements on real estate offices or brokerage activities operating within the village.

Review the Islamorada Municipal Code to determine whether the village has local ordinances affecting real estate business operations, office locations, or conduct standards.

Contact the Islamorada Building Department for any local permits, zoning compliance, or office registration requirements specific to operating a real estate brokerage in the village.

Exemptions

Under Florida law, certain individuals and activities are exempt from real estate licensing requirements, including:

• Attorneys licensed to practice law in Florida when engaged in real estate transactions as part of legal practice
• Persons acting as principals in their own transactions (selling or leasing their own property)
• Property managers performing ministerial acts under certain conditions
• Persons assisting without compensation

Refer to Fla. Stat. § 489.105 for complete exemption details.

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
• Islamorada Municipal Code

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