Real Estate Licensing in Key West city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, a real estate license is required to act as a broker or sales associate in any real estate transaction. Fla. Stat. § 489.105 defines a "broker" as any person who, for compensation, sells, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases real property, or who offers to perform these services. A "sales associate" is a person employed by or working for a broker who performs brokerage services on behalf of that broker.

If you perform real estate services—including listing properties, selling, leasing, negotiating transactions, or managing rental properties—for compensation in Key West, you must hold a valid Florida real estate license. This applies regardless of whether you work full-time or part-time.

How to Get Licensed

  1. Pass the pre-licensing course. Complete an approved real estate pre-licensing education course (63 hours for sales associates; additional hours for brokers). Courses are offered online and in-person by approved Florida providers.

  2. Pass the state exam. Apply to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and sit for the state real estate exam administered by a DBPR-approved testing vendor.

  3. Affiliate with a broker. You cannot hold a sales associate license independently. You must be employed by or associated with a licensed Florida broker.

  4. Apply for your license. Submit your application to DBPR with proof of exam passage, education completion, and broker sponsorship.

Refer to Fla. Stat. § 489.105 for complete statutory requirements, education specifications, and examination standards.

Local Requirements

Key West enforces real estate regulations through the Monroe County and municipal frameworks. Review the Key West Municipal Code for any local ordinances affecting real estate brokerage operations, office location requirements, or advertising restrictions specific to the city.

Contact the Key West Building Department or Monroe County Building Department for information on local permitting if your brokerage involves commercial space renovation or tenant improvements.

Exemptions

Under Florida statute, certain persons and activities are exempt from licensing requirements, including:
- Property owners managing their own property (without compensation beyond rent or lease payments)
- Attorneys performing real estate services as part of legal practice
- Employees of property management companies performing only administrative tasks (not engaging clients)

Consult Fla. Stat. § 489.105 for a complete list of exemptions applicable to your situation.

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)