Real Estate Licensing in Apopka city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, a license is required to engage in the business of selling, buying, exchanging, leasing, or renting real property on behalf of others for compensation.[Fla. Stat. § 489.105] This includes residential, commercial, and investment properties.

A real estate broker license is required to operate a brokerage firm or manage other licensees. A real estate sales associate license is required to work under a broker and conduct transactions on their behalf.

How to Get Licensed

State Application Process:

1. Pre-licensing education: Complete the required real estate pre-licensing course approved by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

2. Exam: Pass the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) exam administered by a testing vendor authorized by the state.

3. Application: Submit your license application to the DBPR along with proof of education, exam passage, and required fees.

4. Background check: Undergo fingerprinting and criminal background screening as required by state law.

5. Broker affiliation (for sales associates): Before your license becomes active, you must be sponsored by a licensed Florida broker.

For specific exam dates, approved course providers, and application procedures, contact the Florida DBPR directly.

Local Requirements

Apopka city is located in Orange County, Florida. Real estate brokerages and agents operating in Apopka must comply with Apopka Municipal Code.

Check the Apopka Municipal Code for:
- Local business tax receipt (occupational license) requirements
- Any local zoning or operational restrictions on real estate offices
- Local code provisions that may affect brokerage operations within city limits

Contact the Apopka Building Department or City of Apopka Planning and Development Services to confirm current local requirements and whether a local occupational license or permit is needed in addition to your state license.

Exemptions

The following are exempt from Florida real estate licensing requirements:[Fla. Stat. § 489.105]

• Owners selling or leasing their own property
• Attorneys licensed to practice in Florida when performing real estate services as part of legal representation
• Property managers hired by a property owner to manage their own real estate holdings (specific conditions apply)
• Employees of financial institutions or governmental agencies acting within their official capacity

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
• Apopka Municipal Code — https://library.municode.com/fl/south-apopka-cdp-florida

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