Real Estate Licensing in Horizon West CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, a real estate license is required for any person who, for compensation or promise of compensation, sells, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases real property, or who negotiates or offers to negotiate such transactions on behalf of others.[Fla. Stat. § 489.105] This includes residential, commercial, and investment property activities.

You do not need a license if you are selling your own property or managing property you own. However, if you represent others—even family members—in a transaction for any compensation, you must be licensed.

How to Get Licensed

Florida real estate licensing is administered by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Division of Real Estate.

Step-by-step process:

1. Complete pre-licensing education: Pass a 63-hour course from an approved Florida real estate school covering Florida real estate law, contracts, ethics, and related topics.

2. Pass the state exam: After completing education, take the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) exam administered by a testing vendor approved by DBPR.

3. Apply for your license: Submit your application to DBPR with proof of education completion and passing exam scores.

4. Join a brokerage: You cannot operate independently. You must associate with a licensed Florida real estate broker before your license becomes active.

For specific current requirements, fees, and testing dates, contact the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation directly—they administer licensing statewide.

Local Requirements

Horizon West CDP is located in Orange County, Florida. Real estate brokerage operations in Horizon West are subject to the Horizon West Municipal Code, which you should consult for any local occupancy or operational requirements specific to the community.

Review the Horizon West Municipal Code for provisions governing real estate offices and activities within the CDP boundaries. Contact the Horizon West Building Department to confirm whether any local registration or notification requirements apply beyond state licensure.

Exemptions

[Fla. Stat. § 489.105] exempts the following from licensing requirements:

• Owners selling, exchanging, or leasing their own property
• Attorneys licensed in Florida when performing real estate services as part of legal representation
• Employees of mortgage lenders, financial institutions, or property management companies when performing specific duties within their employment scope
• Persons acting under a power of attorney for a principal

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
• Horizon West Municipal Code

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