Real Estate Licensing in Maitland city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, a real estate license is required to act as a real estate broker, sales associate, or rental agent. Fla. Stat. § 489.105 defines a "broker" as any person who, for compensation, sells, purchases, exchanges, rents, or leases real property or a business opportunity, or who lists, offers, attempts, or agrees to perform these acts. A "sales associate" is a person employed by or associated with a broker to perform the same acts under the broker's direction.

Any person engaged in these activities for compensation must hold an active Florida real estate license issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

How to Get Licensed

  1. Complete Pre-Licensing Education: Enroll in and pass a 63-hour real estate sales associate course from a DBPR-approved provider.

  2. Pass the State Exam: Register with the testing vendor approved by DBPR and pass the Florida Real Estate Sales Associate examination.

  3. Obtain a Broker Sponsor: Before receiving your license, you must be sponsored by an active Florida real estate broker. The broker applies for your license on your behalf.

  4. Apply Through DBPR: Your sponsoring broker submits your application, exam results, and supporting documents to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Processing typically takes 1–2 weeks.

  5. Receive Your License: Once approved, your license is issued and remains active for two years, subject to renewal requirements.

For detailed current procedures and fees, contact the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

Local Requirements

Real estate transactions in Maitland are governed by Florida state law. The Maitland Municipal Code does not impose additional licensing requirements beyond state standards for real estate agents themselves.

However, if your real estate activities involve property development, sales offices, or commercial brokerage operations within Maitland city limits, you may need a local business tax receipt. Contact the Maitland Building Department for requirements specific to your business location or operations.

Exemptions

The following are generally exempt from Florida real estate licensing:
- Owners selling their own property
- Attorneys licensed in Florida when performing acts incidental to their legal practice
- Property managers employed directly by property owners (in certain circumstances)
- Persons acting as principals in their own transactions

Fla. Stat. § 489.105 defines the full scope of exemptions.

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)