Real Estate Licensing in Windermere, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, a real estate broker or real estate sales associate must hold a license to engage in the business of selling, buying, exchanging, leasing, or renting real property for others. Fla. Stat. § 489.105 defines a "real estate broker" as any person who, for compensation or promise of compensation, sells, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases real property or who negotiates or attempts to negotiate the listing, sale, exchange, purchase, rental, or leasing of real property.

A sales associate license is required for persons employed by a broker to perform these same activities on the broker's behalf.

How to Get Licensed

Real Estate Sales Associate:
1. Complete a 63-hour pre-licensing course from a Florida-approved provider
2. Pass the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) licensing exam
3. Apply through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)
4. Activate your license by associating with a licensed Florida broker
5. Current fees and exam details are available through DBPR's Division of Real Estate

Real Estate Broker:
1. Hold an active sales associate license for at least 12 months during the 5-year period before applying
2. Complete 72 hours of broker pre-licensing education
3. Pass the broker exam
4. Submit broker application to DBPR with proof of experience and education

For current exam schedules, fees, and application procedures, contact the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation directly.

Local Requirements

Windermere is located in Orange County, Florida. Real estate licensing is regulated entirely by state law under Florida Statute § 489.105.

Consult the Windermere Municipal Code for any local business tax requirements or local amendments related to real estate operations within town limits. Contact the Windermere Building Department or town administration to confirm whether additional local licensing, business tax registration, or local office location requirements apply to real estate businesses operating in Windermere.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.105 exempts the following from licensing:
- Owners selling, leasing, or exchanging their own property
- Attorneys licensed in Florida acting in their professional capacity
- Persons employed by government agencies
- Property managers under certain conditions when not engaged in brokerage
- Persons conducting auctions of real property under specific conditions

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
• Windermere Municipal Code

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