Real Estate Licensing in Highland Beach, Florida

Who Needs a License

Any person who, for compensation, acts as a real estate broker or sales associate in Florida must hold a valid license. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, a "broker" is defined as any natural person, partnership, or corporation that sells, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases real property, or who negotiates such transactions for others. A "sales associate" is any person employed by or associated with a broker.

If you engage in real estate transactions in Highland Beach—whether residential or commercial—and receive compensation, licensing is required.

How to Get Licensed

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

Steps:

1. Take the State Exam: You must pass the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) exam. This includes both general real estate law and either broker or sales associate-specific portions.

2. Meet Education Requirements: Before taking the exam, complete required prelicensing coursework. Sales associates typically complete 63 classroom hours; brokers require additional education and experience.

3. Experience Requirement (Brokers only): You must have been actively engaged as a licensed sales associate for at least 24 months during the 5-year period preceding broker application.

4. Apply through DBPR: Submit your application, exam results, and fees to the DBPR Division of Real Estate. The DBPR, not Highland Beach, issues the state license.

5. Maintain Your License: Renew every 2 years and complete 14 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle.

For specific exam schedules and application procedures, contact the DBPR Division of Real Estate directly.

Local Requirements

Highland Beach is governed by the Highland Beach Municipal Code. Real estate brokers and sales associates operating in Highland Beach must comply with both state licensing requirements and any local ordinances regulating real estate business conduct.

Contact the Highland Beach Building Department to confirm whether local registration, permits, or business licenses are required beyond the state real estate license.

Review the Highland Beach Municipal Code for any local amendments or restrictions specific to real estate operations within the town.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, exemptions include:

• Attorneys licensed to practice law in Florida, when acting in their professional capacity
• Property owners selling or leasing their own property (not acting as a broker for others)
• Employees of owners managing property on behalf of the owner
• Financial institutions and their employees handling mortgages and financing

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
• Highland Beach Municipal Code

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