Real Estate Licensing in South Bay, Florida
Who Needs a License
Under Florida law, a real estate broker or salesperson must hold a license to engage in any of the following activities: selling, buying, exchanging, leasing, or renting real property; collecting rent; advertising property for sale or lease; negotiating or offering to negotiate the purchase, sale, exchange, or lease of real property; or auctioning property. [Fla. Stat. § 489.105]
A "real estate broker" means any person who, for another or others, for compensation or promise of compensation, sells, exchanges, purchases, or rents, or offers or attempts to negotiate the sale, exchange, purchase, or rental of any real property or a business opportunity. A "real estate salesperson" means any natural person associated with a broker who performs these functions under the broker's direction. [Fla. Stat. § 489.105]
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.
Step 1: Complete the required education. All applicants must complete a 63-hour pre-licensing course approved by DBPR.
Step 2: Apply to DBPR and pay the application fee.
Step 3: Pass the Florida real estate salesperson or broker examination administered by a DBPR-approved testing provider.
Step 4: Upon passing, submit your license application to DBPR with proof of examination passage and education completion.
Step 5: Once licensed, associate with a Florida-licensed broker (for salespersons) or operate as an independent broker.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, be of good moral character, and not be disqualified by criminal conviction under Florida law. [Fla. Stat. § 489.105]
Local Requirements
South Bay is located in Palm Beach County. Real estate transactions and property records are handled at the county level through the Palm Beach County Clerk of Court. Local zoning and property use regulations are governed by South Bay Municipal Code.
Review the South Bay Municipal Code for any local land use restrictions, disclosure requirements, or municipal regulations affecting property transactions in the city. Contact the South Bay Building Department for information on local permit requirements tied to property development or transfers.
Exemptions
The following are exempt from licensure: property owners selling or leasing their own property; attorneys licensed to practice law in Florida acting in a professional capacity; receivers, trustees in bankruptcy, guardians, executors, or administrators acting under court order; and employees of licensed real estate brokers performing only ministerial duties. [Fla. Stat. § 489.105]
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)