Real Estate Licensing in South Palm Beach town, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law regulates real estate professionals under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, which defines a "broker" as a person who, for compensation, sells, purchases, exchanges, leases, or rents real property; or offers or attempts to do so on behalf of others. A "sales associate" is a person employed by a broker to perform licensed activities.

If you engage in real estate brokerage activities—including listing properties, selling property on behalf of clients, negotiating transactions, or managing rental properties for compensation—you must hold a valid Florida real estate license.

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 a state-approved real estate prelicensing course (63 hours for sales associates; 72 hours for brokers).

Step 2: Pass the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) examination.

Step 3: Apply through the DBPR with your exam results, background information, and applicable fees.

Step 4: Be sponsored by a licensed Florida broker (for sales associates). Brokers must meet additional experience and education requirements under Fla. Stat. § 489.105.

Contact the DBPR Division of Real Estate or visit its website for current exam dates, approved course providers, and application procedures.

Local Requirements

Real estate transactions in South Palm Beach are subject to Palm Beach County regulations. Brokers and agents must comply with applicable provisions of the South Palm Beach Municipal Code.

For property transactions involving local real estate transfers, rental licenses, or property management activities within South Palm Beach, consult the South Palm Beach Building Department to determine whether local permits, disclosures, or municipal code compliance is required beyond state licensing.

Review the South Palm Beach Municipal Code for any town-specific amendments or additional requirements governing real estate activities.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.105 exempts certain activities from licensure:

• Owners selling or leasing their own property (without acting as a broker for others)
• Attorneys licensed in Florida when performing real estate services as part of legal representation
• Property managers employed by property owners managing residential properties under specific conditions
• Employees of licensed brokers performing ministerial or administrative tasks

However, exemptions are narrowly construed. Consult the statute or the DBPR Division of Real Estate to confirm whether your specific activity qualifies for an exemption.

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
• South Palm Beach Municipal Code

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