Real Estate Licensing in Tequesta village, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law requires a real estate license for any person who, for compensation, sells, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases real property, or who negotiates or offers to negotiate any of these transactions on behalf of another. [Fla. Stat. § 489.105(1)(a)]

This includes:
- Real estate brokers
- Real estate salespersons
- Individuals acting as agents in property transactions

The license requirement applies regardless of whether you work full-time or part-time, and compensation includes commission, salary, or other consideration.

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. Meet eligibility requirements: Be at least 18 years old, be a Florida resident or have a Florida office, and pass a criminal background check. [Fla. Stat. § 489.105(2)]

2. Complete prelicensing education: Take an approved 63-hour real estate salesperson course or 72-hour broker course from a state-approved provider.

3. Pass the state licensing exam: The DBPR administers the exam after you complete education requirements.

4. Apply for your license: Submit your application through the DBPR with exam results, education proof, and applicable fees.

5. Affiliate with a broker: Salespersons must work under a licensed broker. [Fla. Stat. § 489.105(1)(a)]

Contact the DBPR Division of Real Estate or visit their website for current fees, exam schedules, and approved education providers.

Local Requirements

Tequesta village does not issue separate local real estate licenses. Florida law preempts local licensing for real estate agents.

However, real estate transactions in Palm Beach County (where Tequesta is located) are subject to local recording and transfer requirements through the Palm Beach County Clerk of Courts.

Consult the Tequesta Municipal Code for any local restrictions on commercial real estate activities or office operations within village limits, though primary regulation is at the state level.

Exemptions

The following are exempt from the real estate license requirement:

• Owners selling or leasing their own property [Fla. Stat. § 489.105(1)(a)]
• Attorneys licensed to practice law in Florida, when performing real estate services as part of legal practice
• Employees of property owners managing the owner's property exclusively
• Persons acting under power of attorney granted by the owner

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
• Tequesta Municipal Code

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