Real Estate Licensing in The Acreage CDP, Florida
Who Needs a License
Under Florida law, a real estate broker or sales associate must hold an active license to sell, buy, exchange, rent, or lease real property on behalf of others for compensation.[^1] A broker is defined as a person who, for compensation or promise of compensation, sells, buys, exchanges, rents, or leases, or offers or attempts to sell, buy, exchange, rent, or lease real property or a business opportunity.[^1] A sales associate is a person employed by a broker who performs licensed activities under the broker's authority.[^1]
Property management, if it involves leasing or managing real property for others for compensation, typically requires licensing as a broker.
How to Get Licensed
State Licensing Process:
1. Complete a pre-licensing education course approved by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
2. Pass the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) licensing exam.
3. Apply to the DBPR with proof of education completion and exam passage.
4. For sales associates: be employed by a licensed broker before activation.
5. For brokers: meet experience requirements set by the DBPR.
The specific education hours, exam content, and experience requirements are determined by Florida Statutes § 489.105 and administrative rules enforced by the DBPR. Contact the DBPR directly for current exam schedules and course provider lists.
Local Requirements
The Acreage CDP is located in Palm Beach County, Florida.
Check The Acreage Municipal Code for any local amendments, local business tax registration, or additional permits required to operate a real estate brokerage within the town. Real estate sales offices operating within The Acreage may need to comply with local zoning and occupancy requirements administered by the town.
Contact the Palm Beach County Building Department or The Acreage Municipal Services for clarification on whether a local occupancy permit is required for a real estate office location.
Exemptions
Exemptions from licensing include:
- Property owners selling or leasing their own property (without employing an agent)[^1]
- Attorneys licensed in Florida when performing services incidental to practice of law[^1]
- Employees of government agencies acting in an official capacity[^1]
- Certain employees of financial institutions managing their employer's real property[^1]
A person who merely refers prospective buyers or sellers to a licensed broker, without negotiating or managing transactions, generally does not need a license.
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
[^1]: Fla. Stat. § 489.105 — Definitions
The law belongs to the people. Georgia v. Public.Resource.Org, 590 U.S. (2020)