Real Estate Licensing in Westgate CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, a real estate license is required for any person who, for compensation or valuable consideration, sells, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases real property, or who negotiates, attempts to negotiate, or offers to negotiate such transactions on behalf of others.[^1] This includes residential and commercial property transactions.

According to Fla. Stat. § 489.105, a "broker" is defined as any person who, for compensation, sells, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases real property, or who holds themselves out as engaging in such business. A "sales associate" is defined as any natural person associated with a broker who performs these functions under the broker's authority.[^1]

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—not by municipal authorities.

Steps:

  1. Meet eligibility requirements: Be at least 18 years old, a resident of Florida or maintain a principal place of business in the state, and pass a criminal background check.[^1]

  2. Complete prelicensing education: Complete the required hours of real estate instruction through an approved education provider.

  3. Pass the state exam: Register with DBPR and pass the Florida real estate sales associate or broker exam.

  4. Associate with a broker: Sales associates must work under a sponsoring broker before a license is issued.

  5. Apply to DBPR: Submit your application, exam scores, and fees to the Division of Real Estate.

Consult the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation for current application procedures, exam schedules, and approved education providers.

Local Requirements

Westgate CDP is located in Palm Beach County, Florida. While real estate sales licensing is controlled by state law, local business tax receipts and compliance with the Westgate Municipal Code may apply.[^2]

Review the Westgate Municipal Code for any local business operating requirements, zoning restrictions, or local amendments that may affect real estate business operations within the town.

Contact the Westgate Building Department or Palm Beach County Building Department for local permit and compliance requirements related to real estate office operations.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.105 exempts certain persons and activities from licensing requirements, including owners of property who rent or manage their own real property without employing a broker, and attorneys licensed to practice law in Florida when performing real estate services as part of their legal practice.[^1]

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. Florida Legislature. http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/

[^2]: Westgate Municipal Code. Municipal Code Corporation. https://library.municode.com/fl/westgate-cdp-florida

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