Real Estate Licensing in Westlake city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, a real estate license is required for any person who, for compensation or the promise of compensation, sells, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases real property, or negotiates or offers to negotiate any of these transactions on behalf of others.[^1]

This includes:
- Real estate sales associates
- Real estate brokers
- Property managers handling rental transactions
- Anyone acting as an intermediary in real property transactions for profit

The license requirement applies regardless of whether the transaction is residential or commercial property.

How to Get Licensed

Florida real estate licensing is administered by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), not by municipal authorities.

Step 1: Complete pre-licensing education through a state-approved real estate school (typically 63 classroom hours for sales associates).

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

Step 3: Apply to DBPR with proof of education completion and passing exam scores.

Step 4: Submit fingerprints for background check.

Step 5: Pay state licensing fees and receive your license.

Brokers must have additional experience (typically 24 months as an active sales associate) and meet higher educational requirements.

Consult the DBPR website for current exam schedules, approved schools, and fee structures. The state statute defining these requirements is Fla. Stat. § 489.105.[^1]

Local Requirements

Westlake city is located in Palm Beach County and is a small municipality (population 906). Local building permits and property-related matters fall under Westlake Municipal Code.[^2]

Before conducting real estate transactions in Westlake, verify:
- Whether your specific transaction type requires local permits or approvals
- Property disclosure requirements specific to Palm Beach County
- Any local municipal code provisions affecting property transfers or rentals

Review the Westlake Municipal Code directly for local amendments or additional requirements. Contact the Westlake Building Department for guidance on local property transaction procedures and any permit requirements related to your specific deal.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.105 exempts certain activities from licensing requirements, including:
- Transactions by property owners selling their own property
- Attorneys licensed to practice law in Florida when acting in their professional capacity
- Transactions by persons holding power of attorney for property owners
- Corporate officers or employees handling property for their employer

These exemptions do not apply if you are regularly engaging in real estate transactions for compensation.

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 Online Statutes.

[^2]: Westlake Municipal Code. municode.com. https://library.municode.com/fl/westlake

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