Real Estate Licensing in Shady Hills CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, a real estate broker or sales associate must hold a license to engage in the business of selling, buying, exchanging, leasing, or renting any real property, or to offer, attempt, or agree to perform these services for compensation.

A "real estate broker" means any person who, for compensation or promise of compensation, sells, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases real property, or offers, attempts, or agrees to perform these services [Fla. Stat. § 489.105]. A "sales associate" is a person employed or contracted by a broker to perform licensed real estate services under that broker's supervision.

If you are paid to facilitate real estate transactions in any form—including residential, commercial, or leasing arrangements—you need a license.

How to Get Licensed

Florida's Division of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) administers real estate licensing statewide. Follow these steps:

1. Meet eligibility requirements: You must be at least 18 years old, a Florida resident or have a place of business in Florida, and possess a high school diploma or equivalent.

2. Complete pre-licensing education: Complete a DBPR-approved real estate sales associate or broker course from an approved school.

3. Pass the state exam: Take the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) examination administered by Pearson Vue.

4. Apply with DBPR: Submit your application, exam results, and fees to the Division of Business and Professional Regulation, which issues the license.

5. Work under a broker: Sales associates must work under an active broker. Brokers must maintain a physical office location and comply with trust account requirements.

Specific statutes governing procedures, exam content, and continuing education requirements are found in Fla. Stat. § 489.105 and related sections.

Local Requirements

Shady Hills CDP is governed by local municipal ordinances. Consult the Shady Hills Municipal Code for any local regulations affecting real estate offices or operations within the town limits.

For permit, office, or operational questions specific to Shady Hills, contact the Shady Hills Building Department or town administrative offices.

Exemptions

The following are exempt from Florida real estate licensing [Fla. Stat. § 489.105]:

• Owners selling their own property (without compensation beyond the sale price)
• Property managers acting solely for an owner
• Attorneys licensed in Florida acting in a professional capacity
• Employees performing clerical or administrative tasks without directly negotiating transactions

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
• Shady Hills Municipal Code

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