Real Estate Licensing in Bartow city, Florida

Who Needs a License

A license is required to act as a real estate broker, sales associate, or activities agent in Florida. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, a "broker" means any person who, for another and for a fee, commission, or other valuable consideration, sells, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases real property, or who advertises or holds themselves out as engaging in these activities. A "sales associate" is a natural person employed by a broker to perform licensed activities. Anyone engaging in these activities without a license commits a violation of Florida law.

How to Get Licensed

Real estate licensing in Florida is administered by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). The Department oversees all applications, examinations, and license issuance.

Step-by-step process:

  1. Apply to DBPR — Submit your application directly to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, not to the city of Bartow.
  2. Pass the state exam — You must pass the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) examination for your license category (broker or sales associate).
  3. Meet experience requirements — Sales associates typically must be sponsored by a broker. Brokers must meet specific experience and education requirements detailed in state law.
  4. Receive your license — DBPR issues the state license upon approval.

For specific exam dates, application procedures, and fees, contact DBPR directly or visit their website. The state, not the city, controls real estate licensing.

Local Requirements

The Bartow Municipal Code governs city business operations. Real estate agents and brokers conducting business within Bartow city limits must comply with local regulations.

Contact the Bartow Building Department or consult the Bartow Municipal Code directly to determine:
- Whether a local business tax receipt or occupancy permit is required
- Any local office registration requirements
- Signage or advertising restrictions specific to Bartow

Florida state law preempts local licensing of real estate professionals, but local business regulations may still apply.

Exemptions

Exemptions from real estate licensing are defined in Fla. Stat. § 489.105. Certain activities do not require a license, including transactions by property owners selling their own real property, attorneys performing real estate services as part of legal practice, and employees of financial institutions or government agencies acting within their official capacity.

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

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