Real Estate Licensing in Highland Park village, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, a real estate broker or sales associate must hold an active license to sell, buy, exchange, lease, or rent real property, or offer to perform these acts on behalf of another for compensation. [Fla. Stat. § 489.105] defines a "broker" as a person who, for compensation or valuable consideration, sells, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases real property, or who offers or attempts to do so, or who collects rent or negotiates loans secured by real estate.

A "sales associate" is a licensed person who works for a broker and performs brokerage services under the broker's supervision.

How to Get Licensed

Step 1: Obtain a state license through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

• The DBPR issues all Florida real estate licenses
• You must complete a pre-licensing education course approved by the state
• Pass the Florida real estate exam (broker or sales associate exam, depending on your role)
• Apply to DBPR with proof of education and exam passage
• Pay the required state application and licensing fees

Step 2: Affiliate with a licensed Florida broker.

Sales associates cannot practice independently; they must work under a broker's supervision. Brokers must maintain a physical office and trust account.

Step 3: Complete broker-specific requirements (if applying as a broker).

Brokers must satisfy additional education, experience, and bonding requirements under [Fla. Stat. § 489.105].

Contact the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation at their official website for current fees, exam schedules, and approved course providers.

Local Requirements

Highland Park village is located in Polk County, Florida. Real estate activities in Highland Park are subject to local municipal regulations under the Highland Park Municipal Code.

Review the Highland Park Municipal Code for local zoning, property transfer, and land development requirements that may affect real estate transactions. Contact the Highland Park Building Department for information on local permits, inspections, or property-related compliance specific to the village.

Polk County may also impose county-level requirements; verify with Polk County authorities if necessary.

Exemptions

Under [Fla. Stat. § 489.105], certain activities do not require a real estate license:

• An owner selling, leasing, or renting their own real property
• An attorney providing legal services in connection with real estate transactions
• Employees of mortgage lenders, banks, or title companies performing work within their job duties
• A person managing property on behalf of the owner without 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

• Fla. Stat. § 489.105 — Definitions
• Highland Park Municipal Code

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