Real Estate Licensing in Lake Wales city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law requires licensing for individuals who, for compensation, sell, buy, exchange, rent, or lease real property on behalf of others, or who offer to perform these services.[^1] This includes real estate salespersons and brokers.

Under Florida Statute § 489.105, a "real estate broker" is defined as a person who, for compensation or valuable consideration, sells, buys, exchanges, rents, or leases real property, or offers to perform these acts on behalf of others, and who hires, supervises, or directs other licensees.[^1] A "real estate salesperson" performs similar functions but under the direction of a broker.[^1]

Any individual performing these activities without proper licensing in Lake Wales is operating in violation of state law, regardless of how the compensation is structured.

How to Get Licensed

  1. Prelicense Education: Complete required coursework through a Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)-approved provider.

  2. State Examination: Pass the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) state licensing exam.

  3. Application: Submit your application to DBPR with proof of education, exam passage, and any required background materials.

  4. Broker Sponsorship: Real estate salespersons must be sponsored by a licensed broker before receiving an active license.

Consult Fla. Stat. § 489.105 for complete statutory definitions and requirements. The DBPR website provides current exam schedules, approved education providers, and application procedures.

Local Requirements

Real estate activities in Lake Wales are governed by state law under Fla. Stat. § 489.105 and related statutes. Lake Wales Municipal Code may contain local provisions related to rental property management or property transaction disclosures.

Review the Lake Wales Municipal Code for any local amendments, rental registration requirements, or additional disclosures required when transacting property within the city.

Contact the Lake Wales Building Department for guidance on local code compliance related to real estate transactions.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.105 exempts certain persons from licensing requirements, including property owners selling or leasing their own property without compensation beyond the transaction itself, and attorneys licensed in Florida acting in their professional capacity.

Consult the statute for a complete list of exemptions applicable to your situation.

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. Available at http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/

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