Real Estate Licensing in Lakeland, Florida
Who Needs a License
Florida law defines a "broker" and "sales associate" under real estate licensing requirements. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, a real estate broker is a person who, for compensation or valuable consideration, sells, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases real property or a business opportunity, or offers to perform these acts. A sales associate is a natural person employed by a broker to perform licensed real estate activities.
Any person engaging in real estate brokerage activities in Lakeland must hold an active Florida real estate license issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). This includes listing property, showing property, negotiating contracts, or accepting compensation for these activities.
How to Get Licensed
Step 1: Complete pre-licensing education through an FREC-approved provider. Sales associates must complete 63 hours of approved real estate education. Brokers must complete 72 hours.
Step 2: Pass the Florida real estate examination administered by PSI Exams on behalf of DBPR.
Step 3: Apply through the DBPR online licensing portal (myfloridalicense.com) or submit a paper application to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Regulation, Tallahassee.
Step 4: Submit fingerprints for a background check as required by the state.
Step 5: Pay the applicable licensing fee set by DBPR.
For detailed state requirements and the current examination content outline, consult Fla. Stat. § 489.105.
Local Requirements
Real estate transactions and brokerage in Lakeland are subject to the Lakeland Municipal Code. Consult this code for any local amendments, local business tax receipt requirements, or additional municipal regulations beyond state licensing law.
Contact the Lakeland Building Department or Lakeland Development Services for information on local permit requirements related to real estate transactions, property transfers, or development activities in the city.
Exemptions
Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, certain persons are exempt from licensing, including: owners of real property acting on their own behalf; attorneys licensed in Florida when performing services within the scope of their practice; and employees of mortgage brokers or financial institutions performing limited real estate activities as defined by statute.
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)