Real Estate Licensing in Lakeland Highlands CDP, Florida
Who Needs a License
Under Florida law, a real estate license is required for any person who acts as a real estate broker, sales associate, or broker associate. Fla. Stat. § 489.105 defines a "real estate broker" as any person who, for compensation or the promise of compensation, sells, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases any real property or a business opportunity, or who negotiates or offers to negotiate the sale, exchange, purchase, rental, or lease of real property or a business opportunity.
Any activity that involves representing clients in real estate transactions—including listing property, showing property, negotiating contracts, or managing property for compensation—requires licensure under Florida state law.
How to Get Licensed
Real estate licensing in Florida is administered by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), not by municipal authorities.
Steps:
1. Complete a pre-licensing education course approved by DBPR (either sales associate or broker-level, depending on your role)
2. Pass the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) exam
3. Submit your application to DBPR with proof of education completion and exam passage
4. Pay applicable fees
5. Designate a sponsoring broker (sales associates must be sponsored by an active broker)
For current exam schedules, application procedures, and specific education requirements, contact DBPR's Division of Real Estate directly or visit the state website.
Local Requirements
Lakeland Highlands CDP is located in Polk County, Florida. Real estate brokerage and sales activity are governed primarily by state law under Fla. Stat. § 489.105.
For any local zoning or business operating requirements specific to Lakeland Highlands, consult the Lakeland Highlands Municipal Code. Additionally, contact the Lakeland Highlands Building Department or Polk County for information about local business registration or operational permits required in the CDP.
Exemptions
Fla. Stat. § 489.105 provides exemptions from licensing for:
- Owners of real property acting on their own behalf
- Attorneys licensed to practice law in Florida when performing services within their professional capacity
- Persons employed by owners to manage property they own (certain conditions apply)
Exemptions are narrow. If you are compensated by a third party or act as an intermediary in any transaction, you likely need a license.
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)