Real Estate Licensing in Mulberry, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, a real estate broker or sales associate must hold a license to engage in the business of buying, selling, exchanging, leasing, or offering such services for others in exchange for compensation. [Fla. Stat. § 489.105 defines a "broker" as any person who, for compensation, sells, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases real property or a business opportunity, or who advertises or holds themselves out as engaging in such business.] A "sales associate" is an individual licensed to work under a broker's supervision and perform similar real estate transactions on the broker's behalf.

If you are performing any of these functions for compensation—regardless of whether you call yourself an agent, consultant, or advisor—you must be licensed. Unlicensed activity is a violation of Florida law.

How to Get Licensed

1. Meet educational requirements: Complete a Florida real estate pre-licensing course approved by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

2. Pass the state exam: Take and pass the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) licensing exam. The exam tests knowledge of Florida real estate law and practices.

3. Apply for licensure: Submit your application to DBPR with your exam passing score and any required background information. [See Fla. Stat. § 489.105 for statutory qualifications.]

4. Sponsor requirement (for sales associates): If applying as a sales associate, you must designate a licensed broker who will supervise your activities.

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation handles all state-level licensing. Contact DBPR or visit their website for current application procedures, exam schedules, and fees.

Local Requirements

Mulberry city is located in Polk County, Florida. After obtaining your state real estate license, you must comply with local municipal codes governing property transactions and real estate practices within city limits.

Consult the Mulberry Municipal Code for any local ordinances, local licensing requirements, or restrictions specific to real estate activity in Mulberry. Local amendments may impose additional obligations beyond state law.

For questions about local real estate permits or compliance, contact the Mulberry Building Department.

Exemptions

[Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105], certain individuals and activities are exempt from licensing, including:

• Owners selling or leasing their own property (without compensation beyond the transaction itself)
• Attorneys licensed in Florida when acting in their professional capacity
• Property managers in certain limited circumstances
• Financial institutions and certain other business entities under specific conditions

Review the statute carefully, as exemptions are narrowly construed and have specific limitations.

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
• Mulberry Municipal Code

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