Real Estate Licensing in Woodlawn Beach CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law requires licensing for persons who sell, buy, exchange, lease, rent, or offer to sell, buy, exchange, lease, or rent real property on behalf of others for compensation.[^1] This includes real estate sales associates, brokers, and broker associates engaged in brokerage activities within Woodlawn Beach CDP.

Under Florida Statutes § 489.105, a "broker" means any person who, for compensation or promise of compensation, sells, exchanges, leases, rents, or offers to sell, exchange, lease, or rent real property or a business opportunity.[^1] A "sales associate" is any natural person employed by or associated with a broker who engages in brokerage activity.[^1]

How to Get Licensed

Real estate licensing in Florida is administered by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Division of Real Estate—not a local board.

For Sales Associates:
- Complete 63 hours of approved pre-license education
- Pass the Florida Real Estate Sales Associate examination
- Work under a licensed broker
- Submit application to DBPR with exam results and broker sponsorship

For Brokers:
- Complete 72 hours of approved broker education
- Pass the Florida Real Estate Broker examination
- Maintain an office in Florida
- Submit application to DBPR with exam results

Refer to Fla. Stat. § 489.105 for complete licensing definitions and requirements.

Local Requirements

Woodlawn Beach CDP is located in Santa Rosa County, Florida. Real estate licensing itself is a state function; however, local requirements may apply to real estate offices operating in the municipality.

Consult the Woodlawn Beach Municipal Code for any local zoning, occupancy, or business operation requirements for real estate brokerage offices within the town limits. Contact the Woodlawn Beach Building Department to determine if your brokerage office location requires local permits or compliance with municipal code provisions regarding commercial real estate operations.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, the following are generally exempt from licensure:
- Owners of property selling or leasing their own property without employing a broker
- Attorneys licensed in Florida who perform brokerage activities incidental to legal services
- Employees of property management companies managing properties for their employer (specific conditions apply)

Refer to § 489.105 for a complete list of exemptions and their conditions.

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. Florida Legislature Online Statutes.

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