Real Estate Licensing in Desoto Lakes CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, a real estate license is required for any person who, for compensation, sells, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases real property, or offers or attempts to do so on behalf of another.[^1] This includes residential and commercial transactions.

A broker license is required for anyone who employs, recruits, or contracts with sales associates or other licensees to engage in real estate activities.[^1] A sales associate license is required for individuals working under a broker.

How to Get Licensed

Florida requires:

1. Broker License: Applicants must hold or have held a current sales associate license for at least 24 months during the preceding 5-year period, or hold an active law license in Florida.[^1] Brokers must complete pre-licensing education and pass the Florida broker exam administered by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

2. Sales Associate License: Applicants must complete a Florida real estate pre-licensing course from an approved provider, pass the Florida Sales Associate exam, and be employed by or contracted with a licensed broker.[^1]

Apply directly to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Division of Real Estate. The DBPR administers all exams and issues all licenses statewide.

Local Requirements

Desoto Lakes CDP is located in Sarasota County, Florida.

For local code provisions specific to Desoto Lakes CDP, consult the Desoto Lakes Municipal Code. Review this code for any local amendments, local business tax requirements, or additional licensing procedures that may apply beyond state law.

Contact the Desoto Lakes Building Department or Sarasota County Building Department for information on local permit requirements and business registration specific to real estate operations in Desoto Lakes CDP.

Exemptions

The following are exempt from licensing requirements:[^1]

• Owners of real property who sell, exchange, lease, or rent their own property (provided they do not employ a licensed agent and do not represent themselves as a licensee)
• Attorneys licensed to practice law in Florida when performing services incidental to the practice of law
• Employees of property management companies when acting solely as employees (not as independent contractors)
• Public employees acting in an official capacity

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]: Florida Statutes § 489.105 — Definitions, http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/

Desoto Lakes Municipal Code, https://library.municode.com/fl/desoto-lakes-cdp-florida

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