Real Estate Licensing in Old Miakka CDP, Florida
Who Needs a License
Under Florida law, a real estate broker or sales associate must be licensed to engage in the business of selling, buying, exchanging, leasing, or renting any real property or business opportunity for others in exchange for compensation.[^1] A "real estate broker" is defined as a person who, for compensation or promise of compensation, sells, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases real property or business opportunities, or negotiates or offers to negotiate the purchase, sale, exchange, rental, or leasing of real property or business opportunities, or advertises real property or business opportunities in a manner that indicates the person is engaged in the real estate business.[^1]
A "real estate sales associate" is a person who is employed by a broker and operates under the broker's supervision to perform licensed real estate activities on behalf of clients.[^1]
If you perform these activities without holding a proper license, you are operating illegally.
How to Get Licensed
Step 1: Complete prelicensing education through a Florida-approved real estate school.
Step 2: Pass the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) licensing exam. The exam covers Florida real estate law, including Fla. Stat. § 489.105 and related statutes.
Step 3: Apply through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) Division of Real Estate. You must:
- Submit your exam results
- Pay the applicable licensing fee
- Disclose any criminal history or disciplinary actions
- Work under a licensed broker (sales associates only)
Step 4: Renew your license biennially through DBPR and maintain continuing education requirements as mandated by Florida law.
Contact the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation for current exam dates, fees, and application procedures.
Local Requirements
Old Miakka CDP is located in Sarasota County, Florida. Property transactions and rental listings in Old Miakka must comply with local regulations outlined in the Old Miakka Municipal Code.
Consult the Old Miakka Municipal Code for any local amendments, zoning restrictions, or additional requirements that may apply to real estate transactions within the CDP boundaries. Contact the Sarasota County Building Department or the Old Miakka Community Development office regarding local permit requirements for property sales or leases.
Exemptions
Exemptions from licensing exist under Florida law for:
- Owners selling or leasing their own real property (not acting as a broker)
- Attorneys licensed in Florida when performing services in the course of their legal practice
- Employees of financial institutions conducting certain mortgage or trust-related transactions
Any person performing licensed real estate activities without an exemption must obtain proper licensure.
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
The law belongs to the people. Georgia v. Public.Resource.Org, 590 U.S. (2020)