Real Estate Licensing in Ridge Wood Heights CDP, Florida
Who Needs a License
Florida law regulates real estate brokers, sales associates, and broker associates. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, a "broker" is defined as any person who, for compensation, sells, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases real property, or offers to perform these services. A "sales associate" performs these same functions on behalf of a broker. Anyone engaging in real estate transactions for compensation in Ridge Wood Heights CDP must hold an active Florida real estate license issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
How to Get Licensed
For Sales Associates:
1. Complete a 63-hour pre-license course approved by DBPR from a registered Florida real estate school.
2. Pass the Florida Real Estate Sales Associate Exam administered by Pearson Vue.
3. Apply to DBPR with your exam results, proof of course completion, and payment of application fees.
4. Affiliation: You cannot legally practice as a sales associate without an active broker-sponsorship agreement.
For Brokers:
1. Hold an active Florida sales associate license for at least 24 months during the preceding five-year period.
2. Complete a 72-hour broker pre-license course.
3. Pass the Florida Real Estate Broker Exam.
4. Submit broker application to DBPR with required documentation.
All applicants must be at least 18 years old and pass a background check.
Local Requirements
Ridge Wood Heights CDP is located in Sarasota County, Florida. Real estate licensing is regulated entirely at the state level; however, local code may govern property management or brokerage operations within municipal limits. Consult the Ridge Wood Heights Municipal Code for any local amendments or business licensing requirements specific to real estate professionals operating in the town. Contact the Ridge Wood Heights Building Department or Sarasota County for information on local business tax receipts or any additional local permits required to conduct real estate business.
Exemptions
Fla. Stat. § 489.105 exempts property owners selling or leasing their own property, attorneys licensed in Florida when performing services in the course of legal practice, and salaried employees of property managers under certain conditions. However, anyone earning compensation for real estate services—including referral fees—generally requires 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
The law belongs to the people. Georgia v. Public.Resource.Org, 590 U.S. (2020)