Real Estate Licensing in Siesta Key CDP, Florida
Who Needs a License
Under Florida law, a real estate broker or sales associate must be licensed to engage in real estate business. Fla. Stat. § 489.105 defines a "real estate broker" as any person who, for compensation, sells, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases real property, or who negotiates or offers to negotiate any of these transactions on behalf of others. A "sales associate" is a person employed by or associated with a broker who performs brokerage services.
If you are performing real estate activities for compensation in Siesta Key CDP, you need licensure unless you fall within a statutory exemption.
How to Get Licensed
Real estate licensing in Florida is issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Division of Real Estate.
For a Sales Associate:
1. Complete a 63-hour pre-licensing course from a DBPR-approved school
2. Pass the Florida Sales Associate exam
3. Affiliate with an active broker
4. Submit your application to DBPR with proof of sponsorship by a broker
For a Broker:
1. Hold an active Florida Sales Associate license (or equivalent experience)
2. Complete a 72-hour broker pre-licensing course
3. Pass the Florida Broker exam
4. Submit your application to DBPR
Complete requirements and application procedures are available through DBPR. You do not apply locally; this is entirely a state-level process.
Local Requirements
Siesta Key CDP is located in Sarasota County, Florida. Real estate brokerage operations do not require local trade licenses or permits in most cases; however, if you establish a physical office within Siesta Key, you may be subject to local zoning and building code compliance.
Review the Siesta Key Municipal Code for any local amendments or requirements specific to commercial operations or office establishments. Contact the Siesta Key Building Department or Sarasota County Building Department to determine if your brokerage office location requires a Certificate of Occupancy or compliance with local land-use regulations.
Exemptions
Fla. Stat. § 489.105 exempts certain parties from real estate licensing requirements, including:
- Property owners selling or leasing their own property
- Attorneys licensed to practice law in Florida when acting in their professional capacity
- On-site property managers employed by property owners or management companies
- Persons conducting transactions exclusively within their employer's organization (limited circumstances)
Verify your specific circumstances against the statute before assuming exemption.
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)