Real Estate Licensing in Lake Mary city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, a person acting as a real estate broker, sales associate, or property manager must hold an active license issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

Per Fla. Stat. § 489.105, a "broker" is defined as a person who, for compensation, sells, buys, rents, or negotiates the sale, purchase, or rental of real property, or who collects rent or negotiates leases on behalf of others. A "sales associate" performs these same functions under the direction of a broker. A "property manager" similarly acts under a broker's supervision to manage residential or commercial properties for compensation.

Any individual performing these activities in Lake Mary for a fee must be licensed. This includes listing properties, showing properties, negotiating contracts, and collecting rent.

How to Get Licensed

  1. Obtain a broker or sales associate license through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
  2. Pass the state licensing exam — content and requirements are set by DBPR, not local authorities.
  3. Meet pre-licensing education requirements as established by state law under Chapter 475, F.S.
  4. Apply directly with DBPR — not through Lake Mary or Seminole County. Visit the DBPR website for current application procedures, fees, and exam schedules.

Property managers must also obtain a property manager license through DBPR if managing three or more residential units or commercial properties.

Local Requirements

Lake Mary adopts and enforces the Lake Mary Municipal Code. Before conducting real estate transactions in the city, confirm compliance with local land use, zoning, and development regulations found in the Lake Mary Municipal Code.

While state licensure is required, local code may impose additional restrictions on where and how real estate services are advertised or conducted within city limits. Contact the Lake Mary Building Department for any municipal-level requirements affecting real estate activities in the city.

Seminole County may also have supplementary rules. Verify with the county before beginning operations.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.105 exempts certain persons from licensing requirements:
- Owners selling or leasing their own property without compensation beyond the sale/lease itself
- Attorneys licensed in Florida when acting within their professional capacity
- Employees of property owners managing only that owner's property (with limited exceptions)

These exemptions do not apply to individuals compensated for facilitating transactions.

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)