Real Estate Licensing in Longwood city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, a real estate license is required to act as a real estate broker, sales associate, or broker associate when engaging in real estate transactions. Fla. Stat. § 489.105 defines a "broker" as any person who, for compensation, sells, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases real property or a business opportunity; negotiates or offers to negotiate the sale, exchange, purchase, rental, or lease of real property or a business opportunity; or advertises or holds themselves out as engaging in any of these activities.

A "sales associate" is any person who performs these activities under the direction of a broker and on behalf of the broker. This includes agents who list, sell, or lease residential and commercial properties in Longwood.

How to Get Licensed

Real estate licensing in Florida is administered by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Division of Real Estate.

Steps to obtain a license:

1. Pre-licensing education: Complete a 63-hour pre-licensing course from a DBPR-approved provider (required for sales associates).
2. Apply with DBPR: Submit your application through the DBPR website with proof of completed education.
3. Pass the state exam: Take the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) examination covering real estate law, contracts, and practices.
4. Sponsorship: Secure sponsorship from a licensed Florida broker before your license is issued.
5. Fee submission: Pay the application and license fees to DBPR.

Refer to Fla. Stat. § 489.105 for complete statutory requirements regarding licensing qualifications, education, and examination standards.

Local Requirements

Real estate agents operating in Longwood must comply with the Longwood Municipal Code. Consult this code for any local amendments, zoning restrictions, or additional requirements imposed by the city that may affect real estate transactions or property operations within city limits.

Contact the Longwood Building Department for clarification on local ordinances affecting real estate transactions in the city.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.105 exempts certain individuals and activities from licensing requirements, including:

• Persons acting as principals in their own transactions
• Attorneys licensed to practice law in Florida, when performing services incidental to the practice of law
• Persons employed solely to perform clerical or administrative tasks
• Property managers and on-site residential managers under specific circumstances

Verify your specific situation against the statute, as exemption rules contain detailed conditions.

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

• Fla. Stat. § 489.105 — Definitions
• Longwood Municipal Code

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