Real Estate Licensing in Raiford town, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, a real estate broker or sales associate must be licensed to sell, buy, exchange, rent, or lease real property on behalf of another person for compensation.[^1]

The state defines a "broker" as any person who, for another and for a fee, commission, or other valuable consideration, sells or offers to sell, buys or offers to buy, or negotiates the purchase or sale or exchange of real property, or who leases or offers to lease or rents or offers to rent any real property.[^1]

A "sales associate" is any person who, for compensation, works under the direction of a broker to perform brokerage services.[^1]

If you are acting as a principal (selling your own property, not on behalf of others), you do not need a license. If you are assisting with real estate transactions for compensation or as part of your regular business, you almost certainly need one.

How to Get Licensed

Real estate licensing in Florida is administered by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). You must:

1. Complete pre-licensing education — satisfy the hours required by DBPR for either broker or sales associate status
2. Pass the state examination — the Florida Real Estate Commission exam
3. Apply to DBPR — submit your application with proof of education, examination passage, and other required documentation
4. Pay applicable fees — licensing and application fees set by DBPR

For specific exam dates, education providers, and current fees, contact the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation or visit their licensing portal. There is no separate municipal licensing step in Raiford.

Local Requirements

Raiford town, located in Union County, Florida, has a municipal code available at Raiford Municipal Code. Review this code for any local business tax requirements, zoning restrictions, or office location rules that may apply to real estate brokers or sales associates operating within town limits.

Contact the Raiford Town Building Department or Union County authorities to confirm whether you need a local business tax receipt or any additional local permits to operate a real estate business in the area.

Exemptions

The following are exempt from Florida real estate licensing:[^1]

• An owner selling, buying, or leasing their own property
• A person acting as an attorney in connection with a real estate transaction
• Certain individuals acting in a fiduciary capacity (such as executors or trustees) when handling property disposition as part of estate administration
• An owner of an apartment complex or mobile home park leasing units in that complex or park

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)