Real Estate Licensing in Worthington Springs, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, a real estate broker or sales associate must be licensed to engage in any act defined as a "real estate transaction" on behalf of another person for compensation. Fla. Stat. § 489.105 defines a broker as a person who, for compensation, sells, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases real property or a business opportunity; advertises real property or a business opportunity; negotiates the sale, exchange, purchase, rental, or lease; or attempts to perform any of these acts on behalf of another.

A sales associate performs similar functions but operates under the supervision and responsibility of a broker.

How to Get Licensed

Florida real estate licensing is administered by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), not by local municipal authority.

Steps:
1. Complete a pre-licensing course approved by DBPR (varies by broker affiliation)
2. Pass the Florida real estate sales associate or broker examination
3. Apply to DBPR with proof of course completion, exam passage, and background clearance
4. Register with a licensed broker (sales associates only)

Specific exam requirements, course hour mandates, and application procedures are set by state statute. Contact DBPR directly for current exam schedules and application requirements.

Local Requirements

Worthington Springs is governed by the Worthington Springs Municipal Code. Review this code for any local municipal regulations affecting real estate business operations within town limits, including business licensing requirements separate from state real estate licensing.

Contact the Worthington Springs Town Administrator or Town Building Department to determine whether a local occupational license or business tax receipt is required in addition to state licensure.

Real estate transactions in Worthington Springs are subject to Union County property records and deed filing requirements.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.105 exempts certain persons and activities from real estate licensing requirements, including:

• Attorneys licensed in Florida when performing services incidental to their legal practice
• Persons acting solely as principals for their own account
• Property managers performing services for owners they employ (with specific limitations)
• Persons acting as officers or employees of licensed real estate entities within their authorized scope

Consult the statute directly for complete exemption language and specific 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
• Worthington Springs Municipal Code

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