Real Estate Licensing in St. Marks city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law regulates real estate brokers and sales associates. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, a "broker" is defined as any person who, for compensation, sells, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases real property, or who offers or attempts to do so, or who holds themselves out as engaged in such business. A "sales associate" is a person employed by a broker to perform licensed activities on the broker's behalf.

If you engage in any of these activities for compensation in St. Marks, you must hold an active Florida real estate license issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

How to Get Licensed

For Brokers:
Apply directly to the Florida DBPR, Division of Real Estate. You must pass the state broker examination, satisfy educational requirements (typically 24 hours of specified coursework beyond sales associate status), and meet experience requirements (generally 24 months as an active sales associate within the preceding 5 years).

For Sales Associates:
Apply to the Florida DBPR. You must pass the state sales associate examination and complete a 63-hour prelicense course from an approved provider.

After passing exams, you will receive your license from the state. Detailed application procedures, exam schedules, and approved course providers are available through the DBPR website and the Florida Real Estate Commission.

Local Requirements

Permit requirements and local regulatory authority in St. Marks are governed by the St. Marks Municipal Code. Real estate transactions and brokerage operations may be subject to local business tax requirements or zoning restrictions.

You must check the St. Marks Municipal Code for any local amendments, business licensing requirements, or operational restrictions that apply to real estate brokers and sales associates operating within city limits. Contact the St. Marks Building Department to confirm current local requirements before establishing operations.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, certain activities and persons are exempt from licensure:
- Owners selling their own property (without compensation for acting as an agent)
- Attorneys licensed in Florida, when performing services in connection with a client matter
- On-site property managers employed by property owners
- Persons acting without compensation

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)