Real Estate Licensing in Miramar Beach CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, a real estate license is required for any person who, for compensation, sells, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases real property, or who negotiates or offers to negotiate any of these transactions on behalf of others.[^1] This includes real estate brokers, sales associates, and brokerage operations.

The Florida Statutes define a "broker" as a person who is engaged in the business of selling, buying, exchanging, renting, or leasing real property, or offering or attempting to offer these services for compensation. A "sales associate" is a person associated with a broker who performs licensed activities under the broker's supervision.[^1]

How to Get Licensed

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

For Sales Associates:
1. Complete a 63-hour pre-licensing course from an approved Florida real estate school
2. Pass the Florida real estate sales associate exam
3. Apply through DBPR with proof of course completion and exam passage
4. Be sponsored by an active Florida broker

For Brokers:
1. Hold an active Florida sales associate license for at least 24 months during the 5-year period preceding application, OR hold equivalent experience
2. Complete a broker pre-licensing course
3. Pass the Florida real estate broker exam
4. Apply through DBPR with required documentation

Refer to Fla. Stat. § 489.105 for complete definitions and statutory requirements.

Local Requirements

Miramar Beach CDP is located in Walton County, Florida. Once licensed by the state, real estate brokerages operating in Miramar Beach must comply with local regulations.

Review the Miramar Beach Municipal Code for any local business licensing requirements, zoning restrictions on real estate offices, or additional municipal provisions that may apply to brokerage operations within the town limits.

Contact the Miramar Beach Building Department to confirm whether local permits, occupancy certificates, or business tax receipts are required for a brokerage location.

Exemptions

The following are generally exempt from Florida real estate licensing requirements:
- Owners selling or leasing their own property
- Attorneys licensed in Florida when performing services as part of their legal practice
- Employees of the owner or property manager performing property management duties without compensation beyond salary
- Persons acting under a court order or power of attorney

Consult Fla. Stat. § 489.105 for the complete list of exemptions.

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

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