Real Estate Licensing in Chipley city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, a real estate broker or sales associate must hold a license to sell, buy, exchange, rent, or lease real property for compensation.[^1] This includes residential and commercial transactions. Any individual representing themselves as a real estate professional in Chipley must be licensed by the State of Florida.

A broker is defined as a person who, for compensation, sells, buys, exchanges, rents, or leases real property or who offers to perform these acts.[^1] A sales associate is an individual licensed under a broker to represent the broker in real estate transactions.[^1]

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—not by local or county authorities.

Steps:

1. Complete Pre-Licensing Education: Take a state-approved 63-hour real estate sales associate course from an approved school. Broker applicants require additional education.

2. Pass the Licensing Exam: Apply to sit for the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) licensing examination after completing your course.

3. Submit Application to DBPR: File your application with the Division of Real Estate, including proof of education completion, exam passage, and any required fees.

4. Background Check: DBPR will conduct a background investigation.

5. Receive License: Upon approval, your license is issued by the State of Florida, not by Chipley or Washington County.

For current exam schedules, fee amounts, and application procedures, contact the Florida DBPR Division of Real Estate directly. The state—not the municipality—controls all licensing requirements.

Local Requirements

Chipley city and Washington County do not issue real estate licenses. However, real estate professionals operating in Chipley must comply with Chipley Municipal Code regulations governing business operations and property transactions within city limits. Consult the Chipley Municipal Code for any local zoning, advertising, or conduct requirements that may apply to real estate activities.

Any property sales involving improvements or development in Chipley may require local building permits through the Chipley Building Department. Contact the City of Chipley for permit requirements on specific transactions.

Exemptions

Florida law exempts certain persons from licensing requirements, including:

• Owners selling or renting their own property (without employing a licensed broker or agent)[^1]
• Attorneys licensed to practice law in Florida when performing services incidental to their practice[^1]
• Employees of financial institutions or credit unions handling real estate in specific contexts[^1]

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)