Real Estate Licensing in Ebro town, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, a real estate broker or sales associate must be licensed to engage in the business of selling, buying, exchanging, leasing, or offering to sell, buy, exchange, or lease any real property, or improvements to real property, for others and for compensation. [Fla. Stat. § 489.105]

A real estate broker is defined as any person who employs, associates with, or cooperates with sales associates for the purpose of real estate transactions. A sales associate is a person employed by or associated with a broker to perform licensed activities on the broker's behalf. [Fla. Stat. § 489.105]

If you engage in these activities for compensation in Ebro town—whether as an independent operator or as part of a brokerage—you must hold an active license issued by the State of Florida.

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.

For a Sales Associate License:
1. Complete a 63-hour pre-license course from a state-approved provider
2. Pass the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) sales associate exam
3. Associate with an active broker before applying for your license
4. Submit your application to DBPR with proof of course completion and exam passage
5. Pass an L-1 background check

For a Broker License:
1. Hold an active sales associate license for at least 24 months during the preceding 5 years, OR have equivalent experience in real estate
2. Complete a 72-hour broker pre-license course
3. Pass the FREC broker exam
4. Submit your application to DBPR

Applications and detailed requirements are available through the DBPR website. [Fla. Stat. § 489.105]

Local Requirements

Ebro town is located in Washington County, Florida. Real estate brokerage licensing is a state-level function; however, you must comply with all local and county ordinances when conducting business in Ebro.

Review the Ebro Municipal Code for any local business licensing, zoning, or operational requirements that may apply to real estate offices or activities conducted within town limits.

Contact the Ebro Town Building Department for information about local permits, business licenses, or zoning restrictions affecting real estate operations in the municipality.

Exemptions

The following are exempt from Florida real estate licensing requirements:
- Owners of real property who sell or lease their own property (not acting for others)
- Licensed attorneys performing real estate services as part of legal practice
- Owners or employees managing property owned or leased by their employer
- Financial institutions and their employees
- Licensed auctioneers conducting auctions

[Fla. Stat. § 489.105]

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)