Real Estate Licensing in Vernon city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law defines a "broker" as any person who, for another and for compensation or valuable consideration, sells, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases any real property or business opportunity, or who offers to engage in these activities. [Fla. Stat. § 489.105(1)(a)]

A "sales associate" is any person employed by a broker to perform licensed activities on behalf of the broker. [Fla. Stat. § 489.105(1)(e)]

If you engage in real estate brokerage activities—including listing properties, managing transactions, negotiating sales, or supervising sales associates—you must hold a state license issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

How to Get Licensed

Step 1: Complete Pre-Licensing Education
Enroll in a DBPR-approved prelicensing course (63 hours for sales associates; 72 hours for brokers). Courses are offered online and in-person by approved providers statewide.

Step 2: Pass the State Exam
After completing coursework, register with the DBPR and sit for the state licensing exam. Contact the DBPR directly or visit its website for current exam schedules and locations.

Step 3: Apply for Your License
Submit your application to the DBPR with proof of education completion, passing exam scores, and required fees. Processing typically takes 5–10 business days after submission.

Step 4: Maintain Your License
Complete continuing education requirements every two years to renew your license. [Fla. Stat. § 489.105]

The DBPR is the sole issuing authority; there is no local licensing board in Vernon city or Washington County.

Local Requirements

Vernon city is located in Washington County, Florida. Real estate brokers and sales associates are not required to obtain a separate town or county license to conduct business in Vernon.

However, all brokerage offices must comply with Vernon Municipal Code regulations governing commercial use of property and signage. Refer to the Vernon Municipal Code for specific local ordinances regarding office location, zoning, and advertising.

For questions about local real estate office operations, contact the Vernon City Hall or the Washington County Building Department.

Exemptions

The following are exempt from Florida real estate licensing requirements:

• Attorneys licensed to practice law in Florida who perform real estate services as part of legal representation [Fla. Stat. § 489.105(1)(a)]
• Property owners selling or leasing their own property
• Employees of property managers performing duties solely for their employer
• On-site managers of residential rental properties [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

• Fla. Stat. § 489.105 — Definitions
• Vernon Municipal Code

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