Florida real estate law prohibits real estate sellers or licensed sales associates from owning offices. Working from home is one reason many people cite for becoming a real estate sales associate in Florida. Contacting customers, working on phone calls, and printing materials while preparing for appointments are not activities that require assistance to a real estate office. If you're working from home, make sure you meet local requirements, such as having a business license or insurance.
Licensees must always comply with Florida law and ensure that they do not engage in activities outside the scope of activities permitted for Florida real estate sales associates. Although many real estate agents work from an office, it's not necessary to be successful. With technology and the changes of the pandemic, it's easier than ever to be efficient and successful working from home as a real estate agent. Brokers can operate independently or have their sales associates work for them.
A broker can advertise and display properties just like a sales associate, but a sales associate cannot perform the functions of a broker. Before paying compensation, a Florida-licensed broker must verify that the agent of another state complies with the law relating to real estate services in their state or jurisdiction. A broker licensed in Florida can share compensation with a broker located outside of Florida, as long as that person has the appropriate license where they are located and does not violate Florida law by physically engaging in real estate activity in Florida. A career in Florida real estate requires a strong desire for success, perseverance and a strong work ethic.
It's also helpful to know the qualifications and obligations required for these two types of real estate licenses in Florida. If it's a brokerage firm, the licensed name of that brokerage agency must appear, along with the name of at least one broker. If you're just starting your real estate career in Florida or come with experience from another state, it's important to understand the differences between a sales associate (real estate agent) and a broker. The broker must apply for a multiple license if they are going to be the broker of several real estate houses.
Sales associates may not collect “any money in connection with any real estate brokerage transaction, whether as a commission, deposit, payment, rent, or otherwise, except in the name of the employer and with the express consent of the employer. Brokers may be disciplined for not directing, controlling or managing their associates in carrying out their real estate activities. When planning your future as a real estate professional, consider your personal goals and the responsibility you want to accept. To become a real estate agent in Florida, you must first have experience as an active sales associate in Florida for at least 24 months or you must have held a real estate license valid for at least 24 months in any other jurisdiction in the United States.
If a broker agent or sales associate is convicted of a felony, the broker is not required to fire the associate or notify the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC). In Florida, a sales associate is a licensed real estate professional who can advertise properties, conduct sales transactions, represent buyers or sellers, and earn commissions.
