[FL] Can I manage properties if I am not a broker?
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Hi, I’m Benjamin, a licensed attorney with 19+ years of experience.
In Florida:
- If you’re managing properties you personally own, you don’t need a license.
- If you’re managing other people’s properties, and you're being paid by commission, you must have a real estate broker license (or work under one).
There is no separate "property manager" license in Florida.
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I had a question about the operations of property management.
Do you have to be a licensed realtor in order to do property management?
Are you currently involved in property management or looking to start?
Start.
In which state are you planning to operate the property management business?
Florida.
We also wanted to know if we can manage properties without needing a broker above us?
Hi, I’m Benjamin, a licensed attorney with 19+ years of experience.
In Florida:
- If you’re managing properties you personally own, you don’t need a license.
- If you’re managing other people’s properties, and you're being paid by commission, you must have a real estate broker license (or work under one).
There is no separate "property manager" license in Florida.
So I’m not a broker — I’d have to pass it through my broker?
Correct — or affiliate with a licensed broker.
Thanks. So… I’m part of eXp Realty.
We just found out eXp doesn’t allow any property management under their company — apparently due to requirements or risk.
What would you recommend for eXp Realty agents who want to do property management?
Got it — yes, eXp Realty has a company policy that restricts property management under their name, likely due to liability concerns. Property management is high-risk — lawsuits from tenants and owners are common. They want no part in it.
So if you're with eXp and want to manage property, you have two options:
- Affiliate with a separate brokerage that does allow property management.
- Get your own broker license and open a separate property management company.
How do I get an individual broker license?
Here’s a general path to start a property management business in Florida:
- Obtain a Florida Real Estate Broker License
- You must have been an active sales associate for 24 months in the last 5 years.
- Complete a 72-hour broker pre-license course.
- Pass the Florida broker exam.
- Register your business
- Choose an entity (LLC, etc.)
- Register with the Florida Division of Corporations
- Obtain an EIN from the IRS.
- Open bank accounts, insurance, etc.
- Market yourself and network
Thank you!
You’re very welcome! Feel free to follow up with any other questions.
