Question About Starting Property Management Company in FL

[Account Closed]

I work full-time in marketing while building up the down payment for the properties I'd like to invest in. Property Management seems like a great business to start to boost my income further, while learning more about real estate, and could even become my full-time income one day. 

Florida requires the owner of a property management firm to be a Licensed Broker. But this is more than just passing a test, it also states: "you must have completed 24 months as an active real estate sales associate for five years before becoming a licensed broker."

I have a full-time job already and I don't want to work as a real estate agent for the next 24 month in order to start this business.

I'd like to ask my fellow Floridians...

Is there any way to manage rental properties for clients without needing a broker's license in Florida? Can you get your broker's license for property management without working as an agent for 24 months?

Your advice is appreciated!

[Caio Gansauskas Pavanelli]

Hi Darren. Welcome to property management.

To manage long term rentals you need to be a licensed real estate agent in Florida. You don't need to be a broker, but you need to attach your license to a broker and work under his name to manage long term rentals. 

When it come to short term rentals (like AirBNBs and vacation rentals), you don't need to be a licensed real estate agent, although I highly recommend you to be. That way you are familiar with real estate laws and you will feel more comfortable to deal with everything related to the daily job. 

I am a short term property manager here in Clearwater. If you want to discuss more, feel free to reach out.